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SHOULD I HAVE BOTOX® AND FILLERS BEFORE OR AFTER COSMETIC TATTOOING?

Should I have Botox® and fillers before or after cosmetic tattooing?

Anon, Riverhead


Magazines and business cards on a marble surface. "ALLOR" and "Cosmetic Medicine" text visible, featuring Dr. Heather Anderson and Jeni Hart.

If you’re planning both injectables and cosmetic tattooing, timing matters more than most people realise.  If you’re thinking about lip tattooing and also want lip filler, do the filler at least 6 weeks beforehand.  Filler changes the shape of your lips, which is what the tattoo artist uses as their guide.


If you want eyebrow tattooing, it’s best to have Botox® worn off first as Botox® can affect eyebrow position.  As a rule of thumb, allow at least 3-4 months after your last Botox® treatment before tattooing.  Once the tattoo has healed, you can resume Botox® treatments as normal.



Illustration of a woman's profile with a botox / filler syringe and a cosmetic tattooing device at her face. Text reads: "Which one should go first?" Black and white.

If you already have microblading and want a more refined look with cosmetic tattooing, you will need laser removal first.  Removing the old pigment gives a clean canvas for your artist to create the ideal shape.  It usually takes a few laser sessions spaced several weeks apart, but the result is worth the patience.


I have personally had cosmetic tattooing done by Jeni Hart from Brows and Beyond in Kumeu.  I highly recommend Jeni as she is not only skilled with brows and lips, but she also has a laser, so can remove previous pigment.


Jeni also works in reconstructive tattooing, creating realistic nipples for women after breast cancer surgery and restoring features for people with facial deformities.  Her attention to symmetry and balance is exceptional, which sets her apart from the rest.



Quick Answers:

Should I do lip filler before lip tattooing?

Yes. Do filler at least 6 weeks before lip tattooing so the final lip shape is stable for mapping.


Should Botox® be worn off before eyebrow tattooing?

Yes. Allow at least 3–4 months after your last Botox® treatment before tattooing brows, because Botox® can affect brow position.


If I already have microblading, do I need laser removal before cosmetic tattooing?

Often, yes. Laser removal can clear old pigment to give a clean base, and it may take a few sessions spaced several weeks apart.



If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz







Dermal Filler, Medical Device Class III to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore or enhance the lips or restore facial volume. Dermal filler has risk and benefits. Ask your doctor if dermal filler is right for you.  For product information check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier.


Botox®, Prescription Medicine For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes.  Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 Units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Click for further details. Allergan, Auckland.

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