Tech Talk #45: Medications & Cosmetic Tattoo

The Impact of Medications on Cosmetic Tattoos and Pigment Retention

Are you ever left wondering why the result of a cosmetic tattoo wasn’t as you expected? Maybe the pigment retention was poor, or the colour didn’t heal quite right. 

Great cosmetic tattooing isn’t just about perfect strokes or colour choices. It’s also about knowing what’s happening beneath the skin. Medications can completely change how pigment heals, and as a technician, you need to be able to recognise and manage these situations.

We're looking at:

• How to approach the subject of medications with your client
• Key medications to look out for
• Where you can learn more!

Approaching medications with your client

“But I ask about medications in my consult form” we hear you say. Will every client remember or declare that they are taking? No.

It’s understandable that a client typically won’t feel the need to disclose their medications or medical history with you. They might genuinely not understand the importance of it, or be uncomfortable discussing it. Because of this, you also can’t just rely on your consultation form to flag any medications, etc.

We find the best approach is to pick an example medication, and inform them how it changes the colour. For example, thyroid medications can change the colour of the pigment to be a lot cooler/have a blue hue, as well as impacting retention.

Key medications to look out for:

These days there are thousands of medications for hundreds of medical conditions, usually involving a chemical (drug). Many can react with cosmetic tattoo pigments, particularly if they affect the skin or lymphatic system.

Here are some of the medications you really need to ask about to check:

• Acne medication: Isotretinoin changes the skin and compromises healing. Wait 6 to 12 months before tattooing.
• Antibiotics: Can cause skin sensitivity (redness, rashes) and should be avoided before cosmetic tattooing,
• Arthritis medications: Some can change the pigment colour and retention.
• Blood thinners: Substances from fish oil to heparin can cause excess bleeding, reducing pigment retention.
• Hormone replacement: HRT drugs may cause fading and ‘tone down’ pigment colours.
• Lash serums: Can thicken the eyelids and cause pigment uptake and retention issues. Clients should stop one month in advance.
• Thyroid medications: Can result in poor pigment retention and impact the healed colour result (generally the colour heals a lot 'cooler' than normal).
• Tranquillisers: Usage is now widespread. If a client appears vague, you need to be sure they are ready to make a commitment. 

This is not a comprehensive list. What is required is an honest discussion with the client, and as the treating technician, you need to be knowledgeable about what could impact a treatment. The client will usually still want to go ahead, possibly with a delay, but the conversation should minimise the risk of future complaints.

Want to know more? The Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing includes what you need to know about medications, contraindications, and precautions.