Should I get Permanent Makeup?

What is permanent makeup?

Permanent makeup is a form of tattooing.  The goal is to achieve a soft and natural appearance to the area tattooed.  To achieve results, pigment (color) is deposited into the skin.  This tattooing technique may be referred to as “permanent makeup”, “permanent cosmetics”, “micropigmentation”, “micropigment implantation” or “dermagraphics.” 

Who is the best candidate for permanent makeup?

Women of all ages and walks of life can be candidates for permanent makeup.  Even men who want a feature enhanced with a natural look without looking “made-up”.  However, some are better candidates than others.  The best candidate is someone who has -

        eyesight problems

        physical impairment – arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors and anyone with an unsteady hand

        a physically active lifestyle (tennis, aerobics, swimming) and wants to look there best without worrying about “sweating off” or reapplying makeup

        a busy career and wants the freedom of not constantly applying makeup

        allergies to traditional cosmetics

        hair loss from chemotherapy

        post surgical abnormalities – reconstruction of areolas after surgery, camouflaging of scars from burns, surgery, accidents or injuries – redefinition of facial features.

        loss of pigmentation in areas of the skin (vitiligo)

Who may not the best candidate for permanent makeup?

It is important to spend time with a technician to determine if you are or are not a good candidate.  In some instances precautionary practices by skilled technicians have allowed the following candidates to benefit from permanent cosmetics.   Someone who -

        tends to hyperpigment easily

        has ethnic skin.   Permanent lip color does not show up properly when healed especially under darker skin tones

        someone with a tendency to cold sores/herpes

        someone who spends a lot of time in the sun or in tanning booths

        someone who undergoing major traumatic life changes

        taking certain forms of prescription medications

How is this procedure done?

        There are various methods performed to achieve excellent results

§         hand method, traditional or specialized machines (pen or rotary and coil)

The process begins with an initial consultation, initial application of pigment and usually one or two follow-up visits.  The follow-up visits generally are to adjust the shape and color of the pigment.

Is it safe?

It is important to observe the physical location where the procedure will be performed.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has set standards for a clean and sanitary working environment and sterile equipment

        Most important, needles used should be new and sterile for each individual and disposed of properly after each client.  Other equipment and supplies should be kept in a sanitary manner

        Gloves should be used for each client and changed during the procedure when needed.

        The technician should be clean and neat and knowledgeable of environment and safety requirements.

        A clean bed and setup should be used for each client

        The room or treatment area should be in an area from other contaminants as well.

What are some of the risks involved?

        Infection – unsterile equipment and needles are the culprit for transmitting infectious diseases such as skin infections and hepatitis. 

        Allergic reactions – occasionally an individual may develop an allergic reaction to tattoos which is extremely rare.  Skin testing (patch test) should be done prior to application.  Regardless, it should be understood that an allergic reaction could occur at any point in time.

        Keloids formation – permanent cosmetic makeup is a facial procedure.  Individuals who are prone to keloids generally do not develop keloids in the facial area.  There is a higher risk of keloid formation from body tattoos.

Is it painful?

To administer pigment into the skin is an invasive procedure.  There is some discomfort.  However, each individual’s pain threshold is different.  There are different methods available to help with pain management, including various topical anesthetic ointments, as well as topical desensitizing products.  Your technician should discuss these methods with you to determine which one is right for you.

How long does each procedure take?

The initial procedure will take approximately 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours.  Follow-up procedures usually do not require as much time as the initial procedure.

What should I look for when choosing a technician?

A technician should be chosen carefully by considering training experience and photographic examples of previous work.

        It is important to remember that the shape and proper placement of the procedure is an important as the right color

The desired look is obtained during the course of the consultation, initial procedure and follow-up procedures, allowing interaction between the client and the technician.

How much does permanent cosmetic makeup cost?

        The average cost per procedure varies depending upon the skill of the technician.  They may range from $300 to $1,000 depending on the demographics.

        The cost of a procedures commonly called “Para-Medical” may range from $150 to $500 per hour.   Examples of para-medical procedures:

§         Burn or scar camouflaging

§         Aerola repigmentation

§         Repigmentation of loss of pigment (vitiligo)

The cost of a procedure is not 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.  Spend time with the technician to determine if you are compatible.  Interview them as much as they interview you.  This is a permanent change to your appearance and should be considered carefully.

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 ability and desires.  Many nurses and doctors, as well as hair, skin, and nail are professionals are choosing to train in permanent cosmetic procedures.  Some students are sent for training by their physician as the demand for advanced/para-medical procedures increases with public knowledge of the benefits of permanent cosmetics.

        Attractive to many students are the financial rewards of a career in permanent cosmetics.  Many also find considerable personal satisfaction in helping others attain recovery from personal afflictions or just to look their best every, 24hours a day.