Guide

Contraindications

When Permanent Makeup Should Be Avoided, Postponed, or Medically Reviewed


Permanent makeup is a cosmetic tattoo procedure performed within the skin. Because of that, certain health conditions, medications, skin conditions, and timing factors can affect whether the procedure is safe, appropriate, or likely to heal well.
This guide explains when permanent makeup should not be performed, when it should be postponed, and when medical clearance or additional review may be needed.
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have a medical condition, take prescription medication, or are unsure whether permanent makeup is appropriate for you, please speak with your healthcare provider before booking.

Why Contraindications Matter


Contraindications are not meant to make the process intimidating. They exist to protect your skin, your health, and the quality of the healed result.
Permanent makeup should only be performed when the treatment area is healthy, the skin is stable, and your body is able to heal properly.
When contraindications are ignored, the risk of poor healing, excessive sensitivity, infection, pigment loss, uneven color, prolonged irritation, or unpredictable results may increase.
If an appointment needs to be postponed, it is not a setback. It is a safety decision.

When We Cannot Perform the Procedure


Permanent makeup cannot be performed if any of the following apply:
  • you are under 18;
  • you are currently pregnant;
  • you have an active infection in the body or treatment area;
  • you have fever, flu, or feel acutely unwell;
  • you are under the influence of alcohol or recreational substances;
  • you are unable to understand or sign consent forms;
  • you have open wounds, burns, cuts, or broken skin in the treatment area;
  • you have active inflammation, severe irritation, or uncontrolled skin disease in the treatment area;
  • you have an active cold sore and are booking a lip procedure;
  • you are currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or another intensive medical treatment without medical clearance.
In these cases, the appointment must be postponed, declined, or reviewed before proceeding.

Postpone Your Appointment If


Some situations are temporary. They do not necessarily mean you cannot have permanent makeup, but the timing may need to change.
Please postpone or contact us before your appointment if you have:
  • sunburn or recent tanning in the treatment area;
  • active acne, rash, eczema flare, dermatitis, or irritation in the treatment area;
  • recent laser, chemical peel, microneedling, resurfacing, or aggressive skin treatment;
  • recent Botox, filler, facial procedure, surgery, dental work, or other cosmetic treatment near the area;
  • recent illness, fever, infection, antibiotics, or immune reaction;
  • new or unexplained skin sensitivity;
  • fresh scars, wounds, burns, or injuries;
  • active cold sore or healing cold sore before a lip procedure;
  • unhealed previous permanent makeup or tattoo removal;
  • skin that is peeling, cracking, bleeding, or visibly compromised.
The safest timing depends on the area, your skin condition, and the procedure being performed.
A better date is better than a compromised result.

Medical Clearance May Be Required


Some clients may still be able to receive permanent makeup, but additional review or medical clearance may be needed before the procedure.
Please contact us before booking if you have a history of:
  • diabetes or blood sugar regulation issues;
  • blood clotting disorders or excessive bleeding;
  • heart conditions that may require medical precautions;
  • history of endocarditis;
  • keloid or hypertrophic scarring;
  • immune system conditions or treatments that affect immunity;
  • conditions that significantly affect wound healing;
  • active cancer treatment or recent cancer treatment;
  • organ transplant history;
  • epilepsy or seizure disorder;
  • uncontrolled high blood pressure;
  • circulation problems;
  • severe allergies or previous severe allergic reactions;
  • allergy or sensitivity to pigments, metals, latex, adhesives, topical anesthetics, or skincare ingredients.
Medical clearance does not automatically guarantee that the procedure will be performed. It helps us make a safer and more informed decision.

Medications That May Affect the Procedure


Certain medications and treatments may affect bleeding, sensitivity, immune response, pigment retention, or healing.
Please tell us before your appointment if you take or recently used:
  • blood thinners;
  • aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication regularly;
  • steroids;
  • immunosuppressive medication;
  • isotretinoin / Accutane;
  • antibiotics;
  • chemotherapy medication;
  • medication for autoimmune or inflammatory conditions;
  • medication that affects skin healing;
  • medication that increases photosensitivity;
  • medication that affects blood pressure or clotting.
Do not stop prescribed medication without speaking with your healthcare provider.
If a medication may affect the safety or quality of the procedure, your appointment may need to be postponed or medical clearance may be requested.

Skin Conditions in the Treatment Area


Permanent makeup should not be performed over skin that is actively compromised.
This includes:
  • eczema flare;
  • psoriasis flare;
  • dermatitis;
  • active acne;
  • rash or hives;
  • infection;
  • cuts or abrasions;
  • burns or sunburn;
  • peeling skin;
  • open wounds;
  • unexplained redness;
  • severe dryness or cracking;
  • active irritation;
  • new or changing moles;
  • unhealed scars.
The treatment area must be healthy, intact, and stable before pigment is placed.
If the skin is not ready, the procedure may need to be postponed.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding


Permanent makeup is not performed during pregnancy.
For breastfeeding clients, timing may require individual review. Sensitivity, hormonal changes, healing response, medication limitations, and overall health can affect whether the procedure is appropriate at that time.
If you are breastfeeding, please contact us before booking and speak with your healthcare provider if needed.
The safest approach is to schedule permanent makeup when your body is more stable and healing conditions are predictable.

Lip Procedures & Cold Sores


Lip procedures require special attention if you have a history of cold sores.
Even if you do not have an active outbreak on the day of your appointment, lip tattooing may trigger a cold sore outbreak in people who are prone to them.
If you have ever had cold sores, please speak with your healthcare provider about preventive antiviral care before booking a lip procedure.
Lip procedures cannot be performed during an active outbreak or while the area is still healing.

Eyeliner Procedures


Eyeliner procedures cannot be performed if you have:
  • an eye infection;
  • conjunctivitis;
  • a stye;
  • active eye irritation;
  • unexplained redness;
  • excessive dryness or sensitivity;
  • recent eye surgery;
  • recent eye injury;
  • lash extensions on;
  • contact lenses that cannot be removed.
If you use lash growth serums, have chronic eye conditions, or recently had eye surgery, contact us before booking.
The eye area must be calm, healthy, and safe to work on.

Scar Camouflage & Areola Restoration


Paramedical tattooing requires stable, fully healed skin.
Scar camouflage and areola restoration should not be performed over:
  • fresh scars;
  • active scar remodeling;
  • red, raised, painful, or changing scar tissue;
  • unhealed surgical areas;
  • areas affected by recent radiation without medical clearance;
  • active irritation or inflammation;
  • unstable skin tone;
  • skin that is still changing after trauma, surgery, or treatment.
Some areas require more time before they are ready.
Waiting is often what allows the result to look softer, safer, and more natural.

Previous Permanent Makeup or Tattooing


Previous pigment is not always a contraindication, but it can change what is possible.
Old permanent makeup may be too dark, too saturated, too uneven, too cool, too warm, incorrectly shaped, or placed too deeply. In some cases, new work cannot be placed safely or beautifully over old pigment.
If you have previous permanent makeup, please send clear photos before booking.
You may need correction, lightening, removal, or a separate assessment before a new procedure.
Detailed information about previous work and corrections is covered separately in our correction guide.

When We May Postpone or Decline Treatment


We may postpone or decline treatment if:
  • the skin is not safe to work on;
  • the treatment area is irritated, inflamed, or compromised;
  • medical information is incomplete;
  • medical clearance is needed but has not been provided;
  • previous pigment prevents a clean result;
  • the requested result is not technically appropriate;
  • the timing is likely to compromise healing;
  • the procedure may create more risk than benefit.
This decision is made to protect your skin, your healed result, and the integrity of the work.
A postponed appointment is always better than a compromised outcome.

Your Responsibility


Please provide accurate information before your appointment.
Permanent makeup requires honest disclosure about medical history, medications, allergies, skin conditions, previous procedures, previous permanent makeup, and recent treatments.
Withholding information can affect your safety, healing, pigment retention, and final result.
If you are unsure whether something matters, tell us. It is better to review it before the procedure than to discover it during the appointment.

At Shadés, we do not perform permanent makeup simply because an appointment is booked.
We perform it when the skin is ready, the timing is appropriate, and the procedure can be done with a reasonable expectation of safe healing and a refined result.
Safety, clarity, and professional judgment come first.

Unsure If This Applies to You?


If you are unsure whether a condition, medication, recent treatment, or skin issue affects your appointment, contact us before booking.
Please send clear photos if the concern is visible on the skin.
A small adjustment in timing can protect the quality of your final result.

©Shadés