Cosmetic Tattoo Refresh and Correction in North Lakes
Faded brows, patchy lips, or work from another salon that never healed the way you hoped. You don't have to start from scratch. Our certified artists refresh, correct and, where needed, lighten existing cosmetic tattoo.
Three reasons people come to us
My brows or lips have faded
Cosmetic tattoo softens over time. Sun, oily skin, retinol and exfoliating acids speed it up. At 8 to 12 months a refresh brings the colour and definition back, usually in a single shorter session.
I had it done elsewhere
Uneven shape, colour that healed grey, red or orange, strokes that blurred. We see a lot of this. We assess the existing work in person, tell you honestly what's possible, and quote from there. The consultation is free.
I want it lighter or gone
Old, dark or badly placed pigment can be lightened with chemical removal. It works gradually over sessions and is often the first step before a fresh set of brows can be tattooed properly.
What it costs
Refresh
Brings faded powder, ombre or lip blush work back to full colour. One session, less time than the original.
Touch-Up
Perfects the refresh once healed, if needed. New powder and ombre brow bookings already include their first touch-up.
Chemical Removal
Lightens old pigment so it can be corrected or re-done. Most clients need more than one session, spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart.
Consultation first, always
We look
In person, under good light. We check how much pigment is left, what colour it has healed to, whether the shape suits your face, and how your skin has held it.
We tell you straight
Refresh, correct, lighten first, or start again. If the honest answer is "this needs removal before anything else", we say so. We won't tattoo over work that will heal badly.
You order numbing cream
Queensland Health requires you to bring your own topical anaesthetic. Instructions are on our cosmetic tattoo page.
The session
Refresh and correction sessions are usually shorter than a first tattoo. Healing follows the same pattern: bold for a week, softens, settles by week 4 to 6.
Why old brows go grey, red or orange
Pigment doesn't fade evenly. The darker components break down first, leaving a cool grey or blue cast, or a warm red or orange one, depending on what was used. Tattooing the same colour straight over the top won't fix it. A correction uses a pigment chosen to neutralise what's left, then builds the right colour back on top. Sometimes that happens in one session, sometimes removal comes first.
What to bring
- A photo of the original work when it was fresh, if you have one
- Any details you know: when it was done, what technique, how many sessions
- Your own numbing cream, ordered as soon as you book
- A reference photo of the brows or lips you'd like
- No brow waxing, threading or tinting for 5 days before
Before you book
How do I know if I need a refresh or a full new set?
If the shape still suits you and the colour has simply softened, a refresh. If the shape is wrong, the colour has changed, or the old pigment is too dark to work over, it's a correction, removal, or a new set. We tell you which at the consultation.
Can you fix brows tattooed at another salon?
In most cases, yes. We assess the old work in person and quote from there. Very dark, deep or badly shaped pigment may need lightening first. We'll be honest about what's achievable and how many sessions it will take.
How does chemical removal work?
A removal solution is tattooed into the area and draws pigment up and out of the skin as it heals. Each session lightens the tattoo further. Most people need two or more sessions, 6 to 8 weeks apart. It's gentler on the skin than laser for cosmetic tattoo pigment.
How long should I wait between the original tattoo and a refresh?
8 to 12 months is the usual window. Refreshing too early builds up pigment unnecessarily. Waiting much longer than 18 months often means more work to bring the colour back.
Does a refresh hurt less than the first time?
Usually. Sessions are shorter and you know what to expect. You still need your own numbing cream.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. Book a consultation and we'll assess your existing work, explain your options, and give you a firm price before anything is done. For a refresh of your own Iconic tattoo you can book the refresh directly.
Honest assessment, certified artists
Book a free consultation
Salon near Big W, Westfield North Lakes. Bring a photo of the original work and we'll tell you exactly what's possible.