What is Permanent Makeup?

 

Permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique which employs cosmetic tattoos as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eyelining and other permanent enhancing colors to the skin of the face, lips, and eyelids. The cosmetic implantation technique deposits colored pigment into the upper reticular layer of the dermis.

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How is the procedure performed?

Permanent cosmetics procedures are performed using various devices, including the traditional tattoo coil machines, the pen or rotary machine (includes the digital rotary machines) and the non-machine or hand device. The process includes a consultation, the application of pigment, and at least one or more follow up visits for evaluating the healed design work and color of the pigment.

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What types of permanent makeup do we offer?

We offer eyebrow, eyeliner and lip services.

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Is permanent makeup really permanent?

 

Permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because pigment is tattooed into the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo or colorant (pigment) in general, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance referred to as color re-enhancement or color refreshing. This colorant periodic maintenance requirement is a good opportunity to reevaluate one’s color and design preferences sometimes due to change in personal preference, style and/or cultural change. The fact that most people will require periodic color refreshing of their permanent cosmetics is the opportune time to work with your technician to reevaluate your overall appearance profile and determine if any changes are appropriate. Longevity varies from person to person depending on their life style (sun exposure), the color(s) used for the permanent cosmetic procedure, and are also thought to be affected by topical products applied to the skin as well as the clients skin (oily or dry). Permanent makeup can last anywhere between 3 to 7 years post correction procedure.

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How long does each procedure lasts?

 

The initial procedure will generally take approximately two to three hours; there are records to establish; photographs to take; desired design and color to discuss; the procedure to perform; and the aftercare requirements to discuss.Follow up or color refresher procedures usually do not require the same amount of time.

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Does it hurt?

 

Most people experience some discomfort. This will vary according to each individual’s pain threshold. However before each procedure we will apply numbing cream. The cream is also sometimes reapplied half way through the procedure. It is recommended to plan your session about half way through your monthly cycle due to much higher sensitivity during or around that time.

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What can happen during and post procedure?

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Light to moderate swelling and redness usually occurs post procedure for the next 48 hours. During the procedure there may be some minor bleeding. Many people take blood thinners on a daily basis so some slight bleeding would be  expected. Others show little or no signs of bleeding. Bruising is rare but can happen. If bruising does occur, typically it is minor and subsides in a few days. There is usually some tenderness for a few days as well. Scabbing and pealing will be a natural part of your healing process. The color is much darker than you may expect for the first 6 to 10 days. Complete healing processes can take up to 14 days. Clients will receive post procedure care instructions.

 

Can you have an allergic reaction to the pigments?

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People can develop an allergy to anything, anytime; however, pigment allergies are considered rare. Some doctors recommend that people with environmental allergies or allergies to conventional makeup have permanent cosmetic procedures because they can replace cosmetic products that people are sensitive to.  While allergic reactions to any type of tattooing pigments on the body or on the face through permanent cosmetics may occur at any point in time, they are extremely rare.

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Do you really need the second session/Touch-up?

Often the tattooed color is not perfect after the initial procedure and the healing may shift the work creating slight difference. Permanent cosmetic procedures are a process and at least one follow-up to the initial procedure should be scheduled. Also the Touch-up session reassures long lasting results. It is recommended that any required detail work to the original procedure be performed no sooner than four weeks after the original procedure. The minimum standard for follow-up detail work for lip procedures is six weeks. Lips have a different healing agenda than procedures performed on other parts of the face due to their delicate nature. The cited time frames will vary depending on the health profile and age of the client, but these are good minimum standards for consideration.

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Who are good candidates for permanent makeup?

 

If you are active, want to look your best every day, or if any of the following describes you, then you are a candidate for permanent makeup:

• Poor vision or blindness

• Unskilled at applying conventional makeup

• Allergies

• Sparse, light, or no eyebrows

• Alopecia

• Unsteady hands

• Going through chemotherapy

• Parkinson’s disease

• Tremors

• Oily with large pores

• Very fair and afraid of color

• Makeup smears or smudges and never stays in place

• Want to free yourself of the time it takes to apply makeup every day

• Thinning brows due to thyroid disorders

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What are there contraindication for permanent makeup procedure?

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• under 18 years of age

• pregnant or lactating women

• glaucoma

• skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and undiagnosed rashes, acne, rosacea or blisters on the site that is to be treated

• easily triggered post inflammatory hyper pigmentation 

• transmittable blood conditions (e.g.,  HIV or Hepatitis)

• active skin cancer in the area to be tattooed

• hemophiliac

• thyroid medication

• healing disorders

• blood thinners

• uncontrolled high blood pressure or mitral valve disorder

• accutane or steroids 

• Strong medical treatments (antibiotics, corticosteroids, anticoagulants, retinoids, etc.) In the course of radiation and chemotherapy. Must wait at least 2 weeks post therapy for permanent makeup procedure

• Malignant tumors (can be done with written approval from the health provider)

• Benign neoplasms of the skin

• Autoimmune diseases (can be done in remission and with  written approval from the health provider)

• Herpes in active state (can be done only after a complete healing of the rash in 4 weeks with anti-virus medicine)

• Flu or cold

• Menstruation period

• Shingles

• People who are prone to Keloids

 

*Let me know if you have/had allergic reactions to topical anesthetics.