Cosmetic tattooing
Brow & lip cosmetic tattooing
Design, pigment selection, preparation and healing are planned with you.
Initial brow or lip appointment · $499 | Touch-up · $150 at 6–8 weeks, charged separately
General preparation and recovery information. Your individual written instructions and product or device directions take priority. Tell the clinic about any change in your health before attending.
Before booking
Contraindications & suitability.
This screening guide identifies common reasons to defer or seek assessment. It is not an exhaustive list for every product, device or health condition.
Do not proceed until assessed
- Active cold sores, infection, wounds, sunburn or inflamed skin in the proposed area.
- Known allergy to a pigment or preparation product unless a suitable alternative is confirmed.
- An unexplained or changing lesion in the area, or skin that has not healed after a previous procedure.
Tell Nicolle before booking
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: discuss before booking elective tattooing.
- Bleeding disorders, blood-thinning medicines, diabetes or impaired healing.
- Immune suppression, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Keloid tendency, psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo or previous pigment reactions.
- Current or recent isotretinoin, retinoids or nearby skin procedures.
- Previous brow or lip tattoos, scars, recent cosmetic procedures and a history of cold sores.
- Allergies, medical conditions and medicines that may affect the suitability of any prescribed preparation.
- Supplements such as ginkgo and fish oil/omega-3, particularly if taken with medicines that affect bleeding.
Do not stop prescribed medicines to make yourself eligible for treatment. Medical clearance may be required.
Before your appointment
- Tell Nicolle about previous cosmetic tattooing, medicines, allergies, skin conditions, healing problems and previous pigment reactions.
- For lip appointments, mention any history of cold sores early so your clinician can assess whether a prevention plan is needed. Contact us if you develop a cold sore, infection or irritation before your booking.
- Follow your individual advice about skincare and recent or planned procedures near the area. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice.
- Please avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment. I also ask that you avoid caffeine before treatment as part of the clinic’s preparation advice.
- Tell Nicolle about all supplements, including fish oil/omega-3 and ginkgo, at least two weeks before treatment where possible. Supplements can interact with medicines; whether to pause them and for how long needs individual advice. Do not stop prescribed fish oil or any prescribed medicine yourself.
Prescribed preparation: ordering and use
- Order the pre-treatment 5 g preparation from Artisan Chemist and select Sublime Aesthetics Clinic as your referrer. The 5 g size is sufficient to order for your appointment.
- Complete your details and health information, then order and pay directly with the pharmacy. You can have it delivered or collect it from the compounding pharmacy in Warana.
- Contact Nicolle before your appointment for your confirmed application instructions. Do not apply the preparation until the amount, application area, timing and any covering instructions have been confirmed.
- Bring your labelled preparation with you. Pre-numbing may help with comfort, but complete numbness is not guaranteed.
- Artisan advises 2–3 business days for preparation plus 1–3 business days for delivery. Allow time for your order to arrive. Any questions, please let me know.
What happens during treatment
- We review suitability, discuss risks and obtain consent. The proposed shape or design and pigment choice are agreed before tattooing.
- Pigment is placed into the skin using the cosmetic tattoo device. Tell Nicolle about discomfort during treatment.
- Where clinically appropriate, a during-treatment numbing preparation may also be used in accordance with your individual instructions to help minimise discomfort. Your comfort is monitored throughout; the effect varies and a pain-free treatment cannot be guaranteed.
- Please allow up to 3 hours for consultation, design and mapping, preparation and tattooing. I allow up to an hour for mapping so we have time to agree on your shape, although it may take less time depending on your individual needs. Following your confirmed pre-numbing instructions may reduce preparation time.
What to expect while healing
- The initial colour can look stronger or darker than the healed result. Temporary redness, tenderness, swelling and flaking may occur.
- Colour changes during healing and pigment retention varies. Wait until the area is healed before judging the final appearance or having further treatment.
- Possible complications include infection, pigment reactions and scarring. Lip tattooing can also trigger cold sores.
Aftercare & your complimentary After Inked sachet
- A complimentary After Inked aftercare sachet is provided with your cosmetic tattoo appointment. Tell Nicolle about ingredient allergies or previous reactions before using it.
- Follow the brow- or lip-specific cleaning instructions supplied at your appointment, then gently pat dry. Do not scrub.
- If light clear fluid or lymph appears during the initial healing period, gently blot with a clean soft tissue as instructed. Do not rub or repeatedly wipe the area.
- Apply a very thin layer of After Inked to the treated skin three times daily, or as individually directed. A little goes a long way: do not leave a thick coating or keep the area saturated. Keep lotion away from the eyes and do not apply it inside the mouth.
- Apply After Inked with a fresh, clean cotton tip each time. Do not apply it with your fingers. Use the cotton tip once only, then discard it immediately; never reuse it or dip a used tip back into the sachet. Follow the sachet’s storage directions.
- Use only the aftercare products advised by the clinic. If the lotion causes new irritation, stop using it and contact Nicolle for advice.
- Do not scratch, pick, rub or pull off flakes. Keep makeup and irritating skincare off the healing area until cleared.
- Avoid swimming, soaking, saunas, steam and excessive sweating while healing. Protect the area from direct sunlight. Resume sunscreen on the tattooed area once healed and as advised.
- For lips, follow your specific instructions about eating, drinking and swelling. Do not lick or pick at healing lips; contact the clinic promptly if a cold sore develops.
- Book the $150 touch-up at 6–8 weeks, provided the skin is fully healed and suitable for further treatment.
When to seek help
- Contact the clinic promptly for increasing pain, heat, spreading redness, pus or swelling that worsens instead of settling. Suspected infection needs medical assessment.
- For difficulty breathing or swelling affecting the tongue or throat, call 000. Do not wait for a clinic reply.
Questions about your appointment?
Call 0400 392 130 or contact the clinic before changing your preparation or aftercare.
