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What
is permanent makeup?
 Permanent
makeup is a non-surgical procedure known by several names
such as “micropigmentation,” “micropigment
implantation,” “cosmetic tattoo” or “dermagraphics.”
The cosmetic implantation technique deposits colored pigment
into the upper reticular layer of the dermis. Tiny droplets
of custom blended colors are skillfully deposited, which is
a form of traditional tattooing used to enhance features of
the face. The procedures are performed using various methods
including the traditional tattoo or coil machines, the pen
(rotary) machine and the hand tool method. The process starts
with an initial consultation, followed by the actual procedure
(application of pigment), and a follow up visit for adjusting
the shape, color or density of the pigment. Properly applied
by an experienced technician, permanent makeup can be more
natural and realistic in appearance than conventional cosmetics.
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How
much does permanent makeup cost?
First understand that permanent makeup is not a typical beauty
treatment such as a manicure or haircut. According to the
SPCP, facilities where you are at risk of environmental contaminates
such as nail dust, hair clippings, etc. should be avoided.
In fact, in many states, regulations prohibit these procedures
from being performed in hair or nail salons for this very
reason. You should expect to pay several hundred dollars for
a competent technician. This cost is a reflection of the technician’s
investments made in education, supplies, equipment and facilities
which ensures your satisfaction and good health.
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What
about color choices?
 Colors
and shades are custom-blended to match your favorite pencils
and lipsticks. However, should you later decide on a different
color, it can be lightened, darkened, or even changed. Color
choices may be recommended based on artistic color analysis.
Although the final decision is yours, natural shades are typically
encouraged.
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Is
permanent makeup safe?
Your technician should perform all procedures with one-time
disposable supplies and follow strict sanitation and sterilization
guidelines as required by the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
and OSHA regulations. Make sure that your technician has formal
training with blood borne pathogens. According to the SPCP,
facilities where you are at risk of environmental contaminates
such as nail dust, hair clippings, etc. should be avoided.
In fact, in many states, regulations prohibit these procedures
from being performed hair or nail salons for this very reason.
If proper sterilization and sanitary guidelines are met, permanent
cosmetics should be completely safe. A few of the most important
things to watch for are:
- All
needles should be new and sterile for each client. Other
machine parts should also be pre-sterilized and disposed
of after each use. Your visual inspection should reveal
that the equipment, your technician, and the environment
are being maintained in clean and sanitary manner.
- New
gloves should be worn for each client and changed as many
times during the procedure as needed.
- The
technician should be knowledgeable of environmental safety
requirements.
- Clean
coverings or sheets should be used for each patient.
- The
room or treatment area should free from contaminants, and
your technician should be complying with OSHA Blood borne
Pathogens Compliance directives.
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What
about 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 have ongoing opportunities
for continuing education in the areas of sterilization, sanitation,
and the most up-to-date industry standard techniques and practices.
Following your after-care instructions carefully should further
eliminate possibilities of infection and other risks.
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Can
I still have an MRI?
This urban myth has been tried on the popular television show
“MythBusters.” Numerous studies have also shown
that even having very large areas of the body covered with
tattoos poses little or no potential for irritation. Most
of the pigments used by All About Pretty, LLC are plant and
vegetable based. However, even in the pigments that do contain
trace amounts of metal (common tattoo pigment), the amount
implanted into the skin is less than a fraction of a percentage
of the amount of metal in a common tooth filling. Test studies
have confirmed that the "iron" particles in pigment
are too microscopic to react as true metal pieces but rather
are more accurately compared with "metals" which
already exist microscopically in the body.
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I’m
afraid of “looking like a clown.” How natural
will my make-up look?
It will probably look even more natural than your own conventional
make-up. Most people report that unless they tell somebody
they’ve had it applied, they don’t know. By using
techniques such as natural looking hairstrokes, custom expert
color mixing, and eye-opening shapes for brows, a more youthful,
natural look can be achieved. Several different methods of
permanent cosmetic application are often used during your
procedure in order to provide you with the most beautiful
results. Extensive design and consultation before the procedure
ensures your satisfaction.
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What
if I don’t like it?
Although the procedure is considered permanent, there is some
flexibility in changing the color intensity or shape. All
About Pretty maintains a conservative approach and a policy
of “err on the side of caution.” Simply put: you
can always add more pigment but it’s much harder to
go in the other direction. Remember that most color will appear
darker immediately following the procedure but will soften
and lighten during the healing process. If the artist is truly
experienced and focuses on a "natural" look, you
will be very happy with the results.
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Is
infection possible?
Conjunctivitis (pink
eye), although rare, would be the most likely infection
possible. However, if you follow your after care instructions
carefully, there should be no infections. There is always
the possibility of an infection even with a small scratch;
however, most do not experience noteworthy problems following
these procedures. Remember that you must keep the area clean
and follow your after care instructions carefully.
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How
long will the procedure take?
The typical permanent makeup procedure will take from 1 1/2
to 3 hours, of which only about 1-1 1/2 hours is actual tattooing.
Consultation, design work, time for the topical anesthetic
to take effect, and icing down after the procedure account
for the remainder of time. Most people require at least one
touch-up procedure, which is typically performed approximately
30-45 days after the first procedure.
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How
many applications are needed?
Generally, two applications are needed in order to achieve
your desired look. However, many clients are fully satisfied
with just one application. If a second application is needed,
it is typically scheduled approximately 4-6 weeks after the
initial procedure.
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Does
it hurt?
In most cases discomfort is not reported. Typically, if it
is reported, it’s extremely minimal. Procedures are performed
with the most effective topical anesthetics providing substantial
numbing of the area to minimize or eliminate any discomfort
you may feel. Most report feeling nervous or apprehensive
at first, but once the procedure is started they realize that
it’s not nearly what they were afraid of. Lips can be
the most sensitive area, and most people report a bit more
discomfort.
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What
can I expect immediately after the procedure?
Expect slight swelling and redness. Usually the swelling subsides
within 48 hours. Initially, your permanent makeup will appear
darker and brighter than what it will ultimately heal to.
In most cases, people leave looking as if they had “a
good cry.” Sometimes, after the first night, you may
have crusty eyes upon waking. Remember that everyone is different,
thus everyone’s reaction is different – some people
report absolutely no swelling, while others report some swelling.
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What
is the healing period like?
Most clients are able to return to work or their other daily
activities immediately following their procedure without any
embarrassment or discomfort. Superior-strength topical anesthetics help
prevent unsightly swelling and bleeding. For approximately
5-7 days following the procedure, you will need to apply a
thin film of ointment to the procedure site. During this healing
period, you will notice the color soften into your skin. See
before/after care page for more detailed
information.
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How
long will my permanent makeup last?
If properly applied by a competent technician, your permanent
makeup should last for several years depending on your skin
type and how well you care for it. Over time, the color will
lighten and you may want to have the color refreshed. Permanent
cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because the
color is implanted into the upper dermal layer of the skin.
However, as with any tattoo, fading can, and often does occur,
requiring some color refreshing.
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What
can I do to protect my permanent makeup?
During exposure to sun, use a good sunscreen. I recommend
an SPF of 30+ applied on the tattooed area. It also can’t
hurt to apply a small amount of Vaseline to the treated area
to create a barrier when going for a facial, swimming etc.
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Who
can benefit from permanent makeup?
-
Anyone
who desires a soft, natural enhancement to their appearance.
- 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.
- Visually-impaired
people, who have difficulty applying their cosmetics.
- People
with motor skill impairments, such as arthritis, Parkinson’s
disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors, and those
with unsteady hands who cannot apply their own makeup.
- Career
people, at home mothers, and other busy people who just
don’t want to spend the time fussing with makeup.
- Alopecia
sufferers.
- People
who have jobs that prohibit them from wearing traditional
cosmetics.
- Female
Military Personnel
- Women who suffer from Fibromyalgia
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Who
SHOULDN’T get permanent makeup?
People who tend to easily hyper-pigment, keloid formations,
or marked reaction to skin trauma. People who have been off
Accutane for less than one year. For people with tendencies
to cold sores/herpes, an anti-viral prescription is needed
prior to getting permanent lip color applied. A person who
spends a lot of time in the sun or in tanning beds or booths
without protection is NOT a good candidate for permanent makeup
since the UVA rays will change the pigment tones, sometimes
even turning browns to blues. A person who is undergoing a
major life trauma should NOT get permanent makeup. It is generally
thought of as unwise to alter one’s physical appearance
while undergoing major stress in life. It’s probably
best to wait until the issues causing the trauma are resolved.
See before/after care page for further
information.
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