Cosmetic Tattooing

 

Lyn O'Connor lives in QLD and feels she cannot risk coming to the Territory in case the borders close whilst she is here. Like Dr Hooi, Lyn also has her own business in the Sunny Coast with patients to attend to. She is hoping to make the trip in the new year (2021). For those who are on Lyn's call-back list, we will be in touch. For those who are wanting to be placed on her list, please call Holly or Kathy on 8984 4110.

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Lyn O'Connor is Queensland-based and performs cosmetic tattooing at TLC every 8 WEEKS. Her next dates are TBA. Consultations are free. Lyn is fully qualified and has over 20-years tattooing experience.  

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Who performs Permenant Make-up & Paramedical Tattooing at Territory Laser Clinic?

 

Our fully qualified and highly experienced tattoo artist is Lyn O’Connor (formerly of Queensland).  Lyn has been working in my clinic for the past 3 years and has just moved to Melbourne, however she is committed to helping Territorians and will be visiting every second month commencing April 2016. She is such a wonderful asset and brings a wealth of knowledge, skills, qualifications as well as 20 years tattooing experience.  Lyn won't tell you this but she is one of the best cosmetic tattoo artists in Australia!



About Lyn...



Lyn is a Permanent Makeup and Paramedical Tattoo Artist.  She delivers highly specialised treatments using state-of-the-art equipment. Her treatments apply to both sexes and include cosmetic tattooing and paramedical tattooing. 



Lyn's passion for the permanent makeup/cosmetic tattooing industry began in 1996.  She commenced her education with a Diploma of Micropigmentation and since then has trained in advanced makeup artistry, colour theory, facial morphology.  However, it has been her tattoo training which she specifically enjoys and challenges herself through attending international conventions workshops and seminars which include training in specialist techniques, paramedical tattooing, advanced techniques and removal and correction procedures.



Working in this industry has provide Lyn with the opportunity to refresh and enhance natural features with long-lasting and natural looking results; something she says she is very grateful for.  Her expertise lies in the subtle approach of using colour to enrich a client’s appearance rather than creating a strong made–up look (although she can do this).  She believes the key to cosmetic tattooing is working with the face’s natural morphology and using techniques which can enhance it. Understanding skin colour and colour theory when implanting pigments in the skin is vital to achieve the best results.  As skin holds its own colour, it’s imperative a technician understands what pigments are required to ensure the desired colour is achieved. Unfortunately, Lyn performs a lot of correction work in regard to colour balance and shape due to in adequate training.

When choosing a clinic to perform your treatment, an environment where safety and comfort is paramount. At Territory Laser Clinic all procedures are undertaken in hygienic conditions with single-use disposable parts and needles.  A client’s health and safety is the first priority in any treatment.

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Lyn adds "There is immense personal satisfaction gained from restoring colour, lifting, adding to and re-aligning features of the face. My aspiration is to create a difference so my clients enjoy the benefits.  I’m happy to discuss any way in which I can contribute to your wellbeing".  

 

For all bookings please contact Territory Laser Clinic for your free consultation.

 

What are the different types of treatments?

 

Cosmetic Tattooing

 

• ​Top eyeliner: enhance your eyes naturally.  Liner is applied between the individual lashes creating a thicker lash look.

• Lower eyeliner: adds definition.  Enlarges and enhances smaller deep-set eyes allowing eyes to look clearer and brighter.

• Brow designs: lifts and frames the face by use of shading or hair strokes.  Enhancement of colour and shape, thickness, definition and symmetry.  Corrects what   nature may have overlooked.

• Lip line: improves and defines lip shape.

• Lip line & blend: softness and fullness redefined. Re-drawing of the natural lip line creates fullness, balance and symmetry, emphasising your own natural shape.

• Full lip colour: colour enhancement and shape.  Great for pale or irregular shaped lips.  Creates that fuller lip look.

• Beauty Spots: the finishing touch of glamour... or perhaps just cheekiness.

• Corrective colour: applied to areas where previous colouring has faded, aged or been incorrectly inserted.  Inadequate training is the most common cause and can be avoided by careful research and selection of your artist.

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​Paramedical Tattooing

 

This is a combination of skin needling and cosmetic tattooing - cosmetic tattooing is used to restore skin colour.  Paramedical tattooing is used extensively in clinical situations to perform some of the following procedures:

 

• Nipple areola recreation/repigmentation: generally the final touch to a body after a breast reconstruction to create a complete and natural look.

• Scar reduction/relaxation: used primarily to soften the fibrous brands of collagen (scar tissue) to give a client more flexibility in their movements.

• Skin needling: applied to the skin (generally wrinkled skin) to 'plump' an area. The body's natural response is increased stimulation of collagen production in the area.

• Vitiligo repigmentation/camouflage: commonly requested by clients who have white patches of skin.  Treatment is designed to improve skin camouflaging between non-pigment areas and the rest of the body.

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What are Permanent Cosmetics?


Permanent cosmetics describe non-surgical procedures that use specialized tattooing methods.  Coloured pigments are implanted into the dermis (middle layer) of the skin through microscopic injections with an extremely fine needle or cluster of needles.  This process is also called Micropigmentation, Microdermal Pigmentation, Dermagraphics, Intradermal Cosmetics, Dermal Implantation, or Micropigment Implantation.  Permanent Makeup is the term used to describe the cosmetic tattooing of facial features (eyebrows, eyelids, or lips) to improve colour and shape.

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What are Medical or Paramedical Permanent Cosmetics?

 
This is a highly specialized and advanced area of permanent cosmetics that focuses on people with medically-related conditions.  Examples include surgical scars (e.g. breast reconstruction, hair transplant), trauma scars (e.g. accidents or burns), or unnatural skin conditions (e.g. Vitiligo, Alopecia).  The techniques restore colour and symmetry to an affected area(s).  The results can help a person look better and improve his or her self esteem.  This process is also called Medical Tattooing, Paramedical Tattooing, Corrective Tattooing, Reconstructive Tattooing, or Restorative Tattooing.

 

​Is it really a tattoo?

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Yes, although the pigments are not the same as tattoo ink.  For paramedical procedures and for permanent cosmetics such as eyebrows, eyeliner and lip colour, Lyn uses a digitally-controlled device. The tiny sterile needles are discarded after one use.  Their penetration of the skin is to a depth approximately equal to the thickness of a 5 cent coin and usually isn’t deep enough to cause bleeding.

 

How are the procedures performed?


Cosmetic tattooing is performed in different ways using different types of equipment.  The name of the device that holds the needle describes the application method.  The categories of equipment and methods are as follows: Manual Hand Tool method (also called Hand Tap or Non-Machine method); Coil Machine method (a smaller version of the traditional tattoo machine); Analog Pen or Rotary Machine method (most commonly used); and Computerized Digital Machine method (most sophisticated technology).

 

​Is a Cosmetic Tattooing procedure painful?


Due to the invasiveness of the procedure some people may feel minor discomfort that varies according to their pain threshold and response to anesthetics. People describe what they feel in different ways such as irritation, scratching, vibration, or a slight burning sensation.  Lyn uses medical grade topical anesthetic creams and gels before and during all procedures to numb the area and minimize discomfort.  Most patients remark that their procedure was far more comfortable than they thought it would be.  Those with body art comment that the cosmetic tattooing is painless compared to traditional tattooing.  Overall, people feel the benefits and results far outweigh any brief discomfort they might have experienced during the process.

 

​How long do Permanent Cosmetics last?


The results are considered permanent because the tattooed colour cannot be washed off.  However, the colour should be considered “semi-permanent” because some fading will occur over time.  Colour retention is affected by different factors including the shade of the original colour, the person’s age and metabolism, skin type and condition, exposure to UV radiation (sun, tanning booths), smoking, certain drugs and medications, skin treatments such as microdermabrasion or the use of doctor prescriptive topical Vitamin A creams such as Retin-A.  Generally the colour lasts from 1 to 5 years and can be enhanced and refreshed by a maintenance visit when needed (usually at a lower fee than the initial procedure when performed by the original artist).

 

​What is a touch-up appointment?

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During the initial procedure (first application), the tattooed area(s) will be saturated with as much colour as possible.  Due to swelling there may be some areas where the tissue will no longer allow pigment to be implanted.  Those areas will show less colour after healing and may need another visit to be filled-in (a touch-up).  Because everyone’s tissue reaction is different, some clients will need a second visit while others will not.  First, the tattooed area must heal before a refinement procedure can be performed.  It is best to wait 4 to 8 weeks for complete tissue healing and colour stabilization.  Once the desired results are achieved, the client can keep the colour looking fresh with a maintenance visit every few years.

 

​​How much does it cost?

 

Permanent cosmetics are affordable for most people and the long-term benefits make procedures fairly inexpensive.  The savings from not having to buy regular makeup products that are applied every day adds up quickly.  Also the convenience and time saved from not applying makeup every day are worth a lot, and the self-esteem that is restored by medical tattooing is priceless.

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The initial consultation visit is free, and carries no obligation.  All procedures vary depending on the design style you are seeking.  Base prices commence from: eyebrows $650-$800, eyeliner $550-$800, lip colour $650-$950 and lip line $500. Maintenance colour is priced at half the original price within the first 18 months, and should only be needed every one and a half or two years.  Colour enhancement and/or correction for work done elsewhere is priced individually according to anticipated difficulty.  Paramedical procedures for the areola area and other kinds of losses are cost-adjusted. Lyn's work includes a twelve-month warranty against discolouration or excessive fading.

Remember a cheap tattoo is not good, and a good tattoo is not cheap!    ”Choose wisely” Lyn advises.

 

​​Why should permanent makeup be considered a time-saving investment?

 

Putting on your makeup for ten minutes a day over a period of one year amounts to 48 hours.  You can wake up in the morning with your eyebrow, eyeliner and natural-looking lip colour already in place, and it will never streak during exercise.



​What about the recovery? 

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Depending on individual sensitivity there will be a small amount of puffiness and irritation which passes in a couple of hours, though lip colour swelling is sometimes greater and can take longer to go down.  After eyeliner the client looks like they’ve had a good cry.  Following lip colour clients need to use a drinking straw and avoid salty or juicy foods for the rest of the day.  The affected area should be kept dry (no swimming or complete immersion) for a week.  There is no pain though it might itch a bit, and lips may peel as though they are chapped.

 

​​What are the risks?

 

Lyn does everything she can to minimize the likelihood of allergic reactions; hence why the client profiles are so detailed.  She uses sterile needles and universal precautions against infection, just the way your doctor does.  Lyn records your treatment through photographs taken before the procedure without makeup to show our starting point, with makeup showing the desired result (in an effort to give you exactly what you want), and after the procedure.  She has a wide range of colours to match individual skin tones and aesthetic preferences.

 

​What will the final colour look like?

 

Permanent makeup colours should be selected to compliment a person’s skin tone, hair, and eye colour.  A conservative approach is best because it is easier to make an existing colour darker versus lighter.  Colours will always look darker and more intense immediately following a procedure and then gradually lighten and soften upon healing.

 

​Why is the colour so dark right after the procedure?

When wet clothing is removed from the washing machine it looks darker than when it was dry.  The same principle applies to permanent cosmetics.  The pigments contain dry microscopic powder particles that are suspended in a clear liquid.  As the body absorbs the liquid the coloured particles remain where they were implanted and gradually return (dry) to their original powder colour.  In addition, the skin underneath the tattoo turns red and flushed from blood flow to the area during the process.  The background redness contributes to the darker appearance and once the redness subsides the colour appears lighter.

 

​Can I remove or change my Permanent Makeup?

The removal of permanent makeup is not an easy process if at all possible.  That is why it is important to select a qualified and experienced professional who has a conservative approach.  During the initial application, a “less is more” philosophy works best.  A lighter, more natural colour can always be changed or supplemented later with conventional makeup.  It can also be adjusted or darkened if necessary with another application at a second (touch-up) appointment. Shape can also be refined at a follow-up visit, but not drastically, so a good original design is a must.

 

​How long does each procedure take?

Many important steps are followed when a procedure is done correctly.  A well-trained and experienced permanent cosmetics specialist will take a minimum of 2 hours or more for an initial appointment.  It should include a consultation (if not done before) and a review of the person’s medical history.  Time is then used for determining the best design, colour selection, numbing, the actual procedure, photos, after care instructions as well as answering all questions.  Follow-up visits usually require less time.

 

​Will Permanent Makeup continue to look good as I age?

It is true that as we age, our skin and its elasticity changes.  However, there are many older women who look good wearing conventional makeup as long as it is correctly applied.  Those women would look just as good with correctly applied permanent makeup.  The best looking permanent makeup can be altered, however if any facial surgery is performed which changes the position of the skin this will in turn change the position of the tattooed area. For example, if a brow lift is performed after a permanent eyebrow tattoo procedure, the eyebrows could be raised and look different.  Therefore anyone planning to have facial plastic surgery should discuss this with their surgeon and permanent cosmetics specialist.

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​What about safety?


The pigments used for permanent cosmetics are different from tattoo inks.  The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has not ruled on pigments for tattoos or permanent makeup.  Lyn uses inks made in the United States that have been accepted by the FDA for use in foods (where they are ingested in far greater quantities than for permanent makeup) and cosmetics.  The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP), of which Lyn is a member, is vigilant on the matter of pigment safety.  SPCP-approved pigments are comprised of ingredients which have been established as safe, and the manufacturers are required to list all ingredients and their batch numbers on the label.

 

​Can I have an MRI procedure after Cosmetic Tattooing?

Yes.  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and electromagnetic fields to create pictures of internal human organs.  The magnetism and temperature changes during these procedures may cause mild temporary discomfort in tattoos containing large amounts of iron oxide metals.  Studies have shown that only a few patients with an iron oxide tattoo reported a mild pulling or burning sensation during an MRI test.  Most people with tattoos have had no problems.  The size of a tattoo and the total number of tattoos seems to affect the amount of magnetic pull.  According to MRI safety experts, the iron particles in most cosmetic tattooing pigments are too microscopic to react as metal pieces.  However, they recommend that a patient with a tattoo informs the radiologist and technician where it is located because it may create a small artificial image (artifact).

 

What are Lyn's qualifications?

 

Lyn learnt makeup artistry at 16 years of age in her first job and so began her love for facial aesthetics.  In 1996 she completed a Diploma of Micropigmentation and as a permanent makeup artist she has 18 years experience.  She has been trained and licensed in Australia and attends international workshops with other highly experienced technicians.  She holds a membership with the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP), and the Association of Cosmetic Tattoo (A.C.T.) who both promote ethics, safety, and professionalism. Additionally she is affiliated with the Association of Professional Aestheticians of Australia (APAA). Her love for this art and practice has kept Lyn in touch with the latest in equipment and technology.  Lyn constantly advances her skills regularly through international trainers, comprehensive workshops and seminars.

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