| What is
Permanent Cosmetics Makeup? |
Permanent cosmetic makeup is cosmetic tattooing. The
specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as
"micropigmentation", "micropigment implantation" or
"dermagraphics". The cosmetic implantation technique deposits colored pigment
into the upper reticular layer of the dermis.
See also "Are Permanent Cosmetics for Me?" |
| How are
Permanent Cosmetic Procedures Done? |
| Permanent cosmetics procedures are performed using
various methods, including the traditional tattoo or coil machines, the pen or rotary
machine and the non-machine or hand method. The process includes an initial consultation,
then application of pigment, and at least one or more follow up visits for adjusting the
shape and color or density of the pigment. |
| Who Benefits
from Permanent Cosmetic Makeup? |
| EVERYONE, from the young to the elderly, who desires a
soft, natural enhancement to their appearance. It is especially beneficial to people who
can’t wear other cosmetics due to allergies and skin sensitivities; Active people who
want to look their best for activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, aerobics,
and those who don't want to worry about "sweating off" or reapplying cosmetics.
Also the vision impaired who have difficulty applying their cosmetics, and others with
motor impairments such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke
survivors, and those with unsteady hands who cannot apply their own makeup, and busy
people who don’t have time to spend on their makeup.
|
| What Type of
Permanent Cosmetic Procedures can be Done? |
| Permanent Cosmetic procedures can be very subtle or
dramatic depending on what you are looking for. Options include:
NOTE:
Some of these procedures use more advanced
techniques (para-medical techniques) and thus require an experienced technician with
advanced training.
|
| Are Permanent
Cosmetics Really Permanent? |
Technically, permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent
because the color is implanted into the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the
skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo, fading can and often does
occur, requiring periodic maintenance, color re-enhancement or color re-freshing. Just
like hair color, furniture that may be located near a window, or even house paint, pigment
implanted in the skin may fade with time. It is important to consider this and all aspects
of the procedure when selecting a potential permanent cosmetic makeup technician.
See also "Is
It Really Permanent?" |
| How Much does
Permanent Makeup Cost? |
| The average cost per procedure varies but usually averages between
$400-$800. Advanced work may be charged at $150 to $250 per hour. Many of these procedures
are commonly referred to as para-medical procedures. Work performed from physician's
offices or specialized clinics may be charged at higher rates. The cost of the procedure should not be the most important issue
when consulting a potential technician. Most important is the training and skill of the
technician and the confidence of the client in that skill.
See also
"What Does
It Cost?"
|
| How Long Does
Each Procedure Take? |
| The initial procedure will generally take approximately 1 to 2 ½
hours. Touch up procedures usually do not require as much time. |
|
Is It
Painful? |
| Most people experience some discomfort. This may vary according to
each individual's pain threshold and the skills of the technician performing the service.
HOWEVER, there are different methods available to help with pain management, including
various topical anesthetic ointments, anesthetic locals and nerve blocks (administered by
a doctor or dentist). Your technician should discuss these methods with you to determine
which one suits you best. See also
"Does
It Hurt?" |
| Is It Safe? |
| If proper sterilization and sanitary guidelines are
met, permanent cosmetics should be completely safe. These guidelines include the
following:
MOST IMPORTANT Things To Look For:
- All Needles should be new and sterile for each client. Other machine
parts should also be
- pre-sterilized and disposed of in a sanitary manner. Other equipment
and supplies should be kept in a sanitary manner.
- Gloves should be new for each client and changed during the procedure
when needed.
- The technician should be clean and neat and knowledgeable of
environmental safety requirements.
- Clean sheets should be used for each patient.
- The room or treatment area should be in an area free from other
contaminants.
- See also
"Permanent
Cosmetics Tattooing and The Truth"
and "What
Should I Expect?"
|
| 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. Colors will appear darker immediately following the
procedure but will soften and lighten during the healing process. The healing time is
different for each individual and procedure.
|
| Which Technician
Should I Choose? |
Choose a technician carefully by considering training,
experience, and portfolio. It is important to remember that the shape and proper placement
of the procedure is as important as the right color. The desired look is obtained during
the course of consultation, initial procedure and follow up procedures. Interaction
between the client and the technician should be of utmost importance.
|
| Is Permanent
Cosmetic Makeup a Career For Me? |
The opportunities for skilled permanent cosmetics technicians are
many and varied. Career and business opportunities vary greatly depending on the
individual technician's training and desires. Many nurses and doctors, as well as hair,
skin, and nail care professionals are choosing to train in permanent cosmetic procedures.
The demand for advanced/para-medical procedures increases with public knowledge of the
benefits of permanent cosmetic makeup.
See also the article
"Is a Career in Permanent Cosmetics for
Me?" and
"Permanent
Cosmetics Are Here To Stay" |
| Are There Any
After or Side Effects?
|
| Generally, there is some swelling of the treated area. While
eyebrows my show little after effect, eyeliner and lips may show more and the edema may
last may last from two to seventy two hours During the procedure there may be some
bleeding and or bruising. There is usually some tenderness for a few days. The color is
much darker than you may expect for the first six to ten days. Sometimes, people have
reactions to antibiotics. You may use any type of antibiotic that you prefer for your
individual system. There may be other side effects unforeseen due to individuality.
|
| Do The Pigments
Pose Allergy Problems? |
| The application is just deep enough to penetrate the minute
capillaries in the dermal layer of skin. There have been so few reactions to the pigments
that some doctors are suggesting that the patch test be eliminated. You can develop an
allergy to anything, anytime. Some doctors recommend that people with allergies have
permanent cosmetic procedures because they can replace cosmetic products that they are
sensitive to. There have been very few reactions to pigments and only rarely in the case
of blue-based red pigments.
|
| Is There Any
Possibility for Medical Problems? |
| The possibility that you would have any problems or reactions from
these procedures is almost non-existent with today’s health standards. SPCP member
professionals are given continued opportunities for education in practicing precise
methods of sanitation and sterilization. Post procedural instructions, if followed
carefully, will completely eliminate any risk.
|
| What's a
Touch-Up and Do I Need One? |
| A touch-up is a color re-enhancement. Almost always
the implanted color is not perfect after the first procedure. These procedures are
processes and at least one follow-up to the initial procedure should be scheduled...It is
recommended that you do not traumatize the skin again for a minimum of four weeks. Six
weeks is better but of course, your individual needs take precedence. Eight weeks is
recommended after a lip procedure.
|
| 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. |
