What is permanent makeup?

Tattooing makeup on the face. Pigments that contain no known skin irritants are introduced into the dermis (second layer of skin). Pre-sterilized, single use needles and handgrips are used.

Who can most benefit from this procedure?

• The woman that wants to look her best always.

• The woman who refuses to ever have a pale washed-out look.

• The busy career woman or working mom who doesn’t have the time to apply makeup everyday.

• The woman that doesn’t want to be concerned with smearing, fading, or touching up her makeup during the course of the day.

• For the nearsighted person who has difficulty applying makeup.

• The woman who has little or no hair as a result of over tweezing or heredity.

• For those individuals who have lost hair, eyebrows, or lash line to cancer or other disease.

• For those who are allergic to makeup

• Most importantly, no more pulling or tugging on skin, thus les wrinkling on mouth and delicate eye area.
  

Are permanent cosmetics really permanent?

Permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because the color is implanted into the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. Fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance, called a touch-up. Just like hair color, furniture that is located near a window, or even house paint, pigment implanted in the skin will fade with time.

Is the procedure painful?

Special topical anesthetics are used during the procedure. Clients may experience a level of discomfort similar to having one’s eyebrows tweezed. The relatively short period of discomfort is more than offset by a lifetime of convenience this procedure will provide.

Is permanent pigmentation the same as tattooing, and is it safe?

Yes, it is the same. The pigments used in cosmetic “tattooing” are iron oxides, organic or a combination. When the technician has been properly trained in universal precautions, blood borne pathogen prevention, and uses pre-sterilized, single use needles and hand grips it is very safe. Always check that the technician you choose is currently licensed by your local health department.

Are there any side effects?

Generally, there is slight swelling of the treated area. This may last from two to seventy-two hours. During the procedure there may be some bleeding and or bruising. Blood thinners, asprin and fish oil promote bleeding and bruising. If possible stop using 1 week prior to tattooing.

There will be some tenderness for a few days, feeling similar to a sunburn or rugburn. The color is much darker than you may expect the first 10 days after the procedure and will continue to slightly lighten for up to two months.

Do the products pose allergy problems?

The application is just deep enough to penetrate the dermal layer of the skin. There have been so few reactions to the pigment that patch test requirements have been eliminated. You can develop an allergy to anything, anytime. Some doctors recommend that people with allergies have these procedures because they can replace cosmetic products they are sensitive to. A patch test is available upon request.

Do I need to take time-off work?

Most People do not need to take time from their employment and some people have their touch-ups done on their lunch hour but others prefer to take a day to recover and let the swelling go down. No contacts or mascara for 5 days after an eyeliner.

Why do I need touch-ups?

Touch-ups are needed for making minor changes and concentrating color so that your procedure will last longer and be exactly what you want. We often go wider and darker after the clients see how much they change after healing. One touchup is included with a new service. This is typically done anywhere from 2 to 12 months. Think of this as your fine tune and perfecting session.

How often do I need touch-ups?

A new client, first time service, includes one touchup. This can be done anywhere between 2 and 12 months. Most brow clients need a freshen up on color between 2-4 years, and eyeliner 3-5 years.

Is there a special way to make my procedure last longer?

Yes. The touch-up is very important because it layers the color and increases the longevity. Use sunscreens when exposed to the sun or tanning beds. Lighter colors last the least amount of time. Medium to dark browns last longer than blondes and taupes for grey hair. Any anti-aging treatments such as chemical peels, lasers, & microdermabrasion, all lighten tattooing. Skin care products that contain retinols, glycolic acids and salicylic acids also lighten the tattoo. They should not be used near the tattoo.

How do you keep the needle out of my eye?

I am a certified permanent cosmetic technician. I am trained to have complete control on the working area. I have significant experience applying makeup and working around and near the eye area. I also have a very steady hand and have been applying permanent cosmetics since 1999.

Are there any chances of contracting a disease?

The possibility that you would contract any disease from these procedures is almost non-existent with today’s health standards (single use needles, disposable hand-grips, etc). You will be given an after care kit with instructions which, if followed carefully, will greatly reduce the risk of infection. Again, it’s very important that your technician practices universal precaution, bloodborne pathogen prevention, and is licensed by the local helath department.

How do you determine the right shape for me?

As a makeup professional, I know what shapes and colors will look best on most individuals. It is however, my policy to discuss specific desires with each client until a clear understanding is reached. It is always the best idea to stay with the natural shape the color as much as possible. Patterns are drawn on for you to see and approve before any tattooing is done. You are very much a part of the design process. Remember that any color put underneath the top layer of skin is going to look different when healed. Adjustments can be made at your touch-up such as darker or thicker.

What colors can be created?

There are over 30 standard colors to choose from, in addition to custom blending.

Do I have to remove all the hair from my eyebrows?

No, I like to work with what hair you have. We may tweeze a few to shape, but generally like to keep the hair that you have.

Can I still have a MRI scan?

Yes, studies have proven that the iron oxide particles in the pigments are actually too small to be moved by magnetic resonance imaging. However, you should tell the technician if it should happen that you would need a scan. There have been few reported cases of a slight reaction (redness and swelling around eyes) due to the combination of the iron oxide and magnetic resonance.

How long will the permanent makeup last?

Permanent makeup never wears off. With each procedure I offer 1 free touch-up. Additional touch ups may be necessary after 2 to 4 years.