WHAT EXACTLY IS PERMANENT MAKEUP?

Permanent make-up is a non-surgical, cosmetic tattooing process, performed to enhance the natural features of your face. Specially formulated colored pigments are deposited into the dermal layer of the skin using single use individual sterile needles. This then creates variations of color giving the appearance of perfectly applied make-up 24/7. The result can be as subtle or dramatic as you wish, to create a look that enhances your natural beauty or to boost confidence where certain facial features need a little helping hand.

The process begins with an initial consultation, followed by the actual procedure and then a follow up visit for adjusting the shape, color or density of the pigment. With no smearing or smudging, permanent make-up can be more natural and realistic in appearance than conventional cosmetics. Permanent makeup is also referred to in the industry as:

• Micropigmentation

• Permanent Cosmetics

• Intradermal cosmetics

• Cosmetic tattooing

 

WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM PERMANENT MAKEUP?

Anyone who wants to look their best anytime or anywhere should consider permanent enhancements. You will look younger, fresher, more attractive and will save valuable hours every week by not having to apply and reapply your makeup. This is the way to wake up with makeup every morning!

Clients are turning to permanent cosmetics for both cosmetic and medicalreasons. For example:

• Those with sparse on non-existent eyebrows as a result of over tweezing,alopecia or receiving chemotherapy treatments

• Clients with poor eyesight, or an unsteady hand who have difficult inapplying Make-up effectively

• Active people & sports enthusiasts who want to look great but don't want to wear conventional make-up such as runners, swimmers, boaters

• People who have skin sensitivities, oily skin or are allergic to conventionalcosmetics

• Busy clients who just don't have enough hours in the day, and desire thefreedom from daily make-up application.

• Contact lens users

• Those seeking to correct asymmetrical facial features.

• Those who want to look good all day, every day with minimal effort

 

WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED FROM PERMANENT MAKEUP?

• Small eyes can be made to look bigger,

• Lashes appear thicker,

• Eye color can be emphasized.

• Perfect brows can be created using specialist techniques ensuring the use of an eyebrow pencil is made a thing of the past!

• Lips that have lost definition through the ageing process can be re-defined.

• Lips can be made fuller and shape can be corrected.

 

ARE PERMANENT COSMETICS SAFE?

Absolutely. All the permanent makeup pigments are made of natural minerals that are specifically selected for their safe, non-toxic and hypo allergenic properties. They are trusted by permanent makeup technicians and cosmetic surgeons throughout the world.

 

IS THE PROCEDURE SAFE?

Yes, the procedure is done under strict sterilization rules. All procedures are applied with high quality, sterile single use needles and needle covers and I follow strict sanitation and sterilization guidelines as required by the GGD. Sterilization and hygiene is of the utmost importance before, during and after the treatment.  Reactions to semi permanent cosmetics are extremely rare.

 

DOES THE PROCEDURE HURT?

Comfort levels vary from person to person but the benefits far outweigh any discomfort you may experience. Some clients feel no sensation at all, some say it tickles and others feel only mild discomfort. Most people report feeling nervous or anxious at first, but once the procedure is started they soon 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. With the use of extremely effective topical anesthetics, almost total numbing of the area is possible. You must contact your doctor to ask for a prescription of EMLA or a symilar products. I strongly reccommend it especially for eyeliner and lips procedures.

 

IS THERE A CHANCE OF ALLERGIC REACTION?

As with any treatment an allergic reaction is always a possibility, however this is extremely rare and almost unheard of. Some doctors recommend that people with allergies have permanent cosmetic procedures so they can avoid cosmetic products they are sensitive to. A consultation will be carried out prior to any procedure and a medical form will be filled out and gone over. A patch test is offered, upon request, with the chosen pigment to reduce the chance of an unexpected allergic reaction, but please keep in mind that you can develop an allergy to anything at anytime. If you are concerned about an allergic reaction, or have had odd allergies in the past, a patch test is highly recommended. The patch test must be done at least 24 hours prior to the procedure.

Also, to lessen inflammation, you may want to take an antihistamine like Benadryl an hour or two before and the evening following the procedure. Please only take an antihistamine if you have taken one before and know you don’t have a reaction to it. This is recommended more for eyeliner and lip applications then for eye brows.

 

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

You should consider it permanent, as the pigment will always remain in the upper section of the dermis, however over time the color will eventually fade as the skin rejuvenates. Exposure to the sun, changing health conditions, medications, anti-aging products, and hormonal changes all can affect the color and lighten it or change it. It’s recommended that you have regular touch-ups every 3 to 4 years, although some people like to have their makeup touched-up every 12 to 18 months to keep their color dark and vibrant.

 

HOW SOON BEFORE I CAN RESUME NORMAL ACTIVITIES?

For most people, usually the same day. Procedures normally produce little swelling or long lasting trauma to the surrounding skin. You may resume normal activities, as long as they do not have an adverse affect on the healing process. You wouldn't want to introduce bacteria into the treated area by, for example, swimming or by sweating while jogging or working out. It is recommended you try not to plan a special function the day of and up to 5 days after having your permanent makeup, only because it's a new look and will be darker than the final outcome. You also won’t be able to wear any other makeup around the procedure area during this time.

 

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

The time varies with each individual and procedure. The topical is applied and requires about 20 minutes to reach its full effect. The actual procedure will take 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours. Depending on the procedure, you should plan on it taking 2 to 2 ½ hours.

 

ARE THERE ANY PRECAUTIONS THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN BEFORE THE PROCEDURE?

Only with the lip procedures. If you have ever had a fever blister or carry the Herpes virus, then it is advisable to consult your physician prior to the procedure for a prescription of an anti-viral medication, such as Famvir, Valtrex or Zovirax. This will greatly reduce the risk of a breakout. I’ve read that you should begin taking them two days prior to the procedure for a total of five days. I’m not a doctor though, so please follow your doctors recommended dosage. It may also help to take L-Lysine tablets at least a week prior to and after the treatment; although I don’t recommend taking L-Lysine instead of anti-viral medication but in addition to it. It’s advisable to use a lip balm prior to treatment so that your lips are in good condition to achieve the best results prior to the treatment.

 

IS INFECTION POSSIBLE?

Even with a minor scratch, infection is possible. Although there is always a risk of infection, it is relatively low compared to other procedures. As long as you keep the area clean, and follow your after care instructions, there should be no major complications.

 

 

WHAT WILL I LOOK LIKE AFTER MY PROCEDURE?

Mild redness and swelling may be apparent for the first couple of days, however normal activity can be resumed immediately following the procedure. Immediately after and for the first few days the color intensity will appear significantly darker and more intense but will subsequently lighten.

 

WILL I NEED TO TAKE OFF WORK?

No.  There is only minimum swelling and redness. A cool damp wash cloth can be used to reduce swelling and an antibiotic ointment should be used for several days during the healing process.

 

WHAT IS THE HEALING PERIOD LIKE?

On the second day after a procedure is performed, a light dryness or tightening and some itching will begin to form. You will be given an ointment to keep the area moist during the healing period. You may have some slight itching but keeping the ointment on will during this time will keep it to a minimum. The pigmented area will look darker than your desired shade for a few days. However within 3 days to 2 weeks the color will lighten by up to 20% to 40%.

 

CAN I HAVE LASER WORK DONE AFTER PERMANENT COSMETICS?

If proper precautions aren’t taken, lasers can burn the pigment and change the color to black. Be especially careful if laser is done around the lips.

 

WHAT IF I NEED AN MRI?

By all means get the needed MRI. Temporary tingling, redness and swelling have been reported for women with eyeliners. Advise your physician to place wet cotton over your eyes during the MRI or take a non-prescription strength antihistamine such as Benadryl.

 

IF THIS IS PERMANENT WHY ARE FUTURE TOUCH-UPS NECESSARY?

It is necessary for several reasons. One is due to the condition of the skin. Each person’s skin type can be very different. Some skin types are thicker and healthier and will be retain more pigment in one session. Fine details, additional color depth, or design adjustments are easily made after the initial healing is complete. A follow-up visit is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days of your first procedure. Typically, with eyeliner and eye brows it takes a total of 2 procedures to achieve the desired look. With lips it can often take a total of 3 procedures to achieve the desired look. The major factors affecting the pristine appearance of your procedure is exposure to the sun, changing health conditions, medications, anti-aging products, and hormonal changes.