KELOWNA – Interior Health has issued a public warning about cosmetic tattoos.
The agency is urging caution when selecting a business that provides procedures such as eyebrow microblading, also known as eyebrow embroidery.
It’s a semi-permanent makeup technique that uses a small blade and ink to hi-light or re-shape eyebrows.
Interior Health advises customers ensure the provider has safeguards in place.
“It’s important that equipment used, including microblades and needles, be sterilized to prevent the transmission of infection diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, as well as skin infections,” states the public service announcement.
“A single use disposable microblading pen is recommended for this type of procedure. To ensure microblading equipment is sterile, Interior Health recommends individuals ask for packages to be opened in front of them.”
Interior Health strongly advises people get tattoos and body piercings from businesses it has inspected.
Inspection reports can be found here.