Lindsey Ta with a client at the studio mirror during a consultation
MLA Resources

Pre-Care Instructions

Proper preparation is essential for beautiful, long-lasting results. Please follow these pre-care instructions carefully before your Nano Brows, Combo Brows, Powder Brows, Lip Blush, Eyeliner, or Laser Removal appointment.

Timeline

Preparation Timeline

These restrictions apply to all permanent makeup procedures. Service-specific additions are listed below.

Before You Book

Who Should Wait

◆Accutane (isotretinoin): wait at least 12 months after your last dose before any permanent makeup.
◆Permanent makeup isn’t performed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding; please wait until breastfeeding is complete.
4 Weeks Before

Stop These Treatments

◆No Botox or other injectable fillers near the treatment area
◆No chemical peels
◆No laser treatments on or near the treatment area
7 Days Before

Skincare & Lifestyle

◆Do NOT be exposed to heavy sunlight, especially sunburn — your skin should not be in the process of healing
◆Avoid plucking, waxing, threading, or any professional hair removal services on the treatment area — these trigger skin healing
◆Stop using Retinol, Retin-A, anti-aging, or acne creams on the treatment area
◆Avoid any serum or product containing acid (glycolic, salicylic, lactic, etc.)
48 Hours Before

Blood Thinners & Medication

◆Avoid over-the-counter blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, niacin) for 48 hours. If a doctor prescribed a blood thinner, don't stop it — call us and check with your doctor first.
◆Tylenol (acetaminophen) is acceptable if you need pain relief
24 Hours Before

Alcohol & Caffeine

◆No alcohol consumption — alcohol thins the blood and can affect numbing
◆No coffee or caffeinated beverages — caffeine can raise sensitivity and bleeding, which affects comfort and pigment retention
Day of Appointment

Arrive Ready

◆Arrive with clean skin — no makeup on the treatment area
◆Avoid working out or heavy exercise before your appointment
◆No over-the-counter blood thinners — but never stop a prescribed medication without your doctor’s OK
By Service

Service-Specific Pre-Care

Brow Procedures

Nano, Combo & Powder

◆All standard timeline restrictions above apply — no additional restrictions
◆Do not tint or dye your brows within 7 days before your appointment
◆If you have had previous brow tattooing, answer "Yes" when you book and upload a clear photo of your current brows so your artist can plan accordingly
Brow Aftercare Guide →

Lip Blush

Additional Requirements

Important

Cold sore prevention is critical. An outbreak during healing can cause scarring and pigment loss. Consult your doctor about a Valtrex prescription before your appointment.

◆If you are prone to cold sores, you MUST begin taking a prescription antiviral medication (such as Valtrex) prescribed by your doctor at least 2 days before your appointment — over-the-counter antivirals are NOT sufficient
◆Keep your lips thoroughly moisturized in the days leading up to your appointment — hydrated lips take pigment better and heal faster
◆Avoid lip fillers for at least 4 weeks before your appointment
◆Stop using any exfoliating lip products (lip scrubs, retinol lip treatments) 7 days before
◆No waxing or threading of the upper lip area 7 days before
Lip Blush Aftercare Guide →

Permanent Eyeliner

Eye-Specific Prep

◆Remove eyelash extensions at least 3 days before your appointment — extensions interfere with the procedure and must be completely removed
◆Do not use an eyelash curler for 24 hours before your appointment
◆Discontinue Latisse or any lash growth serums 7 days prior
◆No eye surgery (LASIK, cataract, etc.) within 6 months before your appointment — consult your ophthalmologist
◆Avoid wearing contact lenses on the day of your appointment — bring glasses instead
◆If you have had eye injections (Botox around eyes), wait at least 2 weeks
Eyeliner Aftercare Guide →

Laser Removal

Laser-Specific Prep

◆No sun exposure or tanning (including self-tanner) on the treatment area for at least 2 weeks before your session
◆Avoid topical retinoids, glycolic acid, and exfoliating products on the treatment area for 7 days before
◆Do not bleach or use depilatory creams on the treatment area for 7 days before
◆If you are on any photosensitizing medications (certain antibiotics, acne medications), consult your doctor before your session
◆Shave the treatment area if applicable — do not wax or tweeze
◆Arrive with clean skin — no lotions, creams, or makeup on the treatment area
FAQ

Pre-Care Questions

Yes, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe to take before your procedure. However, avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), Niacin, Vitamin E, and Omega-3 supplements for at least 48 hours before — these thin the blood and can cause excess bleeding during the procedure. If a doctor prescribed a blood thinner, don't stop it — call us and check with your doctor first.

Caffeine can raise skin sensitivity and bleeding, which can make the procedure more uncomfortable and affect how your skin accepts pigment. Avoid coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other caffeinated beverages for 24 hours before your appointment.

Alcohol thins the blood, which increases bleeding during the procedure. Excess bleeding pushes pigment out of the skin, resulting in poor color retention and patchy results. Avoid all alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment.

If you have any history of cold sores (even if it's been years), you MUST get a prescription antiviral from your doctor before your Lip Blush appointment. Over-the-counter cold sore medications are not sufficient. A cold sore outbreak during healing can cause scarring and significant pigment loss.

If you accidentally took a blood thinner within 48 hours of your appointment, please call us at (818) 305-6112. Depending on when you took it and your appointment timing, we may need to reschedule to ensure the best results.

Yes, lash extensions must be completely removed at least 3 days before a permanent eyeliner appointment. Extensions interfere with access to the lash line and can compromise your results. Plan to have them removed before your appointment.

We recommend avoiding heavy exercise on the day of your appointment. Working out increases blood flow and can cause excess bleeding during the procedure, which affects pigment retention.

Arrive with clean skin — no makeup on the treatment area. If you're having eyeliner done, bring glasses instead of contact lenses. If you have reference photos for your desired shape or style, feel free to bring those as well.

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Already had your procedure? Read our aftercare instructions

Questions? Call us at (818) 305-6112

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