What Is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent Makeup, which may also be called cosmetic tattooing, micropigmentation or intradermal pigmentation implants natural color between the dermis and epidermis. Your outermost skin, the epidermal is thin and shows the color underneath. After a permanent makeup procedure it will look darker than the end result, since the color is both in the dermis and on the epidermis. During the healing period of about a month, the epidermis skin will shed only leaving the color in the dermis.
The pigment used in permanent makeup should be natural and approved for the face, it is different than the normal tattoo ink. Many studies have proven permanent makeup to be safe. Permanent Makeup may be used to enhance eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips as well as to camouflage skin imperfections such as scars, age spots and uneven skin tones, such as vitiligo. Permanent makeup may also give you back your confidence by restoring the areola and nipple complex for cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Makeup
Who Benefits from Permanent Makeup?
- Women that apply makeup daily.
- Men and Women with scars.
- People allergic to makeup
- Athletic or oily skin that can make normal makeup run or smudge.
- Parkinson's, arthritis or other reasons that make putting on makeup difficult.
- Hassle free easy makeup every day.
- Public figures that need to look their best at all times.
- Breast cancer survivors.
- Corrections to flaws.
Is Permanent Makeup Painful?
In my twenty plus years of experience no one has asked me to stop the procedure due to pain, only to use the restroom. Most clients say it feels like a "tickling" or "tingling" feeling. I use three different topical anesthetics and layer them as needed. Most clients comment that the procedure was less painful than they expected. After the anesthetics wear off the area will feel like a sunburn.
How Long Does it Take to Recover?
For eyebrows and eyeliner their is little recovery time and you may resume normal activity the same day. Lips may take more time. I would not recommend planning a hot date the night of your procedure. The color will not come into realization for 2-6 weeks as it heals and the epidermis sheds off the top pigment.
Are MRI's Safe with Permanent Makeup?
A long time ago lead was present in tattoo ink. All tattoo and natural pigment for Permanent makeup does not contain any metals now, making MRI's completly safe.
How Long Does Permanent Makeup Last?
All permanent makeup fades over time, the darker the color the longer it will last. Environmental factors such as the sun's rays and use of retin A or glycolic acid will affect the fading. The natural breakdown from the body will fade the pigment over time as well. Touchups should be applied every 2-7 years or when you deem it necessary.
How to Choose an Technician
When choosing someone to do permanent makeup, cost should not be the first decision. Your face is so important and personal, and deciding who is going to enhance it permanently should not be taken lightly. Here are the following things to consider when looking for the right permanent makeup practitioner for you:
- Board certified from the American Academy of Micropigmentation or Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals.
- Reviews by other clients
- Before and after pictures
- A free consultation of color and look
- Good communication skills
- Price (a low price may mean inexperience)
- Insurance
- An establishment inspected by the local board of health
- Advanced training
- Ask someone who looks beautiful who their technician was
