Freckle Tattoo FAQs

These cute little tattoos are created by breaking the skin on your face in tiny dots that imitate the shape of natural freckles, and depositing pigments (or inks) a couple of shades darker than your complexion inside. I use the stick and poke method with a hand held needle. The configuration has several needles, slightly separated to give a more natural, pixelated effect.

Stick and poke freckles can be placed anywhere on the face, but since natural freckles usually appear on the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, that’s where most clients want them.

Stick and poke freckles generally last up to 2 years. There’s no significant difference between stick and poke freckles done with a PMU pigment and those done with a tattoo ink; they will fade at about the same pace.

The skin of the face is exposed to sunlight more than any other area of the skin, it’s thoroughly washed at least once a day, and a whole lot of skincare products are applied onto it. Combined with the skin’s natural cell turnover cycle, all these cause the freckles to fade within 2 years.

Most clients report little pain. The first pass is done without numbing cream to open the skin, then a topical 5% Lidocaine is used throughout the procedure to make you comfortable.

The needle tip is very thin and it goes very shallow into the skin, so it will feel more like stinging or pressure than straight-up pain.

Having the procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase your sensitivity.

All clients are required to be 18+ years of age.

You are NOT a candidate if you are…

-Pregnant or breastfeeding

-Currently using or have been on Accutane within the last 12 months

-Have used Retin-A within the last two weeks

-If you are anemic (this is associated with a weakened immune system, which leaves the client more prone to infection).

-Have a freshly tanned/sunburned face

-Have rosacea

-Are taking blood thinning medications (may be a candidate if given permission by PCP to temporarily stop medication)

-Have been on antibiotics within the last two weeks

-Are currently undergoing treatment for cancer (you must be in remission for at least 6 months)

-Have had chemotherapy or radiation treatment within last 12 months

-Are under the influence of drugs or alcohol

-Allergies-possible allergies can include nickel; may result in serious skin reaction from small amounts of metal sometimes present in pigment, Lidocaine and other topical anesthetics may result in a skin reaction. If necessary, patch test your client in hair line at the base of neck.

-If you have keloid scars-This can show that the client is more prone to scarring.

Since the delicate skin of the face is poked over and over again, there will probably be some redness, tenderness, and minor swelling in the hours after the procedure. As the cuts heal, there may be some itching and light scabbing.

It’s important to follow the aftercare advice given to you. I will nstruct you on how to clean the area, what to avoid in the days after the procedure, and whether you should moisturize the area or not.

Your freckles might look too dark at first. The skin takes about 2-4 weeks to completely heal, they will lighten up during this process.

Preparing for your appointment is just as important for good, healed results as post care. Failure to follow pre-care may result in you being sent home the day of your appointment, so please read the following carefully! Coming prepared to your appointment means better healed results and a better overall experience.

-If you have reference pictures, please feel free to bring these to your appointment.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT:

-You must not use Retin-A near the area two weeks before or after your procedure.

-If you get botox, fillers, chemical peels, microneedling or anything of the like, you need to do so four weeks before your appointment. I recommend getting this done before your procedure instead of waiting to do it after. In the case you do it after, wait at least four weeks to do so. It takes a minimum of two weeks to settle into the skin. Receiving it less than four weeks before your appointment, will result in your appointment being canceled, a cancellation fee, and you being sent home and made to reschedule at a later time.

24 HOURS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT:

-To minimize bleeding during the procedure, please avoid any alcohol and caffeine. Blood thinning medications such as Ibuprofen and Advil should also be avoided.

-Map directions to the studio. I have a STRICT 10-minute late policy, so please plan ahead to make sure you know how long the commute to the studio takes, and plan for traffic if appropriate.

DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT:

-Avoid exercise. Exercising increases blood flow and will cause excessive bleeding, leading to poor healed results.

-Makeup: You are welcome to come to your appointment with or without makeup on. We will be taking lots of photos, so come however you are most comfortable.

-RELAX! Feeling nervous is normal. We are going to work together to make your vision become a reality! Take a deep breath and get excited!.

Touch ups for faux freckles are optional, but strongly recommended.

A touch up is done 4-8 weeks after your initial session, and is where we assess your retention, perfect the shape and color, and add more dimension. Touch ups are important and add to the overall results and longevity of your PMU.

Some clients are happy with how their faux freckles heal after their initial appointment. If you would like to skip your touch up, please come in for pictures of your healed results!

APPOINTMENT CAN BE ANYWHERE BETWEEN 4-8 WEEKS. THIS TOUCHUP IS INCLUDED IN THE INITIAL PRICE. IF YOU GO PAST THE 8 WEEK MARK, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $75 FOR YOUR TOUCH UP.

Initial sessions usually take about 1-1.5 hours.

Touch up appointments usually take about 30 min-1 hour