What is Permanent Makeup?
PM is a gentle process of implanting pigment into the upper layer of the skin. PM procedure is performed around eyes, eyebrows and lips, for camouflaging scars, burns, Vitiligo, as well as correcting some facial irregularities. Permanent Makeup (PM) is also known as dermapigmentation, micropigmentation, or cosmetic tattooing, and is an alternative to removable, daily applied cosmetics. The most obvious benefit of permanent makeup is saving time.
What are the reasons for having Permanent Makeup?
- Active sport lifestyle
- Busy career lifestyle
- Limited time
- Limited dexteruty
- Allergies to applied cosmetics
- Poor vision
- Burn injuries
- Alopecia
- Limited time
- Loss of limbs (fingers or hands)
- Paralysis of limbs
- Multiple sclerosis
Are there any contraindications for having Permanent Makeup procedures?
Candidates who are seeking PM and who may be contraindicated include people with diabetes, pregnant and lactating women, people with glaucoma, people who are taking blood-thinning medicines (e.g. aspirin), Cortisone, Steroids, Acutaine, Retin-A, Renova. You must have written permission from your phisitian if you are taking Coumadin or Heparin. People with skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, undiagnosed rashes and blisters, those with allergies to makeup or colors, and those with easily trigged post inflammatory hyperpigmentation are not good candidates. Also contraindicated are individuals who are attempting to cover or camouflage Telangestasia or birthmarks. Additionally, herpes simplex can be considered a contraindication, however, with the advent of medications to control the viral breakout, herpes is no longer considered a contraindication.
PM is a cosmetic procedure of tattooing makeup. PM is a process of implanting pigment into the upper layer of the skin - epidermis. The epidermis is the outer layer of skin that is visible to all and is constantly shedding and renewing itself. The process of cells turnover makes color fades. The tattoo process deposits the pigment into the second layer of the skin, dermis. The cells of the dermis are far more stable than the cells of the epidermis, so the tattoo's ink will stay in place, with minor fading and dispersion, for a person's entire life.
Tattoo inks and PM inks are the substance that usually comprises of two basic components: pigments and carriers. Generally iron oxide pigments are specifically made for permanent makeup and tattoo inks: Black – Carbon; Yellow - Curcuma; Blue - Calcium Copper Silicate; Green - Chromium Oxide; Red - Iron Oxide; and White - Zinc Oxide. Carriers are liquids which deliver the pigments under the skin: Listerine, Witch Hazel, Purified Water, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol, and Glycerin. These inks are the least likely to cause an allergic reaction in the skin. They are also gamma radiated for sterility.
What is the difference between permanent makeup and tattoo?
Is the PM procedure painful and how much does it hurt?
Because PM is most often performed on areas of the body that are sensitive, the use of anesthetic agent is not uncommon. The sensation of every person is different. One topical anesthetics is a combination of betacain, lidocaine, tetracain. Other topicals include epinephrine, which is vasoconstrictive and helps to minimize swelling. These products are effective, quick acting, and have various blends designed for use before a procedure or application, after the skin has broken. The multiple-application technique works well to make the client comfortable and allows the technician to complete the procedure effectively.
How will it look?
Immediately after the procedure, some swelling may occur, and the color will appear a bit darker than the healed and final result. During the procedure, the color of the pigment is mixed with body fluids and is oxidized. The color stays dark for 4-7 days during the healing process, as the upper layers of epidermis are shed and replaced by new epidermal cells. After the healing process you will be able to see a lighter softer color of the pigment. The final color will appear in about 4 weeks after the procedure, and is usually about 50-60% lighter than the color after procedure.
Eyeliner healing process (first 7 days) and changes in color
Lips healing process (first 7 days) and changes in color
How long does PM stay? Why does color fade over time?
The best possible color results can stay for many years or may begin to fade over time. Generally, two to five years is common. How much time is individual per person. While permanent makeup pigment remains in the epidermis, its beauty-span may be influenced by several possible factors. These can be environmental, procedural (chemical peels) and individual factors. Sun exposure fades color. The amount and color of pigment deposit under the skin can affect the length of time that permanent makeup looks its best. Very natural looking applications are likely to require a touch-up before more dramatic ones for this reason. Individual influences include lifestyles that find an individual in the sun regularly such as with gardening or swimming. Skin tones are a factor in colour changes over time.
Is touch-up really needed?
During the healing process, the skin is working on the reparing itself. The lymphatic system is trying to push out all external particles to prevent contamination. That explains why the color implanted the first time is not perfect after healing. Also the first time appointment and procedure is like a sketch for technician. All skin is different and can respond differently by healing and keeping the pigments. At the touch-up, the technician reviews her work and adds the finishing corrective touches for color and shape. Permanent Makeup & Esthetics, LLC prices include one follow up procedure (touch up). However the client should always remember that permanent makeup is almost always a two or more step process.
How long does the procedure take?
Permanent Makeup & Esthetics, LLC is a stencil-free practice. The most important part of the first procedure is drawing and creating a shape of eyebrows, eyeliners or lips, which could take about 15 - 30 minutes. Anesthesia will take 15 minutes, and the procedure itself takes about 1 - 2 hours. So the total time is about 1.5 - 2.5 hours. The approximate duration of the procedure will be determined during the consultation. The duration of a touch-up procedure is about 1 hour 30 minutes for eyebrows; 2 hours for lips and eyes.