Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is permanent makeup / permanent cosmetics?

Permanent makeup or cosmetics is a method of tattooing specially formulated pigments into the dermal layer of the skin. Examples of this are tattooing eyebrows, eyeliner and lips. Other forms of permanent cosmetics that we specialize in, address needs for diminishing the appearance of skin discoloration, scar softening and camouflaging, and areola re-pigmentation as well as specific procedures to address paramedical needs. Permanent cosmetics is often associated with the young and daring. However, our clients range from women 18 to 85. For paramedical treatments, our clients are both male and female of all ages (even children). Examples of permanent cosmetics procedures are:

- Eyebrows
- Eyeliner
- Lips (lip liner, lip liner with blend, full lips, shape correction or added fullness)
- Stippling (reducing the appearance of scars and wrinkles)
- Scar camouflaging (treating scars from face lifts, breast augmentation, cleft lip surgery, or any other   surgical scarring, as well as scars from accidental skin damage)
- Areola Re-Pigmentation (darkening or shape correcting for various reasons)  

Is permanent makeup really permanent?

As with any tattoo, fading can and often does occur. By closely following my aftercare instructions, periodic maintenance and touch ups will be needed less often. The area will appear darker immediately after the procedure, and fade to a more natural look within 7 to 10 days.

Does permanent makeup hurt?

There is a small amount of discomfort that is associated with permanent cosmetic procedures. We will alleviate as much of that discomfort as possible by using numbing creams. Everyone has varying levels of skin sensitivity. Some clients have described the sensation as a plucking or a vibrating feeling. We use the latest in pigmentation technology, which includes a digitally controlled needle, resulting in less trauma to the skin. We will discuss your procedure(s) with you and give you the different options available to mitigate your potential discomfort.

How long does the permanent makeup procedure take?

Most cosmetic procedures take anywhere between 1 to 2 hours. Paramedical procedures may take longer, and may require multiple treatments, depending on the area being treated.

Is permanent makeup safe?

Permanent makeup / permanent cosmetics is very safe and has been popular since the early 1980's. Although it has always been safe, the tools and specialization in this profession have come a long way since that time. All pigments used are made of iron oxide and titanium oxide and which are mixed with alcohol, distilled water and glycerin. Allergic reactions to these base materials are very rare. All needles used come pre-sterilized and pre-packaged and are disposed of after each use.

***In California, the state does not regulate who can apply permanent cosmetics. So when choosing your permanent cosmetics professional, it is important to make sure that he/she is a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals, an International Association "dedicated to promoting safety, excellence, and professional standards by providing education, certification, and industry guidelines" for Permanent Cosmetics (www.spcp.org).

It would also be preferred that he/she has certificates in advanced permanent cosmetics education, and/or a California State Cosmetology license, (as Cosmetology is regulated by the state). Also, pay close attention to the condition of the equipment and the cleanliness of the procedure room as well as the status of his/her County Health Certificate.

So what is the next step?

1.    Call HB Skin Spa for a free permanent makeup consultation appointment.  In the consultation, we will discuss the permanent makeup / permanent cosmetic procedures you are interested in and the results that can be expected. We will help you to determine if permanent cosmetics is right for you. Results that can be expected are based upon your skin type, coloring and age. We will also answer any questions you may have.

2.   Make an appointment for your procedure.  Reserve your appointment time with a credit card number (24 hour cancellation policy).

3.   Procedure day: On the day of the procedure, you will fill out some forms and we will go over those with you. We will discuss desired results of the procedure and discuss colors. Before and after pictures will be taken to compare the results immediately after the procedure.

4.   After-care:  We will give you specific instructions for properly caring for the skin affected by the procedure(s). Following my instructions will help give you the best, final results.

5.   Follow up appointments: We really suggest to clients that they come back for a follow up appointment. In some cases, a follow up appointment may include 'touch ups'. We will again, answer any questions you may have at this time.

6.   Enjoy your permanent makeup!!

What is the Arasys Inch Loss and Body Toning?

Lose 2 to 6 inches in your first treatment...

Arasys Inch Loss and Body Toning Treatment
Moist sponge pads are placed directly to areas needing inch loss. The client experiences a mild vibration to the skin and a smooth contraction to the muscle. This is a pain free procedure that can be quite enjoyable. The technician will take accurate measurements before and after the first treatment. Typical inch loss results range from 2 to 6 inches.

Breast Lift
The pads are placed directly on pectoral muscles for 25 minutes. Typical lift is one half inch in the first treatment.

Bottom LIft
Pads are placed around the hips, bottom muscles, and top of hamstrings for 25 minutes. You may need 3-4 treatments to achieve a substantial lift. Typical lift is half to one inch in the first treatment.

Muscle Development
We use a different frequency from the inch loss for this treatment. It creates more of a building effect of the muscle. Typical results for this treatment range from one half to two inches on the muscle being treated.

Cellulite Reduction and Skin Tightening
This procedure receives the best results from a 50-60 minute treatment. The frequency used is more topical. It moves across the skin causing the tissue to release toxins. The result is smoother, tighter skin.

Lymphatic Drainage
It occurs when the muscle contracts. Toxins are stored through out our bodies in the lymphatic system. When the muscle contracts, the lymphatic system drains. The effect is more energy, better sleep and less frequent illness.

Origin of the Arasys Inch Loss and Body Toning
Developed by Jerry Pollock, the co-inventor fo the pacemaker, Arasys Inch Loss was developed originally for the re-establishment of atrophied muscle tissue on patients with muscular dystrophy. Mr. Pollock realized that the Arasys not only rebuilt muscle tissue, it also smoothed out the skin and seemed to tighted it as well. He decided to test the procedure on women post pregnancy. For several weeks Mr. Pollock gave the treatments and saw amazing results in shrinking down the abdominal area as well as tightening the skin. The Arasys has had 17 years of empirical research in the U.K. and can be found in advanced spas, salons and clinics successfully using the system throughout the world. The Arasys was introduced to the United States after FDA approval in 2002.

Use in HB Skin Spa
It has been the experience at HB Skin Spa that one 25 minute treatment on the Arasys Inch Loss and Body Toning is equal to what you might do in a week of intense weight training at the gym. The biggest advantage to this treatment is that you have very little lactic acid build-up which is the source of muscle soreness with typical weight training. There is no need for glucose because the procedure is passive. Clients walk away with little or no soreness at all, yet their strength has increased as well as having had inch loss. In the case of someone in great shape, they may experience inch gain from increased muscle mass.

What is a Perfector Non-Surgical Face Lift?

Take 10 years off your face.... Diminish Lines, Age Spots, Build Facial Muscles and Tighten Skin

Perfector Non-Surgical Face Lift
Perfector is a more natural, non-invasive alternative to the surgical face lift. The system delivers low frequency micro currents to heal and regenerate tissue offering both a corrective and preventative anti-aging treatment. This treatment is an excellent solution for puffiness, dark circles, crow's feet and sun spots.

Origin
Perfector was invented in 1992 on the basis of research conducted at London University. The Perfector team worked closely to develop a cell regeneration system that could repair and build both skin and muscle tissue, while enhancing systemic balance. The Perfector was initially developed as a research instrument. After Perfector was used in a doctoral dissertation on non-surgical cosmetic procedures, the idea of using the Perfector to bridge the gap between plastic surgery and natural beauty became self-evident. The Perfector was soon launched in a number of advanced spas and skincare facilities, quickly spread the "Knifeless Facelift" all over the U.K.

Recent Studies
Using frequency specific micro amperage performed at the University of Washington indicated a 10-14% increase in the production of collagen, 48% increase in elastin production, and a 38% increase in blood circulation over the course of 20 days of use of the current.

Science
The Perfector technology increases the chemical fuel that energizes the cell function, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) up to 500%. It increases cellular detoxification and oxygenation, balances out the skin pH, stimulates fibroblasts secretion of collagen, elastin and other protein synthesis and generally restores biological homestasis or well being.

The Perfector at HB Skin Spa
The treatment you will receive at HB Skin Spa is relaxing and will last about one hour. You may even fall asleep during the procedure. When you are finished, you can actually see a difference in the muscle tone and skin on your face and neck. our clients say that it's almost hypnotic, giving a sense of euphoria.

What is a HydraFacial?

The HydraFacial is the latest technological breakthrough in skin resurfacing techniques that helps repair facial skin that takes a beating from the sun and effects of aging. We use specially formulated serums, abrasion and suction to gently exfoliate the dead outer layer of skin

The HydraFacial is safe on all skin types. There is no redness or soreness from receiving a HydraFacial... just clean, radiant, healthy looking skin. You'll notice a huge difference after your first treatment. As with any traditional skin care process, the best results are seen with 6-8 treatments over the course of 8 weeks with monthly ongoing care.

***Compared to Microdermabrasion, 9 out of 10 customers who have had both treatments prefer the HydraFacial treatment. See the video clips on The HydraFacial from FOX and NBC.

What is Crystal Free Microdermabrasion?

For those customers who request traditional Microdermabration, we have a Crystal Free Microdermabrasion option. With Crystal Free Microdermabrasion, we use a diamond tip that exfoliates the skin without the need for harsh crystals that do the 'sandblasting' typically used in the older technology of Crystal based Microdermabrasion.

Crystal Free Microdermabrasion is effective in reducing; Fine Lines, "Crow's Feet", Age Spots and Acne Scars by exfoliating and polishing the skin and stimulating the production of skin cells and collagen. It has proven to be a very popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure. An added benefit with Crystal Free Microdermabrasion is the theraputic effect of Lymphatic Massage.

As with traditional Microdermabrasion, best results are seen with 6-8 treatments over the course of 8 weeks with monthly ongoing care.

Other effects of Crystal Free Microdermabrasion are:

What is LED Light Therapy?

 With LED Light therapy, we use lights in the red and blue spectrum to treat various symptoms:

Red & Infrared LED light promotes Callogen production, soothes skin texture (wrinkles), improves skin firmness and resilience, increases Lymphatic system activity, reduces the appearance of aging and damaged skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, temporarily relieves minor muscle and joint pain, and temporarily increases local blood circulation.

Blue LED light is used to treat Acne. The blue LED light is in a very specific light spectrum that is proven by the FDA to destroy the bacteria that causes acne. Even after the first treatment, amazing results are seen by using this therapy on skin with acne.

LED Light Treatment is backed by: the FDA, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and NASA (the space program).

Light therapy is the application of light energy to the skin for therapeutic benefits. It is a natural photobiochemical reaction similar to the process of plant photosynethsis. NASA’s space program has proven that LED light therapy (near-infrared) promotes wound healing and human tissue growth . The energy delivered by the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) enhances cellular metabolism, accelerates the repair and replenishment of damaged skin cells, as well as stimulates the production of callogen - the foundation of healthy and smooth skin. The treatment is non-ablative, non-invasive, painless and there is absolutely no downtime for clients. It is safe for all skin types and all ages. Clients do not need to miss work or social functions after the treatment.

What is FAR Infra-Red Therapy?

Infrared light is part of the Sun's invisible spectrum of light that has the ability to penetrate the human tissue. Infrared heater technology uses these Far infrared light characteristics to heat the body directly rather than just the air. The experience of a Far infrared sauna is similar to sunbathing, which gives you the radiant heat that is all your own. The Far infrared heat penetrates your skin, giving you that wonderful natural warmth. Unlike sunbathing, Infrared heater technology is completely healthy and safe You can relax in a Far infrared sauna and it will never cause your skin to burn.

Why is a Far Infrared Sauna Better than a Hot Rock Steam Sauna?

Far infrared saunas increase the body's core temperature. This helps the body rid itself of harmful toxins through a deeper sweat. Conventional hot rock/steam heater saunas heat the air with steam, which can often be unbearably hot and you will only sweat on the surface. Steam also makes the air difficult to breath. A far infrared sauna uses dry far infrared heat that is well ventilated and extremely comfortable and relaxing.

Wonderful skin care and facial services, waxing, permanent makeup, Arasys Body Toning and Inch Loss, Perfector skin rejuvenation, eyelash extensions and anti-aging sunless spray tanning.