• Pregnant or breastfeeding

• Under 18 (or without legal consent)

• Active cold sore/fever blister (lip services)

• Skin conditions in the area: eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, open lesions, active acne, rosacea flare, etc.

• Sunburn or recent tanning in the area

• Recent isotretinoin/Accutane use (typically within the last 6–12 months)

• Uncontrolled diabetes or poor wound healing

• Bleeding disorders (hemophilia, etc.)

• On blood thinners/anticoagulants (only with prescribing doctor’s approval—do not stop meds without clearance)

• Immunocompromised status or immunosuppressant medications (some autoimmune conditions may fall here)

• Undergoing chemotherapy/radiation (or recent treatment—requires physician clearance)

• History of keloid scarring (higher risk of poor healing/scarring)

• Uncontrolled epilepsy/seizure disorders

• Allergies/sensitivities to pigments, topical anesthetics, or latex (requires discussion/patch test if offered)

• Recent facial procedures in the area (chemical peel, laser, microneedling, recent surgery) until fully healed

• Prior PMU/cover-ups without consultation (old pigment may affect eligibility and results)

No injectables (Botox/filler) in the treatment area. Schedule PMU either 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after injectables.

• Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanner) on the face/lip area. No sunburned skin can be tattooed.

• Stop using skin-thinning/irritating products near the area if possible, especially:

• Retinoids/Retin-A/tretinoin, adapalene (Differin)

• Glycolic acids, lactic acids, salicylic acid, exfoliating acids

• Benzoyl peroxide

• If you use prescription skincare, please discontinue use for 1-2 weeks before and then may resume 2 weeks after pmu heals.

• Plan around major events/travel. Healing includes peeling and may look uneven temporarily. Best to schedule when you can avoid heavy sun, sweating, pools, and photos for ~10–14 days after.

• Cold sores (lip blushing clients): If you’ve ever had cold sores/fever blisters, ask your doctor about an antiviral prescription to start before your appointment (common and strongly recommended).

For Brows (Microblading + Nano Brows)

• No waxing, threading, tinting, lamination, or chemical peels on/around the brows.

• Stop exfoliating the forehead/brow area (scrubs, acids, retinoids).

• Avoid electrolysis/laser near the brows.

• Keep skin hydrated—no intentional “drying out” of the area.

For Lips (Lip Blushing)

• Gently exfoliate and hydrate lips leading up to the appointment (no aggressive scrubs).

• Avoid strong actives around the mouth (retinoids/acids).

• If prone to cold sores, begin antiviral when directed by your doctor.

Limit anything that increases sensitivity or bleeding:

• Alcohol (especially within 24–48 hours)

• High caffeine and pre-workout (especially within 24 hours)

• Fish oil, vitamin E, garlic supplements, ginkgo, ginseng, turmeric (if you take these, ask your doctor before stopping)

• no aspirin, ibuprofen, advil or motrin (72 hours prior to appt)

*if you are on blood thinners prescribed by a doctor, do not stop without medical approval, and I will need a doctors note before appt with approval