FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PERMANENT COSMETICS
Q. WHAT EXACTLY IS PERMANENT COSMETIC MAKEUP?
Permanent cosmetic makeup is a state of the art form of cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as “micropigmentation”, “micropigment implantation” or “dermagraphics”. The cosmetic implantation technique deposits tiny individual implants of pigment into the dermal layer of the skin.
Q. HOW ARE PERMANENT COSMETIC PROCEDURES DONE?
Permanent cosmetics procedures are performed using various machines and methods, including the traditional (or specialized) tattoo or coil machines, the pen or rotary machine and the non-machine or hand method.
These procedures are a process which includes the initial consultation, initial application of pigment, and usually one or two follow up visits for adjusting the shape and color or density of the pigment.
Q. WHO BENEFITS FROM PERMANENT COSMETIC MAKEUP?
EVERYONE, FROM THE YOUNG TO THE ELDERLY, WHO DESIRES A SOFT AND NATURAL ENHANCEMENT TO THEIR APPEARANCE
POST SURGICAL/INJURY, those seeking reconstruction of areolas after surgery; camouflage of scars from burns, surgery, accidents or injuries; redefinition of facial features.
ALOPECIA areata or universalis sufferers who have lost some or all of their facial hair, including eyebrows and/or eyelashes.
CHEMOTHERAPY recipients with full or partial hair loss.
VITILIGO sufferers who may have areas of skin which have lost their pigment.
PHYSICALLY ACTIVE people who want to look their best throughout activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, aerobics, and don’t want to worry about “sweating off” or reapplying cosmetics.
ALLERGIES and SENSITIVE SKIN-these people often can’t wear other cosmetics.
VISION IMPAIRED people who have difficulty applying their cosmetics.
MOTOR IMPAIRED including arthritics, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors, and those with unsteady hands who cannot apply their own makeup.
ENTERTAINERS, ACTRESSES, and MODELS.
MEN who want feature enhancement that looks natural and not “made up”.
WOMEN who want to look their best all the time, even when they wake up.
MOTHERS and other busy professionals who DON’T HAVE TIME for makeup.
Q. WHAT TYPES OF PERMANENT COSMETIC PROCEDURES CAN BE DONE?
Eyebrows
Eyeliner, top and bottom
Eyelash enhancement
Lipliner
Full lip color
Scar camouflage
Feature reconstruction
Areola restoration or repigmentation
Hair imitation
Skin grafts
Cleft/hare lip
Beauty marks
NOTE: Some of these procedures are more advanced techniques (sometimes referred to as para-medical techniques) and require an experienced technician with advanced training.
Q. ARE PERMANENT COSMETICS REALLY PERMANENT?
Technically, permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because the color is implanted into the 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 when selecting a potential permanent cosmetic makeup technician.
Q. HOW MUCH DOES PERMANENT COSMETIC MAKEUP COST?
The cost of the procedure is not be 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.
Please refer to our Pricing page to see our rates.
Q. HOW LONG DOES EACH PROCEDURE TAKE?
The initial procedure will generally take approximately 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Follow up procedures usually do not require as much time as the initial procedure.
Q. IS IT PAINFUL?
Permanent cosmetics procedures are of a skin invasive nature (as they are a form of cosmetic tattoo) and therefore you may experience some discomfort. This may vary according to each individual’s pain threshold and the skills of the technician performing the service. HOWEVER, keep in mind that there are different methods available to help with pain management, including various topical anesthetic ointments and anesthetic blocks (administered by a doctor or dentist), as well as topical desensitizing products. Your technician can discuss these methods with you to determine which one is right for you.
Q. IS IT SAFE?
Micropigmentation is a skin invasive procedure. It is important to observe the physical location where the procedure will be performed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has set standards for a clean and sanitary working environment and sterile equipment. Things to look for:
MOST IMPORTANT: Needles used should be new and sterile for each patient and disposed of properly after each patient. (Other machine parts should also be sterilized, ie. barrel tube, if required, or disposed of in a sanitary manner). 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.
Your technician should be clean and neat and knowledgeable of environmental safety requirements.
Clean sheets should be used for each patient.
The room or treatment arena should be in an area free from other contaminants as well.