Permanent makeup
What is permanent makeup?
Permanent makeup, also known by various terms like cosmetic tattooing, micropigmentation, or derma-pigmentation, is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes tattoos to enhance facial features. It deposits colored pigments into the upper dermal layer of the skin, mimicking the look of makeup such as eyeliner, eyebrows, or lip liner.
Here’s a breakdown of what permanent makeup involves:
Mimicking Makeup with Tattoos:
Unlike traditional tattoos, permanent makeup uses specialized pigments and techniques to create a subtler, more natural-looking enhancement compared to body art tattoos.
The procedure involves implanting colored pigments into the skin using a small handheld device with fine needles. The chosen color, needle configuration, and depth of pigment placement determine the final effect.
Addressing Various Concerns:
Permanent makeup can target a variety of concerns and desires:
Eyebrows: Filling in sparse brows, reshaping uneven brows, or creating a whole new brow shape are common applications.
Eyeliner: Tightlining, defining lash lines, or creating subtle winged eyeliner effects are popular options.
Lips: Enhancing lip borders, adding subtle color or fullness, or correcting asymmetry are some potential uses.
Not Exactly Permanent:
While the term “permanent” is used, it’s important to understand that these pigments gradually fade over time. The longevity can vary depending on several factors, but typically, touch-up sessions are needed every few years to maintain the desired look.
Considering Permanent Makeup:
If you’re considering permanent makeup, here are some things to keep in mind:
Consultation is Key: A thorough consultation with a qualified professional experienced in permanent makeup is crucial. Discuss your desired outcome, medical history, and expectations openly.
Choosing a Skilled Professional: Look for a licensed professional with a proven track record and experience using sterile techniques and high-quality pigments.
Realistic Expectations: Permanent makeup offers convenience and time-saving benefits, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Discuss realistic expectations about the results and the potential for needing touch-up procedures.
Partial or Full Procedures: Depending on your needs, you can opt for a full permanent makeup procedure or a lighter, more natural-looking initial application.
How is a permanent makeup procedure performed?
Pre-Procedure Consultation:
- This initial meeting with your chosen permanent makeup artist is crucial. Discuss your desired outcome, including the specific look you want for your eyebrows, eyeliner, or lips.
- The artist will assess your skin type, facial features, and medical history to determine your suitability for the procedure and recommend the most appropriate pigments and techniques.
- Be sure to ask questions and address any concerns you have about the procedure, aftercare, and potential risks.
Preparing for the Procedure:
- You might be advised to avoid certain medications or blood thinners for a specific period before the procedure to minimize bleeding risks.
- If you’re getting eyeliner tattooed, you might need to stop wearing eyelash extensions for a recommended timeframe beforehand.
- Arrive at your appointment with a clean, makeup-free face.
How can I select a trustworthy surgeon?
When choosing an aesthetic plastic surgeon, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
Qualifications: Does the surgeon possess the necessary education, training, and certification?
Experience: Does the surgeon have extensive experience performing ear surgery?
Pediatric Experience: If the patient is a child, does the surgeon have experience operating on pediatric patients?
Results: Do you find the surgeon’s before-and-after photos satisfactory?
Comfort Level: Are you comfortable with the surgeon and their approach to your procedure?
Membership: Is the surgeon a member of The Aesthetic Society?
After finding a board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in ear surgery, you’ll need to schedule a consultation.
What to expect during a consultation?
Typically, there may be a consultation fee due to the comprehensive nature of the appointment. During the consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals. The surgeon will assess your suitability for ear surgery and evaluate the shape, size, and position of your ears. They may also take photographs for further analysis. Be prepared to provide your complete medical history, including past surgeries, medical conditions, allergies, and current medications.
Questions to ask your surgeon: It’s crucial to be proactive during your consultation. Here are some questions to consider asking:
- Am I a suitable candidate for ear surgery?
- Are my desired outcomes realistic?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of previous ear surgeries?
- How many ear surgeries have you performed?
- Which surgical approach is best suited to my needs?
- Where will the incisions be made, and will they be visible?
- What type of anesthesia do you recommend?
- What is the expected cost of the procedure?
- What can I do to ensure optimal results?
- What is the anticipated recovery period?
- What are the potential risks and complications?
After the consultation: Following the consultation, your surgeon will provide personalized recommendations and information, including:
- Proposed surgical approach
- Expected outcomes
- Financial considerations
- Risks and complications
- Anesthesia options
- Preoperative preparation
- Postoperative care instructions
- Similar case studies
- Answers to any additional questions
With thorough research and consultation, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision regarding your surgery and surgeon. If uncertainties persist, don’t hesitate to seek further clarification or explore consultations with other surgeons.
How do I prepare for a permanent makeup procedure?
Pre-Procedure Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do: Avoid certain medications or blood thinners for a specific period before the procedure, as directed by the artist. This can minimize bleeding risks during the procedure.
- Don’t: If you’re planning permanent eyeliner, avoid wearing eyelash extensions for a recommended timeframe beforehand. The artist will advise you on the specific timeframe.
- Do: Arrive at your appointment with a clean, makeup-free face. This allows the artist to assess your natural coloring and create the optimal design for your permanent makeup.
Additional Considerations:
- Patch Test: Some artists may recommend a patch test with the chosen pigment beforehand to check for any allergic reactions.
- Photos are Helpful: Bring photos of eyebrows, eyeliner, or lip styles that you find appealing. This can help the artist visualize your desired outcome.
- Schedule Strategically: Avoid scheduling your permanent makeup procedure right before an important event where you wouldn’t want any swelling or redness. Factor in healing time when planning your appointment.
How long does it take to recover from a permanent makeup procedure?
Healing Timeline:
- While permanent makeup offers long-lasting cosmetic benefits, it requires proper healing to achieve the desired results and minimize complications.
- Generally, complete healing for permanent makeup takes around 7-14 days.
Immediately After the Procedure:
- You might experience some swelling, redness, or mild discomfort around the tattooed area. This is normal and typically subsides within a few days.
- The artist will provide specific aftercare instructions to follow diligently. These might include applying antibiotic ointment, keeping the area clean and dry, and avoiding strenuous activity or swimming for a certain period.
The First Week:
- During the first week, the tattooed area might form a slight crust. It’s crucial not to pick or scratch at these scabs, as this can disrupt the healing process and potentially affect the final outcome.
- The color of the pigment might appear darker or more intense immediately after the procedure. This is because the skin is slightly inflamed. As healing progresses, the color will soften and settle into its natural-looking shade.
After a Week:
- By the second week, the scabs should have flaked off completely, revealing the initial results of your permanent makeup.
- The color might still appear slightly lighter than the final desired outcome. Touch-up sessions are often needed to perfect the results and ensure even pigment distribution.
Remember:
- Healing is a gradual process, and everyone heals at their own pace. If you experience any unusual discomfort, prolonged swelling, or signs of infection (pus drainage, redness that worsens instead of improves, fever), consult your healthcare provider immediately.
What will my permanent makeup results look like?
Natural Results are Achievable:
- Skilled permanent makeup artists utilize techniques and pigments designed to create subtle enhancements that compliment your features. The goal is to achieve a natural-looking result, not a dramatic change.
Factors Affecting Your Results:
Several factors influence how your permanent makeup will look:
- Your Desired Outcome: A clear communication with your artist about the look you envision is crucial. Be specific about color preferences, thickness (for eyebrows), or desired definition (for eyeliner).
- The Artist’s Skill and Experience: Choosing a qualified and experienced permanent makeup artist is essential. Their expertise in technique, pigment selection, and design is paramount for achieving natural-looking results.
- Your Skin Type: Oily skin might cause pigments to fade faster, while dry skin might hold pigment more intensely. The artist will consider your skin type when choosing pigments and planning the procedure.
- Healing Process: The initial color might appear stronger right after the procedure. As healing progresses, the color softens and settles into a more natural shade.
What are the risks associated with permanent makeup?
Potential Risks and Side Effects:
- Infection: Although uncommon, there’s a slight risk of infection if sterile techniques aren’t followed correctly during the procedure. This is why choosing a licensed and experienced professional is crucial.
- Allergic Reaction: Pigment allergies are rare, but possible. Some artists offer patch tests beforehand to minimize this risk.
- Unsatisfactory Results: Miscommunication about desired outcome, inexperience of the artist, or individual skin factors can lead to unsatisfactory results like uneven pigment distribution, undesired color, or a shape that doesn’t complement your features. Choosing a skilled professional and clear communication are key to reducing this risk.
- Scarring: Scarring is uncommon but can occur, especially if you have a history of keloid scarring. Consulting with your artist beforehand is important.
Other Potential Issues:
- Fading: Permanent makeup pigments fade over time. The longevity varies depending on factors like sun exposure and skin type, but generally, touch-up procedures are needed every 1-3 years.
- Difficulty with Removal: While removal is possible with laser treatments, it can be expensive, time-consuming, and may not completely remove the pigment, leaving behind a faint shadow.
- MRI Compatibility: Some permanent makeup pigments may interfere with certain MRI scans. Inform your doctor about your permanent makeup if you require an MRI.
Source: Information adapted from theaestheticsociety.org
