Are you considering permanent make-up? Please read our guide for pmu!
Permanent cosmetic makeup is cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to “micropigmentation”, “micropigment implantation” or “dermagraphics”. The cosmetic implantation technique deposits colored pigment into the upper reticular layer of the dermis.
IS IT SAFE?
The method of depositing pigments into the dermal layer of the skin is a very precise process and is, in most cases, irreversible. I use the highest quality equipment and iron-oside free pigments to keep you safe. The Swiss Color devices are top quality, reflect the latest hygienic conditions and guarantee excellent results.
IS IT REALLY PERMANENT?
During the procedure droplets of pigment are placed into the dermal layer of your skin. Anything deposited in the epidermis, which is your upper exfoliating layer will eventually exfoliate. This happens during the healing process. The initial exfoliation starts about three days after the tattooing. Tiny particles of normally shedding skin flake off carrying some colour. This is why your tattoo can lighten up to 20-50% during the healing process. It may take three to six weeks for the finished result to be “settled in”.
Permanent cosmetics may take several sessions (2-4) of layering in colour to achieve your desired result. The degree of colour permanency varies with each individual. Colour can fade due to many factors¸ including prolonged exposure to the sun, or other forms UV rays, a person’s own body chemistry, and the degree of care taken to maintain the work.
Any process involving the dermal layer of the skin, such as peels, medical procedures or certain medications such as Acutane, can also adversely affect colour integrity. However, the lifetime integrity of colour has nothing to do with the permanent nature of any form of tattooing. The dermis is the layer of skin that holds your colour; this layer does not easily exfoliate. The colour is injected in molecules and those molecules remain in the dermal layer of your skin forever.
If permanent cosmetics could be totally protected from UV, it would remain in its pristine shape for years and years. But unlike a body tattoo that is protected by clothing, tattoos on the face are constantly exposed. In general, the lighter the colour implanted, the more it has the potential to be affected by ultra violet rays and fade. Colours like to fade to their base color, but can easily be corrected by a colour boost.
So the answer is yes, micro pigmentation or permanent cosmetics is permanent!
WHO BENEFITS FROM PERMANENT MAKE-UP?
People who meet minimum age requirements and have the ability to heal properly from minor wounds can benefit from the liberating benefits of permanent cosmetics. Interest in this service spans the young to the more mature; those who desire a soft, natural enhancement to their appearance. It is especially valuable to people who can’t wear traditional cosmetics due to allergies and skin sensitivities; active people who want to look their best for sports activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, aerobics; and those who don’t want to worry about “sweating off” or reapplying cosmetics. Permanent Cosmetics also benefits the vision challenged who have difficulty applying their cosmetics; and others with dexterity related conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors, and busy people who don’t have time to spend applying and refreshing makeup throughout the day and evening.
HOW LONG DOES EACH PROCEDURE TAKE?
The initial procedure will generally take approximately 1,5 to 2 ½ hours; there are records to establish; photographs to take; desired design and colour to discuss; the procedure to perform; and the aftercare requirements to discuss. Follow up or colour refresher procedures usually do not require the same amount of time.
IS IT PAINFUL?
Most people experience some discomfort. This will vary according to each individual’s pain threshold. I use good quality topical anesthetics that are specifically developed for our industry. My clients fall asleep some times during the treatment….
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS DURING OR AFTER THE TREATMENT?
While eyebrows may show little after effect, eyeliner and lips may show slight to moderate swelling. This is very dependent upon the amount of work performed. As examples; an eyelash enhancement will show very little response to the tattooing procedure compared to a more moderate response when wide eyeliner is performed. The same philosophy applies to lip colour procedures. A lip liner or blended lip liner will show less effects of the procedure than that of a full lip colour. Also, some people swell more from minor skin infractions than others. During the procedure there may be some minor bleeding. This again, is client specific. Many people take blood thinners on a daily basis so some slight bleeding would be expected. Others show little or no signs of bleeding. Bruising is rare but again, if a person is on blood thinners, bruising could occur. What is seen more often is that eyebrows rarely if ever produce any bruising; minor bruising during eyeliner procedures is possible if the skin being tattooed is very thin and close to the vascular system. This also applies to lip procedures in the event the client is more mature. If bruising does occur, typically it is minor and subsides in a few days. Other less often reported side effects are difficult to determine due to the individuality of each person’s biological system. This is why I require a client history profile be filled out to assess different factors that may contribute to your experience after the tattooing procedure has been completed. The possibility that you would have any problems or reactions from these procedures is almost non-existent with today’s health standards. Post procedural instructions, if followed carefully, will greatly reduce any risk. Medical problems associated with permanent cosmetics are often linked to poor attention to the required aftercare process on behalf of the client.
Choose a time for procedures when you feel confident you can follow the simple, but very important after care instructions!!! (E.G. you better come for the treatment min 2 weeks before or after your holidays/family gatherings/special events)
WHAT IS A TOUCH-UP AND DO I NEED ONE?
Often the tattooed color is not perfect after the initial procedure heals. Permanent cosmetic procedures are a process and at least one follow-up to the initial procedure should be scheduled. THERE IS NO IMMEDIATE RESULT! Some clients do not need touch-up for 6-9 months while others come back 2-3 times within the the first year from their initial treatment until the desired colour and shape is complete. IMPORTANT! Touch-up can not be done sooner than four weeks after the original procedure. The minimum standard for follow-up detail work for lip procedures is six weeks. Lips have a different healing agenda than procedures performed on other parts of the face due to their delicate nature. The rules of after care are the same after every single treatment!
HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF FOR THE TREATMENT?
- do not consume alcohol 48 hours prior to any procedure!
- do not consume any coffee, tea or energy drink 6 hours prior to any procedure!
- do not tint your eyebrows and do not go under any cosmetic procedures e.g. facial treatments or peeling 1 week prior to the procedure!
- do not go to sunbed 3 days prior to the procedure!
- do not apply make-up!!!
- you have to come with clean, fresh skin!!!
- be there min 15 minutes before your scheduled time!
CANCELLATION: Due to the lenght of the treatments and my strict shcedule, I have 72 hours cancellation policy. €100 is taken as a deposit to sequre your slot, so please, please make sure you have chosen your appointment carefully, otherwise you will lose your deposit!
EYEBROW:
You should allow at least 2 hours for your initial procedure. If you usually shape your brows by tweezing, shaving, threading, or waxing, you should do so a few days before your appointment. You should stop taking any blood-thinning products 2 days before (e.g. aspirin, alcohol, fish oils) unless prescribed by your physician.
EYELINER:
You should allow at least 2 hours for your initial procedure. If you wear contact lenses, you will not be able to wear them for 24-48 hours after your procedure. You must be fully healed after any eye surgery (e.g. LASIK) before your appointment. You must stop using any eyelash growth product at least one month prior. please make sure your fake lashes are removed by a professional min 3 days prior to the treatment!
LIP:
You should allow at least 3 hours for your initial procedure. If you remove facial hair around your lips by tweezing, shaving, threading, or waxing, that should be done a few days before your appointment. Electrolysis or laser hair removal should be completed 5 to 7 days before. Taking an anti-viral medication is recommended, especially if you have a history of Chicken Pox or cold sores. You should also wear and bring your favorite color lipstick or lip pencil for color matching.
HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY PIGMENTED SITE?
The healing process is a fascinating and important aspect of your permanent makeup procedure. It differs from person to person and is based on several factors. Here I will explain those factors, and show you what to expect during all the stages of the healing process to help you recover as quickly and successfully as possible.
Healing Factors
A tattoo is effectively a skin deep fresh wound, and it will heal in much the same way. There are several physiological factors that help determine the average speed, healing time, and effectiveness of the healing process.
They include:
Age – Generally, as with any type of skin trauma, older looser skin tends to take a bit longer than younger skin to heal and regenerate.
Skin Type – Scarring affects different skin types differently based on collagen production. Darker skin, for example is susceptible to raised keloid scars, while lighter skin may have a more sunken pitted appearance.
Circulation – Good circulation facilitates healthy fresh blood flow through the wounded area, and cuts down considerably on healing time.
Estrogen Levels – Estrogen affects wound healing by regulating a variety of genes associated with regeneration. How Easily Or Severely You Swell And/Or Bruise – Although permanent eyebrows are least affected by swelling and bruising, some individuals are extremely prone which can extend the amount of time it takes to heal.
Diet – Studies suggest that good nutrition and “power” foods ( that contain proteins, vitamins A, C, and Zinc) promote healing.
Stress – Stress results in the deregulation of the immune system, which is proven to cause a substantial delay in wound healing.
Diabetes – Diabetic individuals show a documented impairment in the healing of acute wounds.
Smoking – Smoking causes a delay in wound healing and an increase in complications such as infection, rupture, leakage, and sometimes even necrosis.
Excessive Physical Activity – Excessive exercise or activity could cause an increased risk of abrasion, and the sensitive areas to stretch making scabbing difficult.
Exposure To Sunlight – Excessive sun exposure can cause reddening, blistering, and inflammation potentially causing infection and scarring to the already sensitive area.
Medications – Some medications may interfere with response to inflammation, platelet function, and an ability to form clots, significantly affecting healing.
GENERAL POST PROCEDURE INFORMATION
The coming days
A slight scab will develop over the coming days, and the color will still look dark.
The natural cell renewal process will cause little flakes to develop. Removing these flakes will also cause color to flake off. The flakes (slight crust) must not be scratched off or damaged.
If you do, a micro scar will develop. The remaining pigment color will not last as well.
The Permanent Make up drawing will be up to 40% lighter.
Special care tips (3- 4 days)
Do not use any cosmetic products.
Do not apply any soap or oil.
In the first few days the treated areas must not be cleaned.
Do not rub, scratch or rub with a towel the treated areas.
The area may be carefully dabbed. The slight scab will come off by itself. If you do pull or scratch, micro scars may develop. This will result in the color not lasting as well and any retouching on a scar will make pigmenting much more time-consuming.
Color durability
Remember, the more care you take now the longer the color will last in your skin.
The color will now be deposited in the skin (basal germinal layer), so to speak. Do not obstruct this process.
In the first week you must not visit a solarium, a sauna and especially no swimming pool.
Avoid direct sun exposure.
Do not exfoliate the treated areas.
Permanent Make up for lips
Do not kiss, especially no beard (transmission of bacteria).
Do not plan a visit to the dentist for a few days. The treated areas have a slight crust (which is unpleasant for you because it creates a tingling sensation).
Make sure the glasses you drink out of are clean.
Later on, during intense sun exposure use UV sun protection for lips.
Cold sore problems: make an appointment for a consultation prior to the treatment