Preparing for cosmetic tattooing starts with sharing relevant information and planning time for healing. Use this guide alongside the individual instructions ELKA CLINIC gives you for your brows, eyeliner or lips.
Medication, skin concerns and suitability
Tell ELKA about relevant medication, including prescribed anticoagulants or other blood thinners, as well as allergies, skin concerns and previous cosmetic tattooing. Do not stop or change prescribed medication on your own. Only alter it if advised or approved by the appropriate prescribing healthcare professional. We may need further information or an assessment before proceeding.
Let us know if the treatment area is irritated, sunburnt or has an active skin concern. Contact us before your appointment if anything has changed so we can discuss whether treatment should be postponed.
Is a separate consultation necessary?
A separate consultation is optional unless your individual situation requires assessment before proceeding. You can book treatment directly; assessment, discussion and design can take place at the treatment appointment. An optional consultation is available if you would prefer to discuss your options first.
Tell us about sensitive skin or previous allergic reactions so we can discuss whether a patch test or further advice is appropriate. Assessment and patch testing cannot guarantee that a reaction will not occur. Our Standards & Safety page explains broader treatment considerations.
Before your appointment
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours before your appointment.
- Avoid tanning and sunburn in the week before treatment.
- Avoid waxing, threading or tinting brows or lashes in the week before treatment.
- Discuss skincare acids, retinol and chemical exfoliants used near the treatment area. Non-prescription products may need to be paused 3–5 days beforehand; prescribed products should only be changed with your prescribing healthcare professional’s advice.
- Arrive with a clean treatment area, without makeup, creams or oils.
Preparation for brows, eyeliner and lips
Brows: Allow at least two weeks between Botox and your brow appointment, and discuss any recent injectable treatment with us. Brow serums should generally be paused four weeks beforehand; if prescribed, seek advice from your prescribing healthcare professional before changing their use. Explore Nano Brows and our brow FAQs.
Eyeliner: Remove lash extensions at least 2–3 days before treatment and avoid non-prescription lash growth serums for one month. Discuss prescribed products with your prescribing healthcare professional. See our Eyeliner Tattoo page for treatment information.
Lips: Tell us if you have a history of cold sores and seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional about whether antiviral medication is suitable. Follow their instructions if it is prescribed. Stay hydrated and keep lips moisturised in the days beforehand. Read our Lip Blush FAQs for preparation questions.
On the day and planning ahead
Eat beforehand, wear comfortable clothing and bring any questions about shape, colour or healing. Allow time after treatment for the initial colour and surface healing, especially before holidays or important events. Fresh treatment photographs do not show the final healed result; our client gallery includes labelled examples.
Read the ELKA Aftercare hub before your appointment so you can plan ahead. If you are ready, book treatment or an optional consultation. For individual preparation questions, contact ELKA.