Frequently Asked

Yes. Free above-ground and underground parking is available throughout the Brewery District. Parking can be busy during peak times, so please allow a few extra minutes to find a space and arrive on time.

No. OPIA operates by appointment only.

For last-minute availability, you're welcome to call or email us. If an opening is available, we'll be happy to accommodate you.

Please arrive on time for your appointment. If you're running late, notify us by replying to your appointment email and we will accommodate you wherever the day allows. A $25 fee per 15 minutes may apply.

If you have not arrived within 10 minutes of your scheduled start time and have not made contact regarding your late arrival, your appointment will be treated as a no-show and subject to a 75% service charge + GST.

If you have contacted us but the time remaining is no longer sufficient to perform your service safely and properly, your appointment will need to be rescheduled and treated as a same-day cancellation, subject to a 50% service charge + GST.

For full details, please review OPIA's Booking Terms & Conditions

Yes. A non-refundable 25% booking fee, inclusive of GST, is required to reserve most appointments and is calculated on the full service total, including any add-ons.

When you attend as scheduled, your booking fee is applied toward your service total. Consultations and patch tests are paid in full at the time of booking.

Booking fees and online payments are processed securely by Stripe at the time of booking.

At the studio, your remaining balance may be paid by debit, cash or e-transfer.

Credit card payments are also available in studio with a 3.5% service fee.

No. For safety and to maintain a calm, professional treatment environment, children are not permitted at appointments. Please arrange childcare prior to your visit.

You're welcome to have someone accompany you to the studio; however, guests are not permitted in the service room and will need to remain in the waiting area for the duration of your appointment.

Absolutely, where timing and service compatibility allow. If you'd like to combine services, select the desired add-ons when booking or contact us before your appointment so enough time can be reserved.

Some services should not be performed together or in a particular order, so please contact us if you're unsure.

Please provide all rescheduling, cancellation and late-arrival notice by email at info@opiabrowsandbeauty.com or by replying directly to your appointment email.

Notice requirements and applicable charges are determined by OPIA's Booking Terms & Conditions.

A confirmation email is sent when your appointment has been successfully booked. If you don't have the email, don't assume you have the appointment.

Please check your junk or spam folder first. If you still can't find it, contact us so we can confirm that your booking was completed successfully and that we have the correct email address on file.

Availability varies, and some appointment types book further in advance than others. We recommend reserving your preferred date as early as possible, particularly for Permanent Makeup and longer appointments.

Last-minute openings do occasionally become available, so you're always welcome to contact us via email (info@opiabrowsandbeauty.com) to check.

Yes, but the appointment must be booked using the client's own name, contact information and relevant health information. Each client must complete their own required forms and acknowledgements before treatment.

If you're purchasing a service as a gift, please contact us rather than booking the appointment under your own information.

First, check the FAQ section for your specific service, as you'll find information about preparation, candidacy, treatment and aftercare there.

If your question isn't answered, please email info@opiabrowsandbeauty.com or reply directly to your appointment email.

Appointment time is reserved specifically for the service selected when booking. If the booked service cannot be performed, you decide not to proceed, or the service is changed, the terms applicable to the originally scheduled service and reserved appointment time will apply.

Before the appointment has begun, if the booked service does not go ahead due to a contraindication, pre-care that was not followed, the condition or response of the skin, an inability to proceed, or a decision not to continue, the booking fee is forfeited. No further charge applies.

After the appointment has begun, a charge equal to 50% of the scheduled service price + GST applies, with the booking fee already paid credited toward that amount.

If a different service is performed instead, and the replacement service uses the reserved time or frees no more than 30 minutes of it, the booking fee will be applied toward the replacement service and no further charge applies.

If the replacement service frees more than 30 minutes of reserved time, the booking fee is forfeited and the replacement service is paid for in full.

Changes requested in advance remain subject to the applicable notice requirements.

For full details, please review OPIA's Booking Terms & Conditions

Please carefully review all pre-care instructions and contraindications provided for your service before arriving.

If your service cannot go ahead due to a contraindication, pre-care that was not followed, the condition or response of the skin, an inability to proceed, or another client-related reason:

Before the appointment has begun — your booking fee is forfeited. No further charge applies.

After the appointment has begun — a charge equal to 50% of the scheduled service price + GST applies. Your booking fee already paid will be credited toward the amount due.

For full details, please review OPIA's Booking Terms & Conditions

The full Booking Terms & Conditions are published at opiabrowsandbeauty.com/booking-terms

They cover the booking fee, the notice required to reschedule or cancel, no-shows and late arrivals, and what applies where a service is changed, declined or cannot be performed.

These are the terms accepted at the time of booking.

On rare occasions, illness, emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances may require OPIA to reschedule your appointment. If this happens, you will never be subject to a cancellation or rescheduling fee, and your existing booking fee or payment will be transferred in full to your new appointment.

We will make every reasonable effort to provide as much notice as possible and find a new appointment time that works for you.

If you are unable or do not wish to reschedule following a cancellation initiated by OPIA, your booking fee or payment will be refunded in full.

Permanent Makeup brows are generally very well tolerated, although sensitivity varies from person to person.

The beginning of the procedure is performed before secondary numbing is applied so your artist can preserve the precise shape and outline created during the brow-mapping process. This initial portion only takes a few minutes, and most clients describe the sensation as scratching or similar to — and often less uncomfortable than — tweezing.

Once the initial structure has been established, a topical anesthetic is applied, and additional numbing can be used throughout the procedure to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Individual sensitivity can vary depending on factors such as skin sensitivity, existing scar tissue and your individual response to the procedure, but most clients remain quite comfortable once numbing has been applied.

If you've had a traditional body tattoo before, you'll likely find PMU brows to be a very different experience, particularly because topical numbing is used throughout much of the service.

Your full healing process and aftercare will be explained during your appointment. You can also review the online PMU Brow Aftercare Guide at any time for detailed instructions and what to expect throughout each stage of healing.

PMU Brow Aftercare Guide

The initial visible healing typically takes approximately 5–14 days, although every client heals differently and the experience can vary depending on the technique performed.

Nano Brows generally experience very minimal flaking, as the treatment consists primarily of individual hairstrokes. Ombre or shaded brows may experience more noticeable flaking because a larger area of the brow is treated with pigment.

Immediately following your appointment, your brows will appear darker, bolder and more defined than the healed result. They may continue to darken over the first few days and can feel slightly tight, tender or itchy as the skin begins to heal.

As flaking begins, it is extremely important to never pick, scratch, peel or pull at the brows. Allow all flakes to come away naturally and follow the cleansing and ointment instructions provided by your artist.

Once the flaking has finished, the pigment may temporarily appear very light, patchy or as though some of the colour has disappeared. Don't panic — this can be a completely normal part of healing. As the skin continues to settle, the pigment will gradually become more visible and the colour will continue to develop.

Allow approximately 4 weeks before assessing the healed result of your first session. Please don't judge your brows during the early healing stages — they will change considerably.

Permanent Makeup is a process, and your Perfecting Session is used to assess the healed result and make any appropriate refinements. Your final result should only be evaluated once the entire treatment and healing process is complete.

https://opiabrowsandbeauty.com/pmu-eyebrow-guide/

Yes — you can wear makeup on the rest of your face, but do not apply makeup directly on or immediately over the healing brows for at least 7 days, or until all flaking is completely finished.

Fresh Permanent Makeup is healing skin, and makeup products, brushes and applicators can introduce bacteria or cause irritation. Keep foundation, concealer, brow products and other cosmetics away from the treated area while it heals.

Once all flaking is complete and the skin has healed, you can gradually return to your normal makeup routine.

For complete cleansing, ointment, water, exercise, makeup and sun-exposure instructions, please review the:

PMU Brow Aftercare Guide

Yes. Permanent Makeup does not remove your natural brow hair or stop it from growing, so normal brow maintenance may still be needed.

You can continue tweezing, waxing or shaping unwanted hairs once your brows are fully healed. The difference is that your Permanent Makeup gives you a defined shape to follow, which can make maintaining your brows much easier.

Your natural brow hairs are still an important part of the finished result, so keeping them groomed can help your Permanent Makeup look its best.

24 HOURS BEFORE — LIMIT CAFFEINE

Avoid excess caffeine for the 24 hours before your appointment. One regular cup of coffee or tea in the morning is fine, but please avoid additional caffeine, including:

• Coffee
• Caffeinated sodas and energy drinks
• Caffeinated teas
• Caffeinated supplements, foods or other products

48 HOURS BEFORE — NO ALCOHOL

Avoid all alcohol for at least 48 hours before your appointment.

72 HOURS BEFORE — AVOID BLOOD-THINNING SUPPLEMENTS & MEDICATIONS

Avoid the following for at least 72 hours before your appointment:

• Fish oil supplements
• Vitamin E supplements
• Niacin
• Curcumin
• Blood-thinning pain medications, including ibuprofen, Advil and aspirin
  (Tylenol/acetaminophen is OK.)

ADDITIONAL PREPARATION

• Stay well hydrated leading up to your appointment.
• Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure before your appointment. Your skin should not be sunburned or compromised.
• Wash your hair the day before or morning of your appointment, as you'll need to be careful around your brows during the initial healing period.

WHY PRE-CARE MATTERS

These instructions are important for minimizing excessive bleeding, irritation and other skin responses that can interfere with the procedure and affect pigment retention and your healed result.

If your service cannot go ahead because of a contraindication, pre-care that was not followed, the condition or response of your skin, or another reason that prevents treatment, the applicable terms depend on whether your appointment has begun.

Before the appointment has begun — your booking fee is forfeited. No further charge applies.

After the appointment has begun — a charge equal to 50% of the scheduled service price + GST applies, with your booking fee credited toward that amount.

Please review the complete PMU Brow Aftercare Guide before your appointment:

https://opiabrowsandbeauty.com/pmu-eyebrow-guide/

PERMANENT MAKEUP BROW AFTERCARE

Your aftercare instructions will be reviewed during your appointment, and you'll have access to OPIA's PMU Eyebrow Guide for detailed instructions throughout the healing process and life of your brows.

Your key aftercare responsibilities include:

FIRST 1.5 HOURS — BLOT

After leaving your appointment, gently blot your brows every 15 minutes for the first 1.5 hours using the damp cotton rounds provided in your aftercare kit. This helps remove excess lymph and fluid from the skin.

CLEANSE DAILY

Cleanse your brows the night of your appointment, again the following morning, and once daily thereafter using a mild, gentle cleanser.

Keep cleansing brief and gentle. Pat the brows dry immediately afterward — do not leave them wet.

APPLY HEALING OINTMENT

Apply a thin layer of the provided healing ointment 3–5 times daily for approximately 7–10 days, or until flaking is complete.

AVOID WATER, SWEAT & HUMIDITY

For approximately 7–10 days, or until flaking is complete, avoid prolonged water exposure, excessive sweating and high-humidity environments.

This includes working out, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and swimming.

Your brows will need to get wet briefly while cleansing — that's okay. Cleanse them quickly and gently pat them dry immediately afterward.

DO NOT TOUCH, PICK OR PEEL

Keep your brows clean and do not pick, scratch or remove any flaking skin. Allow all flakes to come away naturally to avoid disrupting pigment retention and healing.

AVOID SUN & TANNING

Avoid tanning and prolonged sun exposure for 30 days following your appointment.

While your brows are healing and flaking, protect them from direct sun with a hat or other physical shade. Once flaking is completely finished, apply SPF to the brows when exposed to the sun.

Please plan your appointment accordingly and avoid scheduling Permanent Makeup immediately before a sunny vacation or significant sun exposure.

For complete healing instructions, what to expect during each stage, and long-term brow care, please review:
PMU AFTERCARE GUIDE

The full Booking Terms & Conditions are published at opiabrowsandbeauty.com/booking-terms

They cover the booking fee, the notice required to reschedule or cancel, no-shows and late arrivals, and what applies where a service is changed, declined or cannot be performed.

These are the terms accepted at the time of booking.

For most clients, I prefer Nano Brows. Nano hairstrokes are created with a machine rather than a manual blade, allowing for more controlled pigment placement and making the technique suitable for a wider range of skin types and ages. Microblading can still be appropriate in select cases, but Nano is usually my first choice for soft, natural hairstrokes.

Not every faded brow needs more pigment right away. If the shape still looks good and enough pigment remains, sometimes the best option is to allow the brows to fade further rather than continually layering pigment. OPIA’s complimentary Brow Review helps determine whether a Brow Refresh, Laser Toning or simply more fading is the best next step.

The goal is balanced, flattering brows — not artificial perfection. Natural faces and brow growth are rarely perfectly symmetrical, and removing healthy brow hair simply to make both sides identical can sometimes make the result look less natural in person. Mapping is used to create the best possible balance while respecting the natural brows and facial structure.

Often, yes. Permanent Makeup can be a great option for patchy growth, asymmetry and some types of brow scarring, although scar tissue may retain pigment differently from untreated skin. The area is assessed individually so expectations can be set appropriately and the technique adjusted where needed.

No. A good skincare routine does not need to be abandoned to preserve brow pigment. Retinoids, acids, exfoliation and resurfacing treatments can contribute to faster fading, especially when used directly over the brows, so avoiding repeated application over the treated area can help with longevity. Brows are meant to gradually fade and be reassessed over time.

No. Some of the most transformative Permanent Makeup results are on older clients, particularly when natural brow growth has become sparse or difficult to shape. Technique, skin condition and goals matter far more than age. OPIA has worked with clients well into their 80s, with the focus always on a soft, flattering and age-appropriate result.

Accutane (isotretinoin) can make the skin significantly more dry, sensitive and fragile, so some beauty treatments are not appropriate while taking it.

Brow Waxing cannot be performed while taking isotretinoin or for at least 6 months after stopping treatment, due to the increased risk of skin injury and scarring. This is consistent with current American Academy of Dermatology guidance.

Other brow and lash treatments are assessed individually based on the condition and sensitivity of your skin and the products involved. Please disclose current or recent isotretinoin use when booking so OPIA can determine which services, if any, are appropriate.

Retinoids, exfoliating acids and other active skincare ingredients can make the skin more sensitive and vulnerable to irritation or injury, particularly when combined with waxing.

If you use retinol, tretinoin, glycolic acid, AHAs, BHAs or other exfoliating products on or around the brows, please disclose this before your appointment.

Waxing should not be performed over sensitized or recently retinoid-treated skin. The American Academy of Dermatology specifically advises avoiding facial retinoids for several days before waxing because of the risk of removing skin along with the hair.

For OPIA's brow treatments, discontinuing these products around the brow area for 2 weeks before your appointment is recommended unless otherwise advised.

Lash services are generally less affected because the treatment is performed primarily on the lash hairs rather than exfoliating the surrounding skin; however, healthy, intact skin around the eyes is still required.

A patch test involves applying a small amount of the product to a limited area of skin before your full treatment and monitoring the area for signs of sensitivity or an allergic reaction.

A patch test is particularly recommended if you have highly sensitive skin, a history of reactions to dyes or cosmetic products, allergies you're concerned about, or have reacted to a similar treatment in the past.

It's important to understand that a successful patch test cannot guarantee that you won't react during or after the full service. Allergies and sensitivities can develop over time, including to products you've previously tolerated. Health Canada similarly notes that sensitivity to dye ingredients can develop after repeated exposures.

If you've experienced a significant reaction to a similar service previously, please let OPIA know before booking. Depending on the circumstances, a patch test may be recommended — or the service may not be appropriate for you.

Results vary depending on your hair growth cycle, skincare routine, sun exposure, cleansing habits and the products used.

Brow and lash tint generally remains visible on the hair for approximately 4–8 weeks, gradually fading as the colour wears and new hairs grow in.

With brow tinting, colour may also temporarily stain the skin beneath the brows for several days, depending on the tint used, your skin type and your skincare routine.

Using exfoliating products, retinoids, acids, oil-based products or frequent cleansing around the brows may cause the skin stain to fade more quickly.

Mild temporary redness or sensitivity can occur after some beauty treatments. However, significant swelling, persistent burning, blistering, discharge, severe irritation, eye symptoms or signs of infection are not considered normal.

If you experience a concerning reaction, contact OPIA and send clear photos when possible so your artist is aware of what has occurred.

For medical guidance in Alberta, you can call Health Link at 811. Seek urgent or emergency medical attention for severe symptoms — particularly difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, severe eye pain, vision changes or a rapidly worsening reaction.

Cosmetic products can cause allergic or sensitivity reactions even when they have been used previously without a problem. A patch test may reduce uncertainty in some circumstances, but cannot guarantee that a reaction will not occur during the full service. Health Canada notes that reactions to dye ingredients can occur and that sensitivity may develop after repeated exposure.

Beauty treatments are generally well tolerated when performed appropriately, but all cosmetic services carry some possibility of irritation or an adverse reaction.

Potential risks include:

• Temporary redness, tenderness, tingling or sensitivity
• Stinging or burning during treatment
• Skin irritation or contact dermatitis
• Allergic or sensitivity reactions to tint, adhesives or processing products
• Skin lifting or over-exfoliation from waxing, particularly when the skin has been sensitized by retinoids, acids, medications or other treatments
• Temporary dryness or irritation around the brows or eyes
• Over-processing, dryness or damage to brow or lash hairs
• Uneven or unexpected tint or processing results
• Eye watering, redness or irritation during or following lash treatments
• Rarely, more significant skin or eye reactions requiring medical attention

Waxing in particular can cause irritation, folliculitis, dermatitis, pigmentation changes or skin injury, and should not be performed on irritated, sunburned, broken or significantly sensitized skin.

Please disclose medications, active skincare products, allergies, recent treatments and relevant skin conditions before your appointment so your artist can determine whether your selected service is appropriate.

Lip Blush is generally very well tolerated. Once your lip shape has been mapped and approved, a 5% lidocaine numbing solution is applied for approximately 20 minutes before the procedure begins.

Throughout the treatment, your artist will continue to apply a secondary numbing solution as needed to keep you comfortable.

Most clients experience minimal discomfort and remain quite comfortable throughout the service — some even fall asleep. Sensitivity varies from person to person, so you may still feel some pressure, vibration or mild tenderness during the procedure.

The initial healing stage is typically complete within about 5 days, once the lips have finished flaking. However, the lips continue healing beneath the surface, and it can take 8–12 weeks for the final healed colour to fully develop.

For clients undergoing Lip Neutralization, particularly those with more melanin naturally present in the lips, the full 12 weeks should be allowed before assessing the healed colour or determining the next step.

Review the full Aftercare Guide here:
https://opiabrowsandbeauty.com/lip-pmu-guide/

Lip Blush is semi-permanent and gradually fades over time. How long your results remain visible depends on several factors, including the amount of pigment implanted, your desired level of saturation, aftercare, lifestyle and the overall condition and hydration of your lips.

A soft, lightly saturated “just a tint” result will typically fade faster than a more saturated or defined result.

Long-term lip care also makes a difference. Keeping your lips hydrated and protected from the sun can help preserve your colour, while frequently dry, cracked or peeling lips may cause the pigment to fade more quickly.

Most clients can expect their Lip Blush to remain visible for approximately 2–3 years, with a refresh performed as needed to maintain their desired colour and definition.

The number of sessions needed depends on your natural lip tone, colour goals and how your lips retain pigment.

Clients starting with pale or naturally even-toned lips may achieve their desired result in just one session.

Clients with more melanin, darker pigmentation or uneven lip tone will often require 2 or more sessions to gradually neutralize and build toward the desired colour.

Because every client heals and retains pigment differently, additional sessions are determined only after the lips have fully healed and the colour has settled.

Lip Blush is generally well tolerated, but as with any cosmetic tattoo procedure, there are potential risks and side effects.

Temporary swelling and tenderness are common immediately following the procedure and typically improve significantly within the first 24 hours. Other potential risks include:

• Infection during the healing period if proper aftercare is not followed
• Cold sore flare-ups, particularly in clients with a history of cold sores
• Temporary or prolonged dryness, sensitivity or irritation after peeling
• Allergic or sensitivity reactions to pigment or products used during the procedure
• Uneven pigment retention, colour changes or the need for additional sessions
• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, particularly during Lip Neutralization and in lips with more melanin
• Rarely, scarring or prolonged healing

Following all pre-care and aftercare instructions and fully disclosing relevant medical history, medications and previous reactions helps minimize these risks.

If you have ever had a cold sore, Lip Blush can trigger a new outbreak because the procedure creates controlled trauma to the lip tissue. A history of cold sores does not prevent you from having Lip Blush, but an outbreak can make healing more difficult and may affect pigment retention.

If you have a history of cold sores, it is strongly recommended that you speak with your physician or pharmacist before your appointment about preventative antiviral medication. This is typically started before the procedure and continued afterward according to their instructions.

Lip Blush cannot be performed during an active cold sore outbreak. If you develop a cold sore before your appointment, please contact OPIA as soon as possible so your appointment can be rescheduled.

Even with preventative medication, an outbreak is still possible, so it's important to disclose any history of cold sores on your intake form.

Possibly! If you have previous permanent makeup on your lips, the existing pigment must be assessed before a new treatment can be performed.

Please schedule an in-person consultation so your artist can assess the remaining colour, saturation, undertone and overall condition of the previous work and determine what options are appropriate.

Depending on what remains, we may be able to refresh, adjust or work over the existing pigment, or you may be advised to allow it to fade further before proceeding.

Can I Get Lip Blush If I Have Dry or Cracked Lips?

Lip Blush can only be performed on healthy, smooth and well-hydrated lips. If your lips are dry, cracked, peeling or irritated, they will need to be restored to a healthy condition before treatment.

For at least one week before your appointment, we recommend the following morning and evening:

1. Apply hyaluronic acid serum to damp lips.
2. Immediately seal it in with a layer of Vaseline or another plain occlusive.

Drinking adequate water, maintaining good electrolyte intake and limiting excessive caffeine may also help support hydration.

Anecdotally, some clients have also noticed an improvement in lip hydration after adding approximately 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil to their daily diet for a few weeks before treatment. This isn't a required part of pre-care or a guaranteed treatment for dry lips, but may be a helpful addition.

If you regularly experience chronically dry or cracked lips, begin your hydration routine well before booking and see how your lips respond. Your lips must be healthy, intact and free from cracking or active peeling when you arrive for your appointment; otherwise, the service may need to be postponed.

Your Lip Blush colour is customized specifically for you. OPIA has a wide range of pigments that can be mixed and adjusted based on your natural lip tone, skin tone, undertones and desired result.

If you have a few favourite lipsticks, liners, glosses or other lip products, bring them to your appointment. Seeing colours you already love — especially how they look against your natural lips — gives your artist a great reference for the direction you'd like to go.

Keep in mind that the pigment you see mixed at your appointment is not an exact representation of your final healed colour. During healing, the pigment will soften, fade and blend with your natural lip tone, creating a much more subtle and integrated result.

For Lip Neutralization, colour selection is also based on the natural undertones present in your lips. Your first session may focus primarily on neutralizing unwanted tones before your desired target colour can be built in subsequent sessions.

It's completely normal to feel surprised by the colour immediately after your appointment. Fresh Lip Blush is not an accurate representation of your healed result.

On naturally pale lips, the colour may initially appear much brighter, redder or more intense than expected. With Lip Neutralization, the lips may initially appear quite orange or warm — this is intentional and part of the neutralization process.

As your lips heal, the colour will fade, soften and continue changing significantly. Even once the visible peeling is complete, your colour is not finished healing.

It's also common during healing for:

• Pale lips to temporarily appear brighter or pinker than expected
• Neutralized lips to look as though very little pigment remains
• Colour to appear uneven or change from week to week

Please don't judge your final colour during these stages. Lip Blush takes approximately 8–12 weeks to fully heal and reveal its true colour, with the full 12 weeks particularly important for Lip Neutralization.

Be patient and allow the entire healing process to take place before deciding how you feel about the colour. Once fully healed, we can accurately assess the result and determine whether any adjustments or additional pigment are needed.

Review the LIP PMU Guide below

https://opiabrowsandbeauty.com/lip-pmu-guide/

Your full Lip Blush aftercare will be explained during your appointment. You can also review the online Lip Blush Aftercare Guide at any time for detailed healing instructions and what to expect throughout the process.

A brief overview:

FIRST DAY — CLEANSE & PROTECT

For the remainder of your appointment day, gently cleanse your lips approximately every hour and reapply the provided healing ointment.

DAYS 2–5 — KEEP THEM MOISTURIZED

Continue applying your healing ointment regularly throughout the day while your lips are peeling and flaking.

DO NOT PICK OR PEEL

Allow all flaking skin to come away naturally. Do not pick, peel or pull at your lips, as this can disrupt healing and pigment retention.

AVOID SWEAT, HEAT & WATER EXPOSURE

For the first 5 days, avoid exercise and excessive sweating, saunas and steam rooms, hot tubs, very hot baths/showers, and swimming.

PROTECT YOUR LIPS FROM THE SUN

Avoid tanning and prolonged UV/sun exposure for 30 days. Protect your lips with physical shade during initial healing and an SPF lip balm once appropriate.

PLAN AROUND DAYS 3–5

The most noticeable flaking typically occurs around days 3–5, so it's a good idea to schedule your appointment away from important events or occasions during this time.

Remember, although the visible healing happens quickly, your colour will continue developing and changing for 8–12 weeks.

For complete instructions, please review the online Lip Blush Aftercare Guide.

LIP BLUSH PRE-CARE

Please arrive at your appointment with smooth, healthy and well-hydrated lips. Dry, cracked, irritated or compromised lips can affect how the skin accepts pigment and may prevent the service from being performed.

In the days leading up to your appointment, keep your lips well moisturized and stay hydrated. Gently exfoliate as needed to remove dry, flaky skin, but avoid aggressive exfoliation or anything that leaves the lips irritated.

24 HOURS BEFORE — LIMIT CAFFEINE

Avoid excess caffeine for 24 hours before your appointment. One regular cup of coffee or tea in the morning is fine, but please avoid additional caffeine, including coffee, energy drinks, caffeinated sodas, teas and supplements.

48 HOURS BEFORE — NO ALCOHOL

Avoid all alcohol for at least 48 hours before your appointment.

72 HOURS BEFORE — AVOID BLOOD-THINNING SUPPLEMENTS & MEDICATIONS

Avoid non-essential blood-thinning medications and supplements for at least 72 hours before your appointment, including:

• Ibuprofen/Advil and aspirin
• Fish oil supplements
• Vitamin E supplements
• Niacin
• Curcumin

Tylenol/acetaminophen is OK. Never discontinue a prescribed medication or medically necessary blood thinner for your appointment without approval from your healthcare provider.

If you have a history of cold sores, Lip Blush can trigger an outbreak. Please speak with your physician or pharmacist before your appointment about starting preventative antiviral medication a few days before and a few days after the appoitnment.

Following pre-care is important for minimizing bleeding, irritation and swelling and helping the skin accept pigment properly. If your lips are excessively dry, cracked, irritated or otherwise unsuitable for treatment when you arrive, your service may need to be postponed.

Review the full LIP PMU Aftercare Guide here:
https://opiabrowsandbeauty.com/lip-pmu-guide/

Contraindications

Lip Blush may not be suitable for everyone. You must not be pregnant or breastfeeding, have used Accutane/isotretinoin within the last 6 months, be taking antibiotics or have finished them within the last 2 weeks, or have had lip filler or Botox in or around the lip area within 4 weeks before your appointment. Please also wait at least 4 weeks after Lip Blush before having filler or Botox in the area.

Other conditions or circumstances that may prevent treatment or require medical clearance, additional precautions or rescheduling include:

• Active cold sores, fever blisters or other infections on or around the lips
• Open wounds, cuts, severe cracking, irritation, sunburn or active skin conditions in the treatment area
• Recent illness, infection or fever
• Bleeding or clotting disorders, or use of prescription blood-thinning medication
• Uncontrolled diabetes or conditions that significantly affect healing
• Immunosuppression or conditions/medications that compromise the immune system
• Active cancer treatment, chemotherapy or radiation
• History of keloid or abnormal scarring
• Significant allergies or previous reactions to tattoo pigments, topical anaesthetics or related products
• Recent chemical peels, laser treatments or other intensive treatments involving the lip area
• Any medical condition, medication or treatment that may affect bleeding, healing, immune response or skin integrity

A history of cold sores does not necessarily prevent Lip Blush, but the procedure can trigger an outbreak. Clients with a history of cold sores should speak with their physician or pharmacist about appropriate antiviral prevention before their appointment.

This is not a complete list of contraindications. OPIA's booking system will take you through a detailed health and contraindication questionnaire before your appointment. Please answer all questions accurately and disclose relevant medications, medical conditions and recent treatments.

No. Fresh Lip Blush is not the healed colour. Lips usually look brighter, darker and more saturated immediately after treatment, then soften significantly as they heal. Colour continues to settle over the following weeks, with the final result assessed once the lips are fully healed. Neutralization treatments may also look intentionally warmer at first.

Laser Brow Toning is a more conservative approach to laser pigment reduction. Rather than attempting to remove as much pigment as possible, the treatment is used to selectively reduce unwanted colour or excess pigment while preserving brows that are otherwise well-shaped.

It can be particularly useful when older Permanent Makeup has become too cool, grey or ashy, or when the brows simply contain more pigment than desired.

For example, an older grey-toned brow may respond to treatment by revealing a warmer underlying tone, creating a softer and more desirable appearance.

Some clients are happy with the result of toning alone. Others use it as a step toward corrective Permanent Makeup or a future Brow Refresh once the brows have fully healed.

Because cosmetic tattoo pigments can contain multiple colour components, the exact colour revealed by laser cannot be guaranteed in advance and will be assessed as the brows heal.

Laser Brow Removal uses the same principle as laser tattoo removal, specifically adapted to existing Permanent Makeup in the eyebrows.

The laser delivers energy that is absorbed by tattoo pigment, causing pigment particles to break down into smaller fragments. Your body's immune system then gradually clears some of that fragmented pigment over the weeks following treatment.

Removal is a process rather than a one-time treatment. Each session targets pigment that can be safely treated at that stage, followed by a healing period before the brows are reassessed.

Some clients may require only a few sessions, while others require several. The number of treatments depends on factors including pigment composition, colour, depth, saturation, number of previous PMU procedures and individual response to laser.

As darker pigment is reduced, warmer tones such as red, orange or yellow may become visible. Yellow pigment can be particularly resistant to some tattoo-removal lasers and may require a different approach once the darker pigment has been sufficiently reduced.

The goal does not always need to be completely pigment-free skin. Depending on your plans, enough pigment may simply need to be removed to create a safer, cleaner foundation for future Permanent Makeup.

Laser Brow Removal targets tattoo pigment within the skin — not the eyebrow hair follicle itself. Your natural brow hairs generally remain intact throughout the removal process.

Because the laser can also interact with pigment within the brow hairs, temporary whitening or lightening of the hair is possible. At OPIA, special topical solutions are applied to the brow hairs before treatment to help protect them and minimize this effect.

In OPIA's experience, this typically protects approximately 90% or more of the brow hairs from visible whitening, and many clients experience very little whitening at all. Results can vary, however, and some individual hairs may still temporarily lighten.

If whitening does occur, it does not mean the hair follicle has been permanently damaged. The affected hair can be managed cosmetically while it grows through its normal cycle.

As the tattoo pigment underneath becomes lighter, your natural brow hair often becomes much more visually prominent, giving us a clearer picture of the fullness and shape you naturally have to work with. This is also why treatments such as Brow Lamination, Shaping & Tint can be so effective between laser sessions — enhancing the natural hair while the unwanted pigment underneath continues to fade.

Losing the colour and definition you're accustomed to from Permanent Makeup can feel like a big adjustment — but your brows don't have to look unfinished while you're going through removal.

Once your brows have healed following laser treatment, Brow Lamination, Shaping & Tint can be a great way to enhance your natural brows between removal sessions.

At OPIA, many removal clients have been loving this option. Lamination helps redirect and flatten the natural brow hairs across the skin, creating the appearance of greater coverage and fullness. Shaping gives the brows structure, while tinting adds back some of the colour and definition you may be missing as the tattoo pigment is removed.

The result can make a surprisingly big difference — you get to enjoy groomed, full-looking, defined brows while still allowing the unwanted Permanent Makeup underneath to continue through the removal process.

Brow Lamination can typically be considered around 2 weeks after laser treatment, once the skin is completely healed and back to normal. Your brows will always be assessed before proceeding to make sure the skin is ready.

Laser treatment is very quick, but it is not completely painless.

At OPIA, a strong topical anesthetic is applied for approximately 30 minutes before treatment to help make the procedure more comfortable.

You may still feel brief heat, snapping or stinging as the laser fires, but the actual treatment itself is very fast — typically around a minute per brow.

OPIA also uses a cold-air cooling machine during treatment to soothe the skin and improve comfort.

Most importantly, the uncomfortable portion is over very quickly.

There is no reliable way to know exactly how many laser sessions you'll need before seeing how your pigment responds.

Some brows respond dramatically to the first treatment, while others require a longer removal process. Factors that can affect the number of sessions include:

• How many times the brows have previously been tattooed
• The amount and depth of pigment present
• Pigment composition and colours
• Technique used by the previous artist
• Scar tissue
• Your individual response to treatment
• Whether your goal is toning, sufficient lightening for new PMU, or maximum possible removal

Clients with multiple layers of previous Permanent Makeup generally should expect a longer process than someone with a lightly saturated single treatment.

Sessions are typically spaced far enough apart to allow the skin to heal and the body time to continue clearing fragmented pigment before deciding whether another treatment is needed.

Immediately following treatment, leave the brows alone for approximately 6–12 hours. If they feel warm or swollen, a cool pack may be applied gently with a clean cloth barrier between the pack and your skin.

After the initial period:

• Gently cleanse the brows daily and apply the healing ointment provided for approximately one week.
• Avoid makeup directly on the brows for at least 48 hours, and longer if the skin has not returned to normal.
• Avoid exercise, excessive sweating, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, swimming and very hot baths/showers for at least 72 hours.
• Protect the treated area from UV exposure for 30 days. Use physical protection such as a hat while the skin is healing and SPF once appropriate.
• Do not scratch, pick or remove any scabbing or flaking that develops.

Your brows will continue changing well beyond the initial healing period as your body gradually clears fragmented pigment.

Review the full Laser Brow Aftercare Guide here

Laser Brow Treatments are not appropriate for everyone. Treatment may need to be postponed or may not be suitable if you are:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Currently taking or have recently taken isotretinoin/Accutane
• Currently taking or have recently completed certain antibiotics or photosensitizing medications
• Undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or active cancer treatment
• Experiencing an active infection, wound, irritation or skin condition in or around the treatment area
• Unable to remove a piercing or other metal item within the treatment area
• Recently treated with Brow Lamination, tinting or other brow treatments (2 weeks)
• Recently treated with Botox, filler or other injections around the treatment area (2 weeks)
• Living with a medical condition or taking medication that may significantly affect healing, photosensitivity or immune response

Certain implanted medical devices, medications and medical conditions may also require additional assessment or medical clearance.

This is not a complete list of contraindications. OPIA's booking system will take you through a detailed health and contraindication questionnaire before treatment. Please answer all questions accurately and disclose relevant medications, medical conditions and recent treatments.

Immediately after treatment, the skin may appear red, slightly swollen or lighter/whiter around the pigment. This initial appearance is temporary and should not be used to judge your result.

With Laser Brow Toning, redness is generally mild and the brows may initially look noticeably lighter before settling. As the immediate skin response subsides over the following hours and days, the underlying pigment colour becomes easier to assess.

With Laser Brow Removal, the colour you see can vary considerably depending on which pigments remain. Brows may appear grey, red, orange, yellow, brown or a combination of tones at different stages of the removal process.

This is because Permanent Makeup pigments are often made from multiple colour components that don't necessarily respond to laser at the same rate.

Your result is not finished when you leave the studio. The brows can continue lightening and changing over the following weeks as the skin heals and your body gradually processes fragmented pigment.

Yes. A strong topical anesthetic is applied for approximately 30 minutes before treatment to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

Laser removal can still produce a brief hot, snapping or stinging sensation, even with topical numbing, but treatment of the eyebrows is extremely quick.

OPIA also uses a cold-air cooling machine during treatment to soothe the skin and further improve comfort.

Laser tattoo removal is generally well tolerated when appropriately performed, but side effects and complications are possible.

Expected temporary reactions can include redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth.

Less common risks can include:

• Itching, pinpoint bleeding, blistering, crusting
• Hyperpigmentation — temporary or prolonged darkening of the skin
• Hypopigmentation — temporary or prolonged lightening of the skin
• Blistering or prolonged irritation
• Infection during healing
• Changes in skin texture
• Scarring, although uncommon
• Temporary changes to brow hair
• Incomplete or uneven pigment removal
• Unexpected pigment colour changes or darkening

Cosmetic tattoo pigments can respond unpredictably to laser because their exact composition is not always known. Some pigments can change colour when exposed to particular laser wavelengths, which is one reason treatments are approached progressively rather than attempting aggressive removal in a single session.

Following all pre-care and aftercare instructions helps minimize avoidable complications.

Don't judge your brow colour immediately after laser treatment. What you see when you first look in the mirror is not necessarily what your brows will look like once the immediate skin response has settled.

Laser can temporarily cause the treated area to appear lighter or white, and the underlying pigment may look quite different as that reaction subsides.

Over the following days and weeks, your brows can continue changing as different pigment components become visible and your body gradually clears fragmented pigment.

At OPIA, treatments can use different laser wavelengths where appropriate to target different pigment colours present in the brows. However, cosmetic tattoo pigment is complex, and no laser treatment can guarantee the exact colour that will be revealed afterward.

Grey, red, orange or yellow tones may become visible at different stages of removal. This does not necessarily mean something has gone wrong — it may simply represent another layer or component of the original pigment that is now visible.

The important thing is to allow the brows to fully heal before evaluating the result. Once they've settled, your artist can determine whether the next step should be another removal treatment, additional toning, corrective Permanent Makeup, or simply more time to fade.

Yes. Most Laser Brow Removal clients come to OPIA with Permanent Makeup originally completed elsewhere. Previous Microblading, Nano, Ombré or Combo Brows can be assessed to determine whether Laser Brow Removal, Laser Toning, continued fading or another approach is most appropriate.

Not every unwanted brow needs complete removal. If the shape is still flattering but the pigment has become too dark, grey, cool or saturated, Laser Brow Toning may be enough to improve the colour and create a better foundation for future Permanent Makeup. Brows with unwanted shape, heavy saturation or significant pigment buildup may benefit from more complete removal. A consultation or Brow Review can help determine the best approach.

Laser Brow Removal at OPIA is $150 per session + GST. The number of treatments required varies depending on the amount, depth, colour and composition of the existing pigment, as well as previous Permanent Makeup treatments and individual response.

New Permanent Makeup should only be performed once the skin has fully healed and the pigment has had sufficient time to continue clearing after the final laser treatment, for most clients this is 6-8 weeks. Timing varies depending on the treatment response and condition of the skin, so the brows are reassessed before booking new Permanent Makeup. 

Not every brow needs full removal. If the shape is still flattering but the pigment has become too grey, dark, cool or saturated, Laser Brow Toning may be enough to improve the colour and create a better foundation for future Permanent Makeup. Brows with unwanted shape, heavy saturation or significant pigment buildup may benefit from more complete removal.

OPIA uses picosecond laser technology for tattoo removal. Picosecond lasers deliver energy in extremely short pulses, creating a strong photoacoustic effect that helps fragment tattoo pigment while limiting unnecessary thermal exposure to the surrounding tissue.

Our laser operates at two wavelengths — 1064 nm and 532 nm — allowing us to target different pigment colours.

1064 nm is primarily used for darker pigments such as black and grey, while 532 nm is used for warmer pigments such as red, orange and pink.

Not every tattoo colour responds to these wavelengths, which is why the colours present in your tattoo must be assessed before treatment.

OPIA specializes in tattoo colours that can be effectively targeted by our 1064 nm and 532 nm picosecond wavelengths.

This primarily includes:

• Black and grey
• Red, orange and pink
• Permanent Makeup eyebrows containing treatable pigments
• Black Permanent Makeup eyeliner, when appropriate for treatment

Colours such as green, blue, turquoise, yellow, white and certain mixed pigments may not respond adequately to the wavelengths available at OPIA and may require a different laser technology or removal approach.

Tattoo inks are not all made the same, and colour alone cannot guarantee how a tattoo will respond. Pigment composition, depth, density and previous treatments all influence the removal process.

There is no reliable way to determine or guarantee the exact number of sessions required before seeing how your tattoo responds to treatment.

The removal process can be affected by:

• Tattoo size and location
• Amount, depth and density of pigment
• Professional versus amateur application
• Number of times the area has been tattooed
• Colours and composition of the ink
• Scar tissue within the tattoo
• Previous removal treatments
• Your individual immune response and healing
• Aftercare and sun exposure
• Your desired end result — significant lightening versus maximum possible removal

Some tattoos respond relatively quickly, while others require many treatments over an extended period of time.

Your tattoo will be reassessed as treatment progresses rather than promising a predetermined number of sessions.

For complete instructions, please review the Body Tattoo Removal Aftercare Guide.

Complete removal is possible for some tattoos, but it can never be guaranteed.

Tattoo inks vary enormously in their composition, colour, depth and density, and some pigments respond much more readily to laser than others. Even tattoos that respond very well may leave behind small amounts of residual pigment, colour changes or evidence that a tattoo was previously present.

Pre-existing scar tissue from the original tattoo may also become more noticeable as the pigment covering it disappears.

The goal of treatment may therefore be maximum possible removal or sufficient lightening for another purpose, depending on your tattoo and expectations.

For complete instructions, please review the Body Tattoo Removal Aftercare Guide.

Ideally, laser treatment removes or significantly reduces the tattoo pigment without substantially changing the surrounding skin.

However, the final appearance depends on several factors, including the original tattooing technique, pre-existing scar tissue, your skin's response to treatment and how the area heals throughout the removal process.

Sometimes scarring or texture that was created when the tattoo was originally applied becomes more visible as the ink disappears. This doesn't necessarily mean the laser created the scar — the pigment may simply have been concealing it.

Changes in pigmentation or skin texture are also possible complications of laser tattoo removal.

Once removal is complete and the skin has fully healed, treatments such as microneedling or other appropriate skin treatments may be considered if residual texture or scarring remains.

For complete instructions, please review the Body Tattoo Removal Aftercare Guide.

Immediately following Laser Tattoo Removal, it's normal for the treated area to look quite different.

Temporary reactions may include redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, pinpoint bleeding, bruising or a raised appearance.

You may also notice “frosting” — a temporary white or chalky appearance over the tattoo immediately after the laser passes over it. This occurs because of a rapid reaction within the treated tissue and typically resolves relatively quickly.

Once the immediate reaction settles, the tattoo may initially look quite similar to how it did before treatment.

This does not mean the treatment didn't work.

Tattoo removal happens gradually. The fragmented pigment continues to be processed by the body over the following weeks, so progress should be evaluated over time rather than immediately after your appointment.

I would remove “sensitivity to light” from your old answer. That's not a typical immediate tattoo-removal symptom in the way redness/swelling/frosting are.

Yes. OPIA provides topical numbing before Laser Tattoo Removal to make treatment as comfortable as possible.

At your first appointment, the topical anesthetic is applied and allowed to sit for approximately 30 minutes before treatment begins.

For subsequent appointments, you may be provided with numbing product and instructions for applying it before arriving so the area has adequate time to numb before your treatment.

Even with numbing, you may still feel some of the laser pulses, but treatment itself is generally very quick, while a cool-air machine sooths the area we are working on.

Laser Tattoo Removal can be uncomfortable, but the actual laser treatment is generally very quick.

Clients commonly describe the sensation as something similar to a hot elastic band snapping against the skin. A freezing-air machine will be use to soothe the area as we work. 

At OPIA, topical anesthetic is used before treatment to improve comfort. Individual sensitivity varies depending on the tattoo's location, size, pigment density and your personal pain tolerance.

Many clients find the procedure manageable because each treatment pass is over relatively quickly.

If a dressing is applied after your treatment, leave the area protected for approximately 6–12 hours, unless your artist instructs you otherwise.

Once the dressing is removed:

• Gently cleanse the area with a mild cleanser and pat dry.
• Apply healing ointment as instructed and as needed for comfort during the initial healing period.
• Keep the area clean and protected, but avoid unnecessary touching.
• Do not pick, scratch or remove blisters, flakes or scabs that develop.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive sweating for at least 48 hours.
• Avoid hot baths/showers, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and swimming for at least 48 hours, or longer if the skin has not returned to normal.
• Protect the treated area from sun and UV exposure for at least 30 days, using clothing or physical protection while actively healing and SPF once appropriate.

Redness and swelling generally settle relatively quickly, while bruising, itching, flaking, blistering or scabbing may take longer to resolve.

Your tattoo will continue changing after the surface of your skin appears healed, as pigment clearance occurs gradually over the following weeks.

For complete instructions, please review the Body Tattoo Removal Aftercare Guide.

Proper preparation helps ensure your skin is in an appropriate condition for treatment.

Before your appointment:

• Avoid tanning, sunburn and significant UV exposure. Laser cannot be performed on sunburned or significantly tanned skin.
• Arrive with healthy, intact skin free from wounds, irritation or active skin conditions in the treatment area.
• Stay well hydrated before and after your appointment.
• Disclose all medications and supplements during your intake process, particularly anything that may cause photosensitivity, affect healing or increase bleeding.
• Do not discontinue prescribed blood-thinning medication for a cosmetic laser appointment unless specifically instructed by the healthcare professional who prescribed it.
• For body tattoos, shave the treatment area shortly before your appointment if instructed, taking care not to irritate or cut the skin.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows the tattoo to be easily accessed and won't rub tightly against the treated area afterward.

If you are taking antibiotics or another new medication, contact OPIA before your appointment so it can be assessed before treatment.

For complete instructions, please review the Body Tattoo Removal Aftercare Guide.

Laser Tattoo Removal may not be appropriate for everyone. Treatment may need to be postponed or declined if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have sunburned, significantly tanned, broken or irritated skin in the treatment area
• Have an active infection or skin condition affecting the treatment area
• Are taking medications that cause significant photosensitivity or affect healing
• Are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or active cancer treatment
• Have certain implanted medical devices, surgical hardware or other medical considerations in or near the treatment area
• Have a medical condition that significantly affects healing, immune function or your response to laser
• Have recently undergone another treatment that has compromised the skin in the area

Current or recent isotretinoin/Accutane use should also be disclosed so your individual circumstances and skin condition can be assessed before treatment.

This is not a complete list of contraindications. OPIA's booking system will take you through a detailed health and contraindication questionnaire. Please disclose all relevant medications, medical conditions, recent treatments and changes to your health before every laser appointment.

Laser Tattoo Removal is generally well tolerated when appropriately performed, but side effects and complications are possible.

Expected temporary reactions may include:

• Redness and swelling
• Tenderness, warmth or soreness
• Itching
• Pinpoint bleeding
• Bruising
• Blistering
• Flaking, crusting or scabbing

Less common risks include:

• Hyperpigmentation — darkening of the treated skin
• Hypopigmentation — lightening of the treated skin
• Infection during healing
• Prolonged irritation
• Changes in skin texture
• Scarring
• Incomplete or uneven pigment removal
• Unexpected changes in tattoo colour
• Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to fragmented tattoo pigment

Pain, temporary redness/swelling, blistering and pigmentary changes are all documented adverse effects of laser tattoo removal.

Because the exact composition of tattoo ink is often unknown, no technician can guarantee exactly how a particular tattoo or pigment will respond to laser treatment.

Following all pre-care and aftercare instructions and allowing adequate healing between treatments helps reduce avoidable risks.

Yellow can be one of the most stubborn colours remaining after Laser Brow Removal.

Permanent Makeup pigments are often mixtures of several colours. As darker black, grey and red components are reduced during laser treatment, yellow pigment may become increasingly visible. Yellow is particularly difficult for many tattoo-removal lasers to effectively target. The FDA likewise identifies yellow among the more difficult tattoo colours to remove.

When additional laser treatment is unlikely to provide meaningful improvement, an alternative removal method may be considered to gradually reduce the remaining pigment.

Results vary considerably. Some residual pigment responds well, while other pigment can be extremely persistent, so complete removal cannot be guaranteed.

The treatment is generally well tolerated, but it is not completely painless.

A topical anesthetic is applied for approximately 20–30 minutes before treatment to improve comfort. Additional numbing may be used during treatment where appropriate.

Clients may experience stinging, warmth, tenderness or sensitivity, and individual experiences vary depending on skin sensitivity, previous treatments and the condition of the brows.

The treatment area is relatively small, which also helps make the procedure manageable.

The first several days after treatment are important for allowing the skin to heal properly.

Follow the specific instructions provided at your appointment, including when to first cleanse the area and when to begin using your provided healing product.

During healing:

• Gently cleanse as instructed and pat dry rather than rubbing.
• Apply your provided healing product according to your aftercare instructions.
• Do not scratch, pick, peel or prematurely remove any flaking or scabbing.
• Avoid exercise, excessive sweating, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, swimming and very hot baths/showers for at least 72 hours, or longer if the skin has not returned to normal.
• Protect the brows from sun and UV exposure throughout healing. Physical protection such as a hat is preferable initially, followed by SPF once the skin has healed sufficiently for sunscreen.
• Avoid applying irritating skincare ingredients directly to the healing area until completely recovered.

Because glycolic acid is an AHA and can increase photosensitivity, your 30-day UV precautions make sense as a conservative OPIA aftercare policy; FDA advises sun protection during AHA use and afterward.

Eyebrow pigment-removal treatments intentionally create a controlled response within the skin and therefore require healthy, intact skin and appropriate healing capacity.

Treatment may need to be postponed or may not be appropriate if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have an active infection, wound, irritation or skin condition in or around the brows
• Are taking medication that significantly affects healing, photosensitivity or immune function
• Are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or active cancer treatment
• Have recently had Botox, filler or injectable treatments around the treatment area
• Have recently had Brow Lamination, waxing or other treatments that may have sensitized the skin
• Have recently used retinoids, AHAs, BHAs or other exfoliating products around the brows
• Have recently undergone microneedling, chemical peels, resurfacing or other treatments affecting the area
• Have a history of keloid or abnormal scarring, which may require additional assessment

Current or recent isotretinoin use, antibiotics and other prescription medications should be disclosed during booking so they can be individually assessed rather than relying on a blanket waiting period.

This is not a complete list of contraindications. OPIA's booking system will take you through a detailed health and contraindication questionnaire before treatment.

There is no way to determine exactly how many treatments you'll need before seeing how your brows respond.

For residual pigment removal, the number of treatments depends on factors including how much pigment remains, its composition and depth, previous Permanent Makeup and laser treatments, scar tissue and your individual healing response.

For brow-restoration treatments, results can similarly vary based on the amount and condition of your existing natural brow hair and the underlying reason for sparse areas.

A series of treatments may be recommended, with adequate healing time between sessions. Your progress will be assessed at each appointment before deciding whether another treatment is appropriate.

Immediately after treatment, expect the brows and surrounding skin to look red and noticeably irritated.

Depending on the treatment and your individual response, you may also experience swelling, tenderness, pinpoint bleeding or fluid, and some visible treatment residue.

Over the following days, the brows may become dry, red, flaky or scabbed as the skin heals. It is extremely important to allow this process to happen naturally and never pick or prematurely remove healing skin or scabs, as doing so can increase the risk of scarring, pigment changes and uneven results.

Because the brows can look quite noticeable immediately afterward, we recommend planning to head home after your appointment rather than scheduling it immediately before work, events or social plans.

Yes. A topical anesthetic is applied for approximately 20–30 minutes before treatment to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

For subsequent appointments, you may be provided with numbing product and instructions for applying it before arriving so the area has adequate time to numb.

Individual sensitivity varies, and some stinging or discomfort may still be felt despite topical numbing.

Because these treatments intentionally affect the skin, temporary inflammation and a healing period are expected, and complications are possible.

Expected or relatively common temporary effects can include:

• Redness and swelling
• Tenderness, stinging or soreness
• Pinpoint bleeding
• Itching
• Flaking, crusting or scabbing

Potential complications can include:

• Prolonged irritation
• Blistering or skin injury
• Infection during healing
• Hyperpigmentation — darkening of the treated skin
• Hypopigmentation — lightening of the treated skin
• Changes in skin texture
• Scarring
• Uneven or incomplete pigment reduction

Residual tattoo pigment can be difficult to remove, and results cannot be guaranteed. More aggressive non-laser approaches can increase the possibility of skin injury and scarring, which is why treatments should be performed conservatively and sufficient healing time allowed between sessions.

Following all pre-care and aftercare instructions is important for minimizing avoidable complications.