What is micropigmentation?
Micropigmentation,
also known as permanent makeup, is the art and science of implanting
color into the skin. When the permanent makeup procedure is done,
the pigment must go through the epidermis to reach the dermis layer of
skin, and therefore the color is much more intense at first. Once
the permanent makeup is completely healed and the epidermal layer has
sloughed off, the color will appear to be about a third lighter that it
did at the beginning.
Does it hurt?
At
Permanent Cosmetic Clinic we only employ registered nurses who do the
permanent makeup procedures. By having registered nurses, we are
able to inject local anesthetics so the procedure is completely pain-free! Topical anesthetics are used to help minimize any slight discomfort you may experience from the tiny needle the nurses use to inject the Lidocaine with epinephrine. When using only a topical numbing agent, most times the pigment only reaches the epidermis, which sloughs off. By
injecting a numbing agent and being completely numb, we are able to
place the pigment into the dermis layer of skin, so the permanent
makeup will last a lot longer. The Lidocaine also contains
epinephrine which is a vasoconstrictor (blood vessel
constrictor). Since the blood vessels are smaller, there is
significantly less bleeding. Therefore you don't "bleed out" the
pigment, like you would without the epinephrine. This, along with
being completely numb, greatly reduces the need for a touch-up.
Who is a good candidate?
The
active woman because permanent makeup is waterproof and perspiration
proof. The busy woman because permanent makeup eliminates time
consuming cosmetic application. The woman with a loss of eyebrows
or eyelashes due to disease, trauma, genetics, or aging. The
woman who has visual impairments or loss of motor skill that make the
application of cosmetics difficult. Anyone who has suffered
stroke, arthritis, or any type of fine motor loss will find this a
wonderful solution to continue to look and feel good about
themselves. Permanent makeup may be the solution for the person
with allergies to conventional makeup or other allergies that cause
excessive watering of the eyes making traditional cosmetics smear.
What if I have allergies?
At
Permanent Cosmetic Clinic we offer a complimentary allergy test to the
pigments. The allergy test is optional and designed for patients
who have a lot of allergies or who do not have any other tattoos.
The pigments we use are made specifically for permanent makeup, have
been tested and are hypoallergenic. The allergy test involves a tiny break in the skin behind the ear, in the hairline, with a pigment. If
you wish to have an allergy test please allow a full 72 hours for a
reaction to occur. After that time, you are free to schedule an
appointment for permanent makeup.
How long will it take to recover?
With
eyeliner, it will look like you have been crying and your eyes will
feel scratchy once the numbing medicine wears off. Eyeliner takes
about 2 days of healing before you are able to return to work.
Eyebrow procedures have the least swelling and only require about 1 day
off from work. Lipcolor involves the most swelling because there
is a lot of tissue that receives micropigmentation. You must let
the nurse know if you have a history of fever blisters so that they can
inform you about the medications to take before and after the
procedure. When you have permanent lipcolor, you will want about
3-4 days recovery time.
What if I don't know what color or what type of permanent makeup I want?
Free
consultations with makeup specialists are offered. Before the
procedure, removable makeup pencils and/or surgical skin markers are
used to draw on the shape of the brows and lip outline. Eyeliner shape
and thickness can be chosen from looking at our photos of previous
patients. The color of permanent makeup is selected in accordance
with a color you normally wear or a color that complements your
complexion and eye color.
What if I don't like the color?
We
highly recommend that you bring the makeup color, you frequently wear,
with you to the consultation and at the time of your appointment.
We have a large variety of colors and we can also mix colors to create
custom colors. Permanent makeup colors can be changed,
especially if you go from a lighter to a darker color. At
Permanent Cosmetic Clinic we like to go a little lighter, a little
thinner because you can always add to, not take away. But don't
worry, you have 6 months to get your permanent makeup just like you
like it!
How long will my makeup last?
Micropigmentation
lasts a long time, but not forever. As you become accustomed to
your new makeup, it's not uncommon to want more. After your
initial procedure you have 6 months to have a touch-up (free of
charge). You will want to freshen up your makeup every 5-10
years. The darker the color, the longer it will stay.
Natural, delicate colors are oftentimes more vulnerable to the effects
of UV rays, pool chemicals, and your bodies own natural responses.
Is this a smart investment?
Yes,
getting permanent makeup will save you time and money in the long
run. Retouches are needed every 5-10 years to keep your makeup
looking fresh. If you return to have us touch-up your makeup
(post 6 months), after your initial micropigmentation, it will only be
half the price of the original cost. Your investment in permanent
makeup can completely eliminate the daily time-consuming ritual of
applying your makeup. You'll also not have the embarrassment of
smeared, streaked, smudged eyeliner and brows so common with eye
pencils or powders. Go swimming or exercise without worrying
about your makeup running!
What if I need an MRI?
Go to http://www.mrisafety.com for
lots of information. The pigments used at Permanent Cosmetic
Clinic are MRI safe. If your permanent makeup is relatively
fresh, you may temporarily feel a tingling, burning sensation but the
feeling is much less significant if you use a wet towel or gauze to
place over them during the MRI. New MRI equipment rarely causes
any problem.
Permanent
makeup makes it possible to look better all of the time and to be more
comfortable in your skin. Plus when you look better, you feel
better!