Permanent Makeup FAQ
Permanent Makeup – What is it?
Permanent cosmetic makeup is cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as “micro-pigmentation”, “micro pigment implantation” or “dermagraphics”. The cosmetic implantation technique deposits coloured pigment into the upper reticular layer of the dermis.
How are Permanent Cosmetic Procedures Performed?
Permanent cosmetic procedures are performed using various devices, including the traditional tattoo coil machines, the pen or rotary machine (includes the digital rotary machines) and the non-machine or hand device. The process includes a consultation, the application of micro pigment (not tattoo ink), and at least one or more follow-up visits for evaluating the healed design work and colour of the pigment.
Who Benefits from Permanent Makeup?
Busy people who don’t have time to spend applying and refreshing makeup throughout the day and evening.
Active people who want to look their best for sports activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, aerobics; and those who don’t want to worry about “sweating off” or reapplying cosmetics.
People with limited vision. Those who are visually challenged might have difficulty applying their cosmetics. Others with dexterity related conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke survivors.
Is Permanent Makeup Really Permanent?
Permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because the pigment is tattooed into the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo or colourant (pigment) in general, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance referred to as colour re-enhancement or colour refreshing.
How Long Does Each Procedure Take?
The initial procedure will generally take approximately 2-2.5 hours; there are records to establish; photographs to take; desired design and colour to discuss; the procedure to perform, and the aftercare requirements to discuss. Follow up or colour refresher procedures usually do not require the same amount of time.
Is It Painful?
Most people experience some discomfort. We use numbing cream and anaesthetic before and during the treatment to minimise any discomfort.
Is It Safe?
Our health and safety standard is strict and our staff are highly-skilled. We use disposable tools and the highest-quality organic micro pigment, so you know you are in safe hands.
What’s a Touch-Up and Do I Need One?
Often the tattooed colour is not perfect after the initial procedure heals. Permanent cosmetic procedures are a process and at least one follow-up to the initial procedure should be scheduled. It is recommended that any required detail work to the original procedure be performed no sooner than four weeks after the original procedure. The minimum standard for follow-up detail work for lip procedures is six weeks. Lips have a different healing agenda than procedures performed on other parts of the face due to their delicate nature. The cited timeframes will vary depending on the health profile and age of the client, but these are good minimum standards for consideration.
Do The Pigments Pose Allergy Problems?
So far, there is no case in the world that allergy to our pigments.
Are There Any Side Effects During or After the Procedure?
While eyebrows may show little after effect, eyeliner and lips may show slight to moderate swelling. This is very dependent upon the amount of work performed. As examples; an eyelash enhancement will show very little response to the tattooing procedure compared to a more moderate response when wide eyeliner is performed. The same philosophy applies to lip colour procedures. A lip liner or blended lip liner will show fewer effects of the procedure than that of a full lip colour. Also, some people swell more from minor skin infractions than others.
During the procedure, there may be some minor bleeding. This again is client specific. Many people take blood thinners on a daily basis so some slight bleeding would be expected. Others show little or no signs of bleeding. Bruising is rare but again, if a person is on blood thinners, bruising could occur. What is seen more often is that eyebrows rarely, if ever, produce any bruising; minor bruising during eyeliner procedures is possible if the skin being tattooed is very thin and close to the vascular system. This also applies to lip procedures in the event the client is more mature. If bruising does occur, typically it is minor and subsides in a few days. There is usually some tenderness for a few days.
The colour is much darker than you may expect for the first six to ten days. Other less often reported side effects are difficult to determine due to the individuality of each person’s biological system. This is why professional permanent cosmetic technicians require a client history profile be filled out to assess different factors that may contribute to your experience after the tattooing procedure has been completed.
The colour is much darker than you may expect for the first six to ten days. Other less often reported side effects are difficult to determine due to the individuality of each person’s biological system. This is why professional permanent cosmetic technicians require a client history profile be filled out to assess different factors that may contribute to your experience after the tattooing procedure has been completed.