Permanent makeup is designed for people who
don’t want the hassle of applying makeup for a variety of
reasons or people with scaring or other cosmetic damage. An art
form of cosmetic tattooing, this technique deposits tiny
individual implants of specially formulated and hypoallergenic
color pigment into the dermal layer of the skin. The pigment is
designed to stay in the skin for a few years—though it does fade
with time by varying degrees. The equipment used includes the
traditional (or specialized) tattoo or coil machines, the pen or
rotary machine and the non-machine or hand method.
Does it Hurt?
Permanent makeup is essentially a tattoo, so
yes, during application it may be uncomfortable. After the
treatment and the healing process, you shouldn't experience any
discomfort.
What Happens Afterward?
Areas of the face may redden or swell after
the procedure for about twenty-four hours. Ice may be applied,
but check with your technician’s directions. In addition,
intially the pigment often looks like it is fake or painted on,
but eventually the pigment will fade over the first couple of
days to look more natural. Bruising may occur, but it should be
light.
After a lip liner and/or lipstick procedure,
your lip skin may peel and it’s very important that you don’t
pick off the pigment. In addition, lips may be very dry and
chapped afterward.
You will want to watch for infection, pain or
fever, and contact a doctor immediately if this occurs. In
addition, there will be things your technician will ask you to
avoid for a time period after the procedure such as soaps, the
sun, chlorinated pools, and conventional makeup.
Who Wants this Procedure?
Women and men who lead busy lives and don’t
want to bother with makeup every day.
Women who want to look good in the mornings
immediately after waking.
Men who want feature enhancement without
the actual makeup.
People with allergies, sensitive skin or
oily skin who cannot wear traditional makeup.
Vision and/or motor impaired people who
find it difficult to put on makeup.
Athletes who don’t want to deal with makeup
running or coming off during competition or activities.
Chemotherapy patients or others with
various conditions who have lost their eyelashes or eyebrows.
Persons with scar tissue, or post surgery
scars.
individuals whose skin has lost part of
their pigmentation.
Those with thin, pale or poorly defined
lips.
Adults who want to correct asymmetrical
features.
Women and men who require the recreation of
the areola on a breast following re-constructive surgery or a
mastectomy.
Who Shouldn’t Have this
Procedure?
If you are insulin dependent or have a heart
condition, check with your care provider before proceeding. As
with anything, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you need to
check with your care provider before getting permanent makeup.
Kinds of Procedures
Eyebrows
Eyeliner
Eyelashes
Lip liner
Lip color
Beauty Marks
Scar tissue
Other pigmentation if needed
Of course, some people will get all of these,
or just one. Talk to your technician during your initial
consultation regarding your options and interests.
Technicians
You will want to find a trained technician for
permanent makeup. It is recommended that you find one that
belongs to the Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professional (http://www.spcp.org/)
and/or the American Academy of Micropigmentation (http://www.micropigmentation.org/).
Cost
Cost varies, but permanent makeup generally
runs a few hundred dollars to a thousand dollars for the initial
application, depending on what is being done. One or two
touch-ups may be included in the price. Permanent makeup does
need to be maintained, costing you less money down the road.
