Permanent Makeup

Permanent cosmetic makeup is cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as “micro-pigmentation.” The cosmetic implantation technique deposits colored pigment into the upper layer of the dermis.

Permanent cosmetic procedures are performed using various methods, including traditional tattoo or coil machines, the pen or rotary machine, and the non-machine or “hand method.” 

The process generally includes an initial consultation regarding color and shape, then application of pigment, and at least one or more follow up visits for adjusting the shape and color or density of the pigment.

Everyone, from the young to the elderly, who desires a soft, natural enhancement to their appearance can benefit. 

Permanent makeup is especially beneficial to:

• 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.
• Active people who don’t want to worry about “sweating off” or reapplying cosmetics.
• Vision-impaired people who have difficulty applying their cosmetics.
• People with motor impairments such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors, and those with unsteady hands who cannot apply their own makeup.
• Busy people who don’t have time to spend applying makeup every day.

Permanent cosmetic results can range from very subtle to quite dramatic depending on what you are looking for. 

Options include eyeliner, eyebrows, lip color, and areola re-pigmentation following breast surgery.

Technically, permanent cosmetic procedures are considered permanent because the color is implanted into the upper dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. 

However, as with any tattoo, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance.  It is important to consider this and all aspects of the procedure before proceeding.

The average cost per procedure ranges from $200 to $600 depending on the area treated.

The initial procedure will generally take approximately 2 to 3 hours. Touch up procedures usually do not require as much time.

The degree of discomfort, if any, varies according to each individual’s pain threshold and the skills of the technician performing the service. 

There are many  methods available to help with pain management, including topical and local anesthetics. 

Your technician should discuss what to expect and pain management methods with you prior to your procedure. Be sure to ask questions if you have them. 

Applying permanent cosmetics is a safe procedure as long as proper sterilization and sanitary guidelines are followed. 

These guidelines include:

• All needles should be new and sterile for each client. Other machine parts should also be pre-sterilized and disposed of in a sanitary manner.
• Other equipment and supplies should be kept in a sanitary manner.
• Gloves should be used at all times during the procedure and disposed of after procedure.
• The technician should follow all State and Federal guidelines for sterile technique and other health safety requirements.
• The procedure room should be in an area free from other contaminants such as hair and nail dust, which contain bacteria.
• Floors and walls should be of a nonporous material which can be kept free from infectious organisms.

If you have any questions, be sure and ask your technician before beginning. 

Although the procedure is considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing color and shape to some extent, depending on the expertise of your technician.  

Colors will appear darker immediately following the procedure but will soften and lighten after the first week.

Talk to your technician ahead of time about what to expect and what options you may have for changing the effect.

Choose a technician carefully by considering training and experience. It is better to ask many questions than none, to be assured that the technician you choose will give the results you want. 

Keep in mind your health and safety should be of the utmost importance to you and the technician. You must consider the cleanliness, sanitary conditions and general environment where your permanent makeup will be performed. 

There are many variables which include: 

• Training and experience. Not all technicians have the same degree of training. Some have no medical background and many are not associated with a physician. 
• Is your technician licensed? 
• Permanent makeup equipment types and quality. Pigments, anesthetics, and techniques can also vary

Gain a good understanding of all of these factors so you can get the results you want. 

Generally, there is some swelling of the treated area. While eyebrows may show little after effect, eyeliner and lips may show slight puffiness for one or two days. There is usually some tenderness for a few days. The color will be darker than you may expect for the first six to ten days.

A patch test is usually performed to eliminate possible allergic reaction. The application is just deep enough to penetrate the dermal layer of skin. There have been so few reactions to the pigments that some doctors are suggesting the patch test be eliminated.  

However, at any time, people can develop a new allergy to something they have not been allergic to before, so a patch test is recommended. 

A touch-up is a color re-enhancement.

Permanent makeup will fade over time with sun exposure and with use of skin lightening products such as Retinol, Retin-A Hydroquinone and Glycolic acids.  The degree of fading will depend on the extent of exposure, the general condition of your skin and the shade of color implanted.   

While the permanent makeup should never completely disappear, a touch-up or color re-enhancement will usually be desired every 2-3 years.