Permanent Makeup Cosmetic Tattooing
WHAT IS PERMANENT MAKEUP?
Permanent makeup, also known as micropigmentation, cosmetic tattooing, and intradermal pigmentation, is a revolutionary cosmetic technique which involves the use of a pen containing iron oxide to have a permanent pigmentation of the dermis. It is achieved by inserting colored natural pigments into the dermal layer of the skin. The procedure uses a very fine needle that makes hundreds of tiny perforations per minute. It produces articulate designs that resemble makeup which is commonly done on lips, eyelids, and eyebrows.
Each procedure takes between 30 to 120 minutes depending on its complexity. Qualified technicians use an anesthetic to numb the area being tattooed. At first, the color will appear brighter or darker, but over time, it will fade. The area will be swollen within 2-5 days and crust will form before healing just like a normal tattoo.
Permanent makeup has been commonly used as a cosmetic enhancement. It’s used as a cover-up for stretch marks, birthmarks, age spots, and uneven discolorations. The procedure helps for those who are suffering in medical conditions like alopecia, vitiligo, and people who underwent chemotherapy.
TYPES OF PERMANENT MAKEUP
BEFORE AND AFTER
PERMANENT LIP MAKEUP
This procedure is done for those who want to have more defined lips or want to add some color on their lips. As people age, one will lose pigment around their lips causing unnatural spots. Permanent lip makeup compensates for the pigmentation loss and colors the lips with more luscious and natural shade.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
- Let the technician know if you have undergone a lip surgery (e.g. lip filler) or botox before. The technician may advise giving some more time from the surgery before having the lip permanent makeup.
- Inform the technician if you’re experiencing lip sores because this may affect the procedure. You may be required to take some antiviral medication before having the lip permanent makeup procedure.
- It’s best to let your technician know if you have any oral prosthesis such as full/partial dentures, braces or tongue piercings. Having those mentioned may increase the risk of infection.
- No alcohol or caffeine intake 24 hours before the procedure. Also, no aspirin and blood-thinning medication 5 days prior to the procedure.
- No injections of Novocaine should be done 10 days before your lip treatment procedure. Let your technician know if you’ve had any injections for the past few days and months.
AFTER-CARE
- Ice packs should be applied for 10-15 minutes each hour for the first 4-8 hours. The ice is used to reduce the swelling and to provide comfort.
- Avoid soap, cleanser, and shampoo on the treated area for at least 7 days. This also includes toothpaste and mouthwash, so please proceed with caution.
- Apply A & D ointment on the affected area with Q-tip within 24 hours.
- Do NOT remove the crusty part of the lip. This is a normal process of healing. If removed, it will affect the outcome of the pigmentation of the lip.
- Exposure to the sun is highly discouraged. Also, avoid swimming in pools and beaches for 2 weeks.
PERMANENT EYELINER
This procedure enhances the shape and natural beauty of the eyes. This procedure is best for those busy people who want to save time or for those who have a hard time putting on eyeliner. This also reduces the stretching of the skin on your eyelid due to the eyeliner application.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
- Do not wear contact lenses during the procedure.
- Before the procedure, do not dye, curl or perm your lashes for at least 2 days.
- Stop the use of eyelash growing serum like Latisse 2 months before the procedure.
- It’s best to let your technician know if you’ve had eye surgery done. This includes lasik and cataracts, to name a few.
AFTER-CARE
- Do not wear contact lenses for at least 24 hours after the procedure
- It’s best to wear sunglasses after the procedure to avoid sun exposure since this may give discomfort to the treated area.
- Do not dye, curl or perm lashes for 2 weeks after the procedure
- Do not use mascara until outer healing is completed. This may take 3-5 days.
- Lubricating refresher drops can be used to relieve swollen, dry and irritated eyes.
PERMANENT EYEBROW
The permanent eyebrow is totally different from microblading. The former uses tattoo dyes to fill in a dimensional brow shape and any spare spots. As for the latter, it uses a super fine pen to softly deposit pigment into the skin. It creates tiny hairlike strokes to make brows look thicker and appear more natural. Microblading is less invasive compared to the permanent tattoo since it is not deeply inserted into the skin. These procedures are commonly done to those who lost their hair due to old age or disease, such as alopecia totalis or chemotherapy.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
- Avoid tweezing, waxing or dyeing brows 2 days prior to the procedure.
- Also, avoid having electrolysis at least 5 days before having the permanent eyebrow makeup. This precaution prevents surface irritation or under the skin inflammation on the day of the procedure. To be sure, avoid hair removal for 2 weeks.
AFTER-CARE
- Schedule botox appointments 2 weeks to 2 months after the permanent eyebrow makeup procedure to reduce the chance of infection
- Do not tweeze, wax or dye brows for 2 weeks on the tattooed area.
- Do not touch the tattooed area with your unwashed or unclean fingers because this will increase the risk of infection.
- Do not scrub or scratch the tattooed area since this will affect the color outcome of the permanent eyebrow makeup
- If you experience swelling, you can apply an ice pack on the swollen area.
- Do not apply makeup or mascara on the tattooed area within a week.
- Do not use makeup remover, creams, and cleansers on your face. You can wash your face with tepid water. Make sure that your hands are clean when washing your face!
- Avoid hot tubs and pools for 2 weeks.
MICROBLADING EYEBROWS
Like what has been mentioned above, microblading is a relatively new technique that enhances the appearance of the eyebrows through a manual process of inserting pigment, which will look like tiny, hairlike strokes, into the upper layers of the skin. Its primary aim is to create the desired fullness and the desired shape of the eyebrows. That is why the people who usually undergo this procedure are those who don’t have naturally thick eyebrows but really want to have them.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
- Do not pick, tweeze, wax, or have electrolysis one week before the scheduled appointment.
- Do not use sunbeds or sit in direct sunlight two weeks before.
- Do not have any type of facial or peel two weeks before.
- Stop using any retinol or Vitamin A products one month before.
- Do not have botox three weeks before.
- Do not take fish oil or Vitamin E one week before (these are natural blood thinners).
- Do not wax or tint your eyebrows three days prior.
- Do not exercise on the day.
- Do not drink alcohol 24-48 hours prior to your appointment.
- Do not drink coffee 2 hours prior.
- Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen 24 hours before.
AFTER-CARE
- For days 1 to 7 after the procedure, gently wash your eyebrows every morning and night with water and an antibacterial soap such as Cetaphil. Make sure all soap is rinsed away and dry by gently patting with a tissue (this will not remove the pigment).
- Do not use any cleaners containing acids or exfoliants.
- Apply a very small amount of coconut or rosehip oil to each brow morning or night for the whole week after the procedure.
- Use a clean pillowcase when sleeping.
- No picking at your eyebrows — no matter how itchy it might get, avoid temptation.
- No facials, botox, or peels for 4 weeks.
- Avoid exercise or direct sun for 1 week.
- Avoid long, steamy showers and swimming for 10 days.
- Don’t wear any makeup or use skincare on your brows until they’re fully healed.
- Remember that your eyebrows aren’t finished until after the second session!
BEFORE AND AFTER
THE BENEFITS OF PERMANENT MAKEUP
IT HELPS YOU SAVE TIME AND ENERGY
YOU WAKE UP BEAUTIFUL AND READY ALL THE TIME
IT CORRECT BLEMISHES AND SCARS
YOU CHOOSE YOUR LOOK
IT’S LEGIT 100% SMUDGE-PROOF
RESULTS CAN LAST A LONG TIME
WHAT IS NORMAL DURING THE HEALING PROCESS?
- Swelling, scabbing, itching, bruising, and tightness – For bruising and swelling, ice-packs will relieve the discomfort. For scabbing and tightness, ointments will help treat it.
- Excessively dark or uneven appearance – For the first 2-7 days, the ink will be very dark. After this time period, it will fade and look more natural. After swelling goes down, unevenness usually corrects itself. If there are any issues after the first four weeks, a follow-up appointment can rectify them.
- Color change or color loss – During the healing process, color can lighten so much that it seems to disappear. The purpose of the follow-up appointment is to fix any problem areas. Healing takes roughly four weeks, and the area must be healed completely before a follow-up is performed.
- Expect to have a touch-up after the procedure – Generally, a touch-up is needed within 6-12 months after the procedure, depending on how well you have been taking care of your brows. The follow-up appointment is included in the procedure price and will occur 30 days after the original appointment. Afterwards, a touch-up appointment should be scheduled once every 18 months to keep them looking lush and beautiful. Unfortunately, if most of the original strokes have faded, the entire procedure will need to be redone. A photo consultation via email can determine if you need to have the procedure repeated or only need a simple touch-up.
IS PERMANENT MAKEUP REALLY PERMANENT? HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM TATTOO?
While it’s not as permanent as a back tattoo, it’s definitely longer-lasting than even your most trusted waterproof liner. Permanent makeup will remain visible anywhere from 1 to 3 years. When it comes to microblading, usually need extra touch-up procedure every 6 to 12 months to maintain results.
While a regular tattoo sinks deep into the dermis, the permanent makeup technique only penetrates the superficial layers in the skin. The dye particles are also less concentrated in makeup ink than the stuff at your local tattoo shop. Eventually, your skin will metabolize it and will fade away — but how long that takes can vary widely.