Permanent Makeup and Your Skin

Is it okay to go to a tattoo parlor or nail salon to get permanent makeup?

2008-11-07T00:10:00.000-08:00

There is no question that permanent makeup is basically a cosmetic tattoo, but it is a separate specialty within the field of tattooing using different equipment and colorants. Most importantly, specialized training with unique standards is required in order to properly perform this service. While those who pursue training in permanent makeup run the gamut from doctors to manicurists, there is no one particular education background that guarantees superior results for the client except that permanent makeup should at least be the most regularly performed procedure of the person who is doing the work.

Ever notice how all the well-regarded tattoo artists tend to specialize in their own signature styles? If certain regular makeup artists cannot even deliver subtle facial corrections using natural-looking makeup, what makes you think a tattoo artist can no matter what claims or certifications they make?

Can permanent makeup really look better than conventional makeup?

2008-11-06T00:07:00.000-08:00

Both permanent and conventional makeup can look great or good enough with room - sometimes lots of room - for improvement. Skilled makeup artists are in great demand for the way they can improve a person's appearance with conventional makeup (albeit with the fanciest, highest quality products and applicators), but the average person is unlikely to have the same skill and/or time to attend to beauty ritual of applying makeup everyday and throughout the day as it wears off (with the exception of my grandmother, but she was quite a piece of work).

Well-executed permanent makeup can achieve the same results as regular makeup or better, especially since even the most meticulously applied makeup eventually comes off one way or another.

I've noticed that my lips have gotten thinner and paler as I get older. What's going on and what are my options for lip enhancement?

2008-11-06T00:06:00.000-08:00

Generally around 35 years of age, the lips will begin to flatten and thin out, the corners droop, and the lip lines begin to form. As lips lose their fullness it makes the mouth look smaller, giving an aging effect to the face. Lips also lose their smoothness and become less plump due to a breakdown in collagen and the loss of subcutaneous fat within the lips. Furthermore, the collagen breakdown causes our lips to lose elasticity, making fine lines and deeper wrinkles more evident on and around the lips. Also noticeable is the reduction in the lips' bright redness.

Numerous injectable fillers have entered the market over the last five years giving women a number of options for fuller, younger-looking lips. Not all are created equally, however, as some fillers carry a higher risk of complication depending upon where they are injected, which can lead to unsatisfactory results such as visible lumps and clumping. Since some fillers can last between one and two years, any associated complications can last for several months. The gold standard for augmenting the lip is hyaluronic acid fillers, which last three to six months. Hyaluronic acids carry a reduced risk because of their short-term results. Collagen can be used, but due to collagen's high cost, hyaluronic acids are considered superior.

Cosmetic lip tattoos enhance the lips with more natural-looking results for a much longer period of time and without the same risk of complications. Unlike injectable fillers, lip tattoos can also create a superior vermillion border and enhance the lips' natural color, restoring an alluring vitality to the face. Such procedures are not just for women who want to have the lips of a heralded celebrity, but simply to turn back the hands of time.

Of course, lip tattoos can also be done as the finishing touch after lip plumping injections to better complete the desired enhancement.

Just how natural can you make my eyebrows look?

2008-11-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

Fake-looking, drawn-on brows detract from the appeal of even the most perfectly symmetrical and otherwise universally admired faces. (Pamela Anderson is one that comes to mind.) A good tattooed eyebrow should look three-dimensional, just like real ones. It can be particularly tricky to execute well when there is very little or no hair present, but as seen here, they make of one of the best face-enhancing procedures available with no downtime.

What if I want to change the way I draw on my eyeliner?

2008-11-06T00:04:00.000-08:00

Properly applied permanent eyeliner should never require "updating" to keep up with any fashion trends, only perhaps additional color as it slowly fades over the years. Its combined eyelash-thickening effect and indelible staying power can never be duplicated by topical cosmetics. Indeed this has become one of the most widely accepted cosmetic tattooing procedures throughout the United States, Europe and much of Asia.

"Those perfect women, the ones who roll out of bed looking fantastic? They have a secret."

2008-11-06T00:03:00.000-08:00

An eye-opening (sorry about the pun) Beauty Investigation article featured in the December 2007 issue of Elle magazine. The author reports who's getting into permanent makeup in NYC.

Elle-December-2007.pdf

Who gets permanent makeup?

2008-11-06T00:02:00.000-08:00

Permanent makeup is a convenient solution for people who want to appear optimally at their best, but feel self-conscious about sparse eyebrows or eyelashes, or lips that are too thin, asymmetrical, or naturally lacking in color. It's also ideal for those who have allergies or are irritated by conventional cosmetics, have a physical limitation that makes applying makeup difficult, or are physically active or perspire heavily, and it has the added benefit of saving daily application time.

Can men benefit from these procedures?

2008-11-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

Sure, but just like for women, it depends on the individual needs of the person. Typically men can benefit with a subtle enhancement of the eyebrows to give more definition to their eyes and face. A brow procedure is more practical than say, tinting or coloring the brows, especially if there aren't a lot of hairs to color. The definition from a brow tattoo is also much longer lasting - a few years as opposed to several weeks for tinting.

Will I really look like myself . . . only better?

2008-11-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Permanent cosmetic makeup helps replenish what time has taken away, but is not intended to replace cosmetics completely especially if you tend to wear heavy-looking makeup. Because the color is placed "in" your skin and not "on" your skin, the result is a more natural, softer look. When you're getting ready for a special occasion, you can still apply as much additional makeup as you wish.

I'm uncertain about having this done because tattoos are sacreligious to my Orthodox faith.

2008-11-05T00:35:00.000-08:00

Cosmetic tattooing differs from traditional tattooing in that it is not intended for adornment, religious, gang or tribal identity. The two disciplines are different, as is the duration of the color. Traditional tattooing is obvious and quite permanent in the traditional sense, while cosmetic tattooing - when done properly - should not be obvious and typically lasts from one to five years depending on the skin. The semi-permanent nature of cosmetic tattooing, like Botox and Restylane, still gives people a choice while giving more value because it also lasts longer than these injectables.

What's the difference between permanent makeup and semi-permanent makeup?

2008-11-05T00:27:00.000-08:00

It's the same thing. Despite the word "permanent," it is important to understand that the colors used for cosmetic and camouflage tattoos are not permanent in the Webster's Dictionary sense of the word.

Permanent makeup and permanent cosmetics are terms widely used in America while in places such as Australia, semi-permanent makeup is used to explicitly prevent false advertising. "Semi-permanent" means that it is long-lasting, and this makes sense because the skin is living tissue that's subject to change from various external and internal factors. When placed into the skin, any color will also become susceptible to change, most commonly fading.

In a recent survey of cosmetic tattoo professionals 85% maintain that cosmetically tattooed eyebrows, for example, will require a touched-up every 1-3 years.

Thus, in light of clinical observation and scientific evidence, it is important to qualify the use of the word "permanent" and make sure that clients understand the need for additional color enhancements in the future should they wish to maintain their tattooed makeup. No matter what we call it, many people will continue to need and want the benefits of long-lasting cosmetically tattooed makeup, even if it is only semi-permanent.

How long will my permanent makeup last?

2008-11-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

Permanent makeup is long-lasting. But just like any other tattoo, cosmetic tattoos (particularly eyebrows in muted or golden browns) will soften and slowly fade over time. Especially as you become accustomed to having your new makeup, it's not uncommon to want more and desire a color touch-up every few years. Exactly how long depends on the individual. Unprotected exposure to UV light, certain medications, smoking, dry climate, excessively dry skin, and anything meant to exfoliate or have the ability to lighten your skin or hair can all prematurely fade your cosmetic tattoo. Taking good care of your skin will greatly prolong the life of your tattoos.

How should I prepare for this procedure?

2008-11-05T00:04:00.000-08:00

* You must be at least 18 years of age (CA State law).

* You must not have a sunburn or use a tanning bed prior to and after any procedures.

* You must be off Retin-A or other retinoids at least 2 weeks prior to all procedures if they cause your skin to be sensitive. Clients must be off Accutane for at least 6 months to one year prior to all procedures.

* Check with your physician if you have any medical issues that will require prior approval, such as diabetes, hepatitis, heart problems, or have had precancerous skin lesions, eczema or psoriasis.

* Avoid any alcohol 48 hours prior to all procedures as well as any other strong stimulants.

* Do not take any aspirin or Ibuprofen before or immediately after the procedure as it may promote bleeding. Try to also avoid taking the following supplements a few days prior to all procedures unless medically needed: niacin, vitamin E, gingko biloba, St. John's Wort, and evening primrose oil. Tylenol or other non-aspirin pain relievers may be taken 1 hour before your appointment.

* Any tweezing, waxing, lash tinting, brow tinting, or eyelash perming should be done no sooner than 48 hours before the procedure that will affect the area; electrolysis no less than 5 days before.

* If getting an eyeliner procedure and you wear contact lenses, please bring your eyeglasses with you if you need them to see.

* Anyone with a history of cold sores or fever blisters requesting a lip color procedure are advised to contact their doctor for anti-viral medication to minimize the occurrence of an outbreak. If you have any condition that requires you to take antibiotics prior to going to the dentist, please also consult your doctor about doing the same prior to all tattoo procedures. Many physicians prescribe 12 capsules of 500mg Valtrex taken 2 times a day, two days before a lip procedure and four days after, or as prescribed. Lysine supplements can also be helpful in both preventing and minimizing outbreaks.

* Be prepared for the color intensity of your procedure to be significantly darker, larger, and/or brighter for the first few days. Also since delicate or sensitive skin may swell slightly or redden, come clients feel it best not to make any social plans for a day or two following any procedure.

* Understand that at least one touch-up visit is required before it can be determined that your work is complete; depending on the procedure, touch-ups are generally scheduled at 2 to 6 week intervals.

What exactly is permanent makeup?

2008-11-05T00:03:00.000-08:00

Permanent cosmetic makeup is the art and science of implanting the ideal color for you in the right place so your face can look better naturally. The color is placed into the dermis, or inner layer of the skin. Because the epidermis - the skin's outermost layer - is always shedding and renewing itself, you are actually seeing the color through a thin veil of skin. Immediately after your procedure, the color will appear darker than the final result because it is in both the epidermis and dermis. The color in the top layer will flake off during the healing process.

I'm afraid of pain. Will this hurt a lot?

2008-11-05T00:02:00.000-08:00

The latest topical anesthetics developed especially for permanent makeup used before and during the procedure assures you of the most comfortable experience possible. The manual method, such as is used with SofTap, is actually the least painful of all tattoo procedures and is relatively short in duration. It is common to hear that there was not as much pain as was expected. Depending on the individual and the area, an anesthetic is not even necessary in some cases.

How is the procedure performed?

2008-11-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Permanent makeup is a process that usually takes on average two or three applications to complete. A good permanent makeup artist will always add more color or thickness, if needed, on a follow up appointment within 4 to 6 weeks, which ensures perfection and longevity. Prospective clients are first led through a thorough consultation to determine if they are a good candidate. Once the desired color and shape is obtained in a run-through with the removable pigments, the area gets marked and cleansed, and a topical anesthetic is applied for your comfort. The pigment is then precisely deposited at approximately .08mm below the surface. The gravity of the pigment particles then brings it lower into the dermis, making it permanent without unnecessarily traumatizing the deeper layers of the skin. This also means a shorter application time since the color goes in quicker and with longer staying power. Depending on the area and how much work is needed, a typical procedure itself takes only about 20 to 30 minutes. A complimentary makeup consultation will give you a good idea of what your desired procedure will look like on you. With SofTap pigments, there is no worry that it will change color after it has been implanted into the skin.

What will I look like immediately after the treatment and how long does it take to recover?

2008-11-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Aside from the color looking about 40% darker than the intended (and final) result, work activities can be resumed immediately as long as they will not adversely affect the healing process. This intensity lightens as the procedure "settles" over 2 to 3 weeks. Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided and discussed. Typically our clients experience very little swelling or long-lasting irritation of the surrounding skin. You may look like you've had a good cry in the day or two following an eyeliner procedure. Lips, because of their vascularity, can expect to be swollen for about 24 hours after a procedure. All color will continue to oxidize (begin to turn darker and darker) for the next 3 to 4 days. After excess pigment flakes off on its own, the remaining pigment softens into the color that was first implanted into the skin. Fading or loss of pigment is expected and is a normal part of the process. There should be pigment under the skin where the excess pigment has flaked off. If there is no pigment there, then a touch up will be required. Recovery periods are different for each individual and each procedure.

What is "micropigmentation"?

2008-11-04T00:07:00.000-08:00

Micropigmentation is defined by the American Academy of Micropigmentation as a procedure in which minute, metabolically inert pigment granules are placed mechanically or manually below the epidermis for the purpose of cosmetic and/or corrective enhancement. Essentially, it is just another term for permanent makeup, permanent cosmetics, or cosmetic tattooing.

How is SofTap different from a traditional cosmetic tattoo?

2008-11-04T00:06:00.000-08:00

The oldest method of tattooing, dating back to the ice age, remains the superior method for achieving the most natural look. Today's methods for applying permanent makeup are the traditional coil machine, rotary machine and manual technique that's similar to a gentle etching motion. SofTap is a patented manual method with an impeccable safety record. The sterile handpieces are opened from their sealed packaging only at the time of the procedure, and all accessories that come into contact with the client are disposed of after a single use. Also unlike traditional tattoo machines, the benefits of the hand method are less trauma to the skin, fast healing, and soft, natural-looking results. Our free consultation will demonstrate for you the difference in the procedure of this method of permanent makeup.

What's the safety record on these colors? How do I know that I won't be allergic to the pigment?

2008-11-04T00:05:00.001-08:00

Most permanent makeup today is done with iron oxide pigments. In July 2004, the FDA issued an alert reporting that a number of individuals had experienced adverse reactions to the pigments from one particular manufacturer. No adverse reactions have ever been reported using SofTap's own patented iron oxide pigments since launching in 1988. These are nontoxic to skin tissue, non-irritating and long-lasting. The chances of developing an allergic reaction to them are very remote. If there is any concern over allergy to the pigment, a patch test is available. Anyone can develop an allergy to anything at anytime. In fact, people with allergies or chemical sensitivities may opt for permanent cosmetics because they replace the daily application of makeup that can become irritating.

What if I want to change my hair color in the future?

2008-11-04T00:05:00.000-08:00

The choice of color in a cosmetic tattoo should harmonize with the skin tone and the skin's undertones above all else. This ensures a flattering color regardless of what you decide to do with your hair.

What if I want to have cosmetic surgery, injectible fillers or laser resurfacing in the future?

2008-11-04T00:04:00.000-08:00

While it would be preferable to undergo any kind of surgical lifting before facial tattooing especially if significant alteration is expected, properly placed permanent makeup will maintain their position with respect to the brows, eyes and lips.

Injectible fillers used to increase lip volume, for example, typically should not affect tattoo position either and could be performed before or after tattooing.

Ablative resurfacing (removal of the epidermis and portions of the dermis by dermabrasion, carbon dioxide or Er:YAG laser, or chemical peeling agents) causes significant inflammation which will decrease a tattoo's color intensity, if not allow much of the pigment to eliminate through the abraded surface of the skin. While non-ablative laser resurfacing (creating a dermal injury while leaving the epidermis intact) has not been reported to cause problems with cosmetic tattoos, vigorous treatment can result in inflammation lasting hours or days and might theoretically lead to some pigment removal. Q-switched lasers (alexandrite, ruby, or Nd:YAG) are well known to cause permanent pigment darkening reactions in titanium and iron oxides commonly used in tattoo pigments. Therefore it is exceedingly important to inform the physician using a Q-switched laser the existence of any cosmetic tattoos. Laser hair removal, which employs alexandrite, diode, and Nd:YAG lasers, deposits light over a longer pulse duration than their Q-switched counterparts and is not known to cause tattoo pigment darkening. Still, significant inflammation can occur and the multiple treatments required for successful laser hair removal might lighten cosmetic tattoos. Finally, topical photodynamic therapy using aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and intense pulsed light (IPL) or pulsed dye laser can cause prolonged inflammation in the skin and therefore lead to significant removal of tattoo pigment.

Can I get my eyeliner tattooed if I have eyelash extensions?

2008-11-04T00:03:00.000-08:00

An eyeliner tattoo is possible if you have eyelash extensions. You would just need to wait at least 72 hours after getting the extensions before the eyeliner tattoo, or having the eyeliner tattoo at least one week before getting a touch up on the lash extensions.

What if I already have a cosmetic tattoo that I'm not that happy with?

2008-11-04T00:02:00.000-08:00

Although cosmetic tattoos are considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in altering color and shape to some extent. Please request a consultation to see how you can look with a corrective procedure.

Is it safe to get an MRI with a cosmetic tattoo?

2008-11-04T00:01:00.001-08:00

MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to see internal organs and soft tissue without the use of x-rays. Both safe and painless, MRI has no known side effects. MRI combines the knowledge of a computer with safe magnetic and radio waves to create extremely detailed images of areas of your body. The strong magnetic field created by the MRI machine is used to prepare the body to emit radio signals.

Wearers or permanent cosmetics and tattoos can have MRIs done safely and effectively with no ill side effects or diagnostic problems. It is important that the client inform the physician they have permanent makeup so that proper precautions, if deemed necessary, may be taken.

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MRI Info
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