 What is Permanent Cosmetic Makeup?
Micropigmentation, permanent makeup, permanent cosmetic makeup, makeup tattooing, or derma pigmentation is the process of applying pigment (color) into the skin. Iron oxides (mineral) or organic (plant) pigments are been medically developed for safe application into the facial skin. All procedures are performed in strict accordance with the Center for Disease Control.
Who Benefits?
- Active Lifestyles
- Little or no brow hair
- Little or no lash hair
- Visual impairment
- Contact lenses
- Allergies
- Facial scarring
- Alopecia (absence of hair)
- Unsteady hands
- Breast reconstruction (Aerola)
- Vitilago (lack of color)
- Those who just want to look great all the time without any hassle
How are permanent cosmetic procedures done?
Permanent cosmetic procedures are performed using a machine or the hand method (non-machine). Your appointment includes a medical overview and an in-depth discussion regarding your expectations including design and color. The application of the pigment is next. You are a part of the whole process during the procedure. Everything is explained to you with total appreciation that you have chosen me to trust me with your face.
Are permanent cosmetics really permanent?
Technically, permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because the color implanted into the skin cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance, color re-enhancement or refreshing. Just like hair color, furniture located near a window, or even house paint, the implanted color will fade over time depending on your health, skin type and how well you care for your skin.
Is it painful?
Your comfort is very important to me! I take pride in making my clients as comfortable as possible. Most people experience some discomfort likened to a plucking or scouring sensation. This will vary according to each individual's threshold. FORTUNATELY I invest in extremely effective topical anesthetics that have been medically developed for permanent makeup application and make these procedures quite comfortable.
How much does permanent cosmetic makeup cost?
The average cost per procedure varies but usually averages between $300-$1300. Advanced work, referred to as Para-medical such as scar work, correction, MCA camouflage is usually charged by the hour. Cost should not be your most important consideration when consulting a technician. Most important is the training and skill of the technician and the confidence of the client in that skill. Ask questions and check references. The length of time a technician has been doing permanent makeup is not as important as whether they participate continuing education.
Is it safe?
If proper sterilization and sanitary guidelines are met, permanent cosmetics should be completely safe. These guidelines include the following:
- All needles should be new and sterile for each new client.
- Machine parts should be pre-sterilized and disposed of in a sanitary manner.
- Equipment and supplies should be kept in a sanitary manner.
- Gloves should be worn during each procedure and changed often.
- The technician should be professional, clean, neat and knowledgeable of environmental safety requirements.
- The room or treatment area should be in an area free from other contaminants.
What if I don't like it?
Although the procedure is considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing color and shape to some extent depending on the expertise of your technician. The initial color will appear to be 30-40% darker immediately following the procedure but will soften and lighten to your desired look during the healing process.
Are there any side effects?
Initially, there may be some swelling of the treated area. While eyebrows may show little after effect, eyeliner and lips may show more, and the edema may last from 2 to 72 hours. During the procedure there may be some slight bleeding or bruising and there is usually some tenderness for a few days. Listen to your technician; follow the explicit After Care Instructions given to you immediately after the procedure and you will minimize most symptoms substantially. REMEMBER: The color is much darker than you may expect for the first six to ten days.
Do pigments pose allergy problems?
The application of the pigment is just deep enough to penetrate the minute capillaries in the dermal layer of the skin. There have been so few reactions to the pigment that some doctors are suggesting the patch test be eliminated. You can develop an allergy to anything anytime. Some doctors recommend that people with allergies have permanent makeup applied to replace other cosmetic products that cause their allergic reactions. There have been very few documented reactions to pigments, and only rarely in the case of blue-based red pigments.
What's a touch-up and when do I need one?
If you feel there is a need, after the initial procedure, you have an option to return within a 90 days for a touchup. A touchup is a color refresher. Permanent cosmetic makeup can be a process. It is recommended that you wait at least 4 weeks before your touchup so your initial procedure has time to heal properly. To traumatize the skin sooner can be uncomfortable and doesn't allow enough time for the pigment to settle in the skin. At least 4 weeks after a procedure is necessary, if a touchup is needed.
Note: Most honorable technicians include the touchup in their initial cost, be sure to ask if there is an additional cost for touchups.
Can I still have an MRI scan?
Numerous studies have shown that even for people who have large body tattoos there is little to no potential for irritation resulting from an MRI. In the rare instance where discomfort resulted, it was localized and very temporary. Most people have more metal in their fillings than they would ever have in tattoo work. It is important you disclose you have permanent makeup to your MRI Technician. Almost any technician will ask you if you have a tattoo before your MRI exam. ALWAYS GET AN MRI EXAM IF PRESCRIBED BY YOUR DOCTOR.
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