Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the questions below.
AN OVERVIEW
What Is Micropigmentation and is it safe?
Micropigmentation is the technical term for Cosmetic or Paramedical Tattooing. It is a process of pigment implantation which means that it involves a specialist technique where minute particles of coloured pigment are placed below the surface of the skin. More commonly it is known as Permanent Makeup and used to create makeup for eyes brows and lips. At an advanced level Micropigmentation can be used all over the body to camouflage and correct hairloss or skin related pigmentation issues.
The treatment is painless for most and requires no down time after treatment so no one has to know you’ve had anything done unless you want them to.
The procedure is both safe and medically approved when carried out by a competent technician. The products used at The Dermatography Clinic have a history of long-term use and to date there have been no recorded cases of allergic reactions due to applied pigments.
Developed in Europe by the leading manufacturers of Digital Machines and Permanent Make-up consumables, our pigments are of the purest quality and carry a certificate to verify hygiene and pharmaceutical grade.
Renée has s undertaken rigorous training in all aspects of the preparation and application of Micropigmentation.
Is it expensive?
Not if you look at the long-term cost and effects. It costs more than a year’s cosmetics bill, but is little compared to two or three years of daily make-up expenses. It doesn’t run or wash off and most of all it’s a great time-saver. It’s worth every penny to make the most of your natural beauty. It really is what we’ve all been waiting for.
What are the Benefits?
- Totally waterproof make-up
- No more make-up in your handbag
- No more smudging or running make-up come rain or shine
- No need to wake up early to apply make-up
- No need to touch up several times a day
- Enhance your features and look your best at all times
- Long lasting beauty treatment lasting 1 to 3 years, sometimes more
Who is the treatment suitable for?
- Anyone who wants to look their best
- Image conscious individuals
- Those with little time
- Anyone with allergies to conventional make-up
- People with unsteady hands or those with poor eyesight
- Anyone with scalp hair loss or thinning and loss of the eyebrows
- Men and women over 18 years of age
Why Choose The Dermatography Clinic
Our number one priority is to make our customers feel comfortable and totally at ease during the time they spend with us. Expert Renée has learned from the best in the industry. Only the latest techniques and equipment will be used. You can rest assured that your treatment will be highly professional and completely safe.
Renée uses the most sophisticated and technologically advanced system in the world to achieve excellent results. We only use disposable cartridge systems which are opened in front of each and every client and our pigments are the purest available, carrying a certificate to verify hygiene and pharmaceutical grade.
THE TREATMENT
Is there a risk of infection?
At all times, we adhere to the strictest hygiene and sanitation procedures. We only use sterile, disposable needles, which are opened in front of each client, and are used for your complete safety.
How will it look when it’s finished?
After permanent cosmetics have been applied, the treated area may look a little darker than desired but this will soften by up to 30% during the healing process. The healing process will generally take between 5 and 10 days depending on the individual’s unique recovery rate and how closely the ‘post-procedure’ care instructions are adhered to.
Is the procedure painful?
To greatly reduce any discomfort, we numb the procedure location with very effective topical anaesthetic before the semi-permanent cosmetic treatment begins. Most people will feel nothing at all, while a few feel a slight, prickly sensation. Also, the needles we use are so fine that trauma is kept to an absolute minimum and there is no bleeding.
For Scalp micro pigmentation most clients feel very little discomfort or none at all so there is no need for numbing.
What about recovery time?
With The Dermatography Clinic treatments there is rarely any swelling and if there is it is minimal. Because the needles we use in the application of our permanent cosmetics are so fine and are made using the latest technology, trauma is greatly reduced and no scarring will occur unlike with a lot of inferior products still in use today. Our products are hypoallergenic, so allergy risks are reduced even further. However in the unlikely event that you do experience some swelling, ice packs can be used for short periods to reduce this and it should not last for more than a day or so. You can continue with your schedule as you normally would with no down-time.
How is it done?
Micropigmentation, Semi-Permanent Cosmetics, also known as Permanent Make-up, Derma Graphics or Cosmetic Tattooing, is a procedure whereby minute particles of natural and synthetic iron oxide colour pigments are implanted a little more than 1mm below the skin’s surface using a hand-piece which holds a sterile needle or needle grouping.
After care
In the initial two weeks after treatment, care should be taken not to expose the treated areas to strong UVA rays, chlorine, salts and saunas, as these will reduce the life of your treatment.
As an ongoing precaution we would recommend a total sun block on the treated areas when going on sunning holidays and when using artificial tanning aids since the UVA will eventually bleach out the pigment.
The above applies to all Micropigmentation treatments.
Detailed aftercare instructions as well as maintenance instructions will be given.
What is the healing period like?
On the second day after a procedure is performed, a light dryness will form which is only dry to the touch which will fall off in a few days. During this time the pigmented area will look a little darker than your desired shade. However, after the dryness flakes off, the colour will lighten by up to 30%.
Detailed aftercare instructions will be given specific to each treatment.
Will a retouch be required?
At The Dermatography Clinic we include a free follow up session with all eye, eyebrow, lip and beauty mark treatments. A retouch is not always required. In the unlikely event the result still remains too soft after 4 weeks, then a second visit may be necessary to further define your final colour.
No retouch will be carried out before the 4 week period as the skin needs to heal first.
For treatments like scalp micro pigmentation and camouflage tattooing, these treatments are treated differently and a personal treatment plan will be given to suit the individuals requirements. Follow up sessions are part of the process for these treatments since we are adding layers and building depth.
How soon can I go out?
Immediately! As mentioned earlier, the colour may appear a little darker than required for the first few days. With our techniques the dryness is hardly visible and will not be noticeable to others.
Does it look natural?
The results will appear very natural and your features will look more defined. Your overall look will be brightened and refreshed. Your friends will never know what the difference is unless you choose to tell them. These treatments offer a major breakthrough in semi-permanent cosmetics. When applied correctly they can give the impression of a mini facelift making you appear 10 Years Younger without surgery.
Rene’e’s creative expertise and up-to date knowledge of pigment implantation will always result in a natural and realistic enhancement complementing your features.
SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION (SMP)
What is SMP?
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a cosmetic treatment that creates the appearance of hair follicles using pigment placed into the upper skin layer. It is designed to replicate the look of natural hair density or a closely shaved hairstyle.
How is SMP done?
SMP involves placing tiny pigment impressions into the upper dermis using a specialised micro-needle device. The treatment is carried out in layers over multiple sessions to build natural-looking density and definition.
How do get a natural-looking hairline?
This is the most crucial aspect of the treatment. A natural hairline is designed through assessment rather than a fixed template.
Renée will agree a suitable hairline with you before treatment based on your facial structure, age, and previous hairline. The aim is to create a result that sits naturally within the full scalp rather than forming an artificial outline.
More detail on how natural results are assessed across the full scalp is explained in our SMP results article.
Can SMP be combined with other baldness solutions?
Scalp micropigmentation can be used alongside hair transplants to improve overall density and visual balance.
Some clients choose SMP to enhance areas where a transplant has not achieved full coverage, or to refine the final appearance.
Is SMP safe?
SMP is considered a safe cosmetic procedure when carried out by a trained practitioner.
A full consultation is completed before treatment, including a safety assessment and allergy test where appropriate. Sterile single-use equipment is used throughout, in line with clinical hygiene standards.
What kind of ink do you use?
We use specially formulated scalp micropigmentation pigments designed for stable, long-term colour retention and a natural healed appearance.
How long does SMP take?
Most clients require 2–3 sessions to achieve the final result. Sessions typically last 1–3 hours depending on the size of the treatment area.
Smaller areas such as a hairline take less time, while more advanced hair loss patterns require longer sessions. A full treatment plan is provided after assessment.
Is SMP painful?
SMP is generally well tolerated. Most clients describe the sensation as mild discomfort similar to light scratching.
Because the pigment is placed superficially in the skin, discomfort is significantly lower than traditional tattooing or surgical procedures.
Will SMP last permanently?
SMP is a long-term cosmetic treatment rather than strictly permanent.
Results typically last between 1–5 years depending on skin type, lifestyle, and pigment retention. Maintenance sessions are recommended to keep results consistent over time.
What is SMP maintenance?
SMP typically lasts between 1–5 years depending on skin type, lifestyle and pigment retention. Maintenance sessions are usually carried out every 1–3 years to refresh density and maintain a natural result.
What is the aftercare for SMP?
Aftercare is simple and discussed in detail during your appointment.
The treated area must be kept clean and dry for a short period following treatment. There is no surgical downtime, and most clients resume normal daily activity immediately.
What does SMP cost?
Scalp micropigmentation typically ranges from £1,800 to £3,000 depending on the extent of hair loss and treatment area. Smaller areas such as scars or hairline refinement are usually less.
A full assessment is required before a final treatment plan and quote can be provided. and give you a quote along with your tailored treatment plan.
Is there a Consultation fee?
A consultation fee of £49 is required to secure your appointment. This includes a full assessment, safety check and treatment discussion with the practitioner.
What if I have thinning hair?
SMP can be used to create the appearance of increased density in areas of thinning hair, helping to restore visual balance across the scalp. It is designed to blend with existing hair rather than replace it, making it suitable for both partial and more advanced stages of hair loss.
MICROBLADING
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a primitive method of cosmetic tattoo for the eyebrows. Pigment is applied into the skin by using a hand tool with a series of needles and dragging it through the skin to create tiny cuts which mimic fine strokes.
Pigment is implanted under your skin with a manual handheld tool instead of a machine. Microblading is more aggressive and eyebrows are very pink immediately after.
In the last few years it has been hyped by the media as the latest technique for cosmetic eyebrow treatment. It produces ultra fine hair strokes to fill or create the perfect brows.
Does The dermatography Clinic offer Microblading?
Renée does not consider microblading an option for The Dermatography Clinic. Microblading is more aggressive and eyebrows are very pink immediately after.
At The Dermatography Clinic pigment is implanted under your skin with a digital state-of-the-art hand piece instead of a manual handheld tool.
As with Microblading it produces ultra fine hair strokes to fill or create the perfect brows.
With the device results are longer lasting and trauma is kept to a minimum. There is no risk of scaring, no bleeding and hair strokes can be crossed over which gives a more natural and realistic overall effect.
We use specially developed needles pioneered and exclusively produced to create ultra crisp super fine strokes and together with expert technique there is no difference in the immediate outcome when using the machine.
Results last 1-3 years and you can go out immediately after.
What treatment options does TDC offer for eyebrows?
- Nano Hair Stroke
- Powder Brows
- Combination Eyebrows
THE DERMATOGRAPHY CLINIC
What is The Dermatography Clinic’s Client Promise?
“My desire is to make improvements for my clients and to help them to feel much better about themselves. I want my clients to leave my clinic feeling like they have one less thing to worry about. My client will receive the time they need and value for money.” Renée