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What are Permanent Cosmetics?
Permanent cosmetics describe non-surgical procedures that use specialized tattooing methods. Colored pigments are implanted into the Dermis (middle layer) of the skin through microscopic injections with an extremely fine needle or cluster of needles. This process is also called Micropigmentation, Microdermal Pigmentation, Dermagraphics, Intradermal Cosmetics, Dermal Implantation, or Micropigment Implantation. Permanent Makeup is the term used to describe the cosmetic tattooing of facial features (eyebrows, eyelids, or lips) to improve color and shape.
Are Permanent Cosmetics safe?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), permanent cosmetics are safe when the technician is educated in the control of Blood Borne Pathogens and follows all OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines. However, permanent cosmetics are not licensed or regulated in most states including Arizona. Ask you technician to show certification of Blood Borne Pathogens certification.
What are some of the CDC and OSHA Guidelines for Permanent Cosmetics?
The tattooing equipment used should have parts that are completely disposable or can be autoclaved. If an autoclave is used, it must be functioning properly at the correct temperature with periodic testing. All needles should be individually wrapped, sterile, disposable, and for single use. All pigments and anesthetics should be dispensed from the manufacturers’ original containers. The procedure area should be sanitary with hand washing capabilities (running hot and cold water, soap, paper towels). Any products used during the procedure should be discarded afterward every time. Unfortunately, unless the technician and facility are inspected by the health department, there is no guarantee that the CDC and OSHA guidelines are followed.
How are the procedures performed?
Cosmetic tattooing is performed in different ways using different types of equipment. The name of the device that holds the needle describes the application method. The categories of equipment and methods are as follows: Manual Hand Tool method (also called Hand Tap or Non-Machine method); Coil Machine method (a smaller version of the traditional tattoo machine); Analog Pen or Rotary Machine method (most commonly used); and Computerized Digital Machine method (most sophisticated technology).
Is a Cosmetic Tattooing procedure painful?
Due to the invasiveness of the process, some people may feel minor discomfort that varies according to their pain threshold and response to anesthetics. People describe what they feel in different ways such as “irritation”, “scratching”, “vibration”, or “a slight burning sensation.” Salina uses topical anesthetic creams and gels before and during all procedures to numb the area and minimize discomfort. Most of her patients remark that their procedure was “far more comfortable than I thought it would be.” Those with body art comment that the cosmetic tattooing is painless compared to traditional tattooing. Overall, people feel the benefits from the results far outweigh any brief discomfort they might have experienced during the process.
Are the pigments that are used safe?
Permanent cosmetics utilize sterile pigments with cosmetic grade colorants that are approved by the FDA as safe for human use. Technically, the colored pigments used are suspensions containing insoluble inert compounds, usually iron or titanium oxides. The microscopic particles that appear to be dissolved are actually suspended in a clear liquid base of alcohol, distilled water, and glycerin. The traditional body tattooing process is different because it uses colored “inks” or “dyes” that are completely dissolved liquids with transparent color.
Are people allergic to the colored pigments?
Most of the pigments used for cosmetic tattooing are made to be hypo-allergenic. Studies have shown that acute (“immediate”) allergic reactions to these products are extremely rare. Delayed-hypersensitivity reactions (“delayed onset”) allergic reactions are also uncommon. Medical professionals believe that most “allergic reactions” are not reactions to the pigments. They believe a reaction is caused by a bacterial infection or an allergic reaction to a topical after care product. In 2004, the FDA recalled one pigment line by one manufacturer when allergic reactions occurred. The cause was determined to be a new preservative added to the formula. No other product recalls have occurred before or after that one.
What will the final color look like?
Permanent makeup colors should be selected to compliment a person’s skin tone, hair, and eye color. A conservative approach is best because it is easier to make an existing color darker versus lighter. Colors will always look darker and more intense immediately following a procedure, and then gradually lighten and soften upon healing. All reputable permanent cosmetic professionals will record the pigment(s) used for a client in her or his file for future reference.
Why is the color so dark right after the procedure?
When wet clothing is removed from a clothes washer, it looks darker than when it was dry. The same principle applies to permanent cosmetics. The pigments contain dry microscopic powder particles that are suspended in a clear liquid. As the body absorbs the liquid, the colored particles remain where they were implanted and gradually return to (“dry to”) their original powder color. In addition, the skin underneath the tattoo turns red and “flushed” from blood flow to the area during the process. The background redness contributes to the darker appearance and once the redness subsides, the color appears lighter.
How long do Permanent Cosmetics last?
The results are considered permanent because the tattooed color cannot be washed off. However, the color should be considered “semi-permanent” because some fading will occur over time. Color retention is affected by different factors including the shade of the original color, the person’s age and metabolism, skin type and condition, exposure to UV radiation (sun, tanning booths), smoking, certain drugs and medications, and skin peeling treatments such as Retin-A or microdermabrasion. In general, the color lasts from one to five years and can be enhanced and refreshed by a maintenance visit when needed (usually at a lower fee than the initial procedure when performed by the original artist).
What is a Touch-up appointment?
During the initial procedure (first application), the tattooed area(s) will be saturated with as much color as possible. Due to swelling, there may be some areas where the tissue will no longer allow pigment to be implanted. Those areas will show less color after healing and may need another visit to be filled-in (a touch-up). Because everyone’s tissue reaction is different, some clients may have better retention than others. First, the tattooed area must heal before a refinement procedure can be performed. It is best to wait 4 to 8 weeks for complete tissue healing and color stabilization. Once the desired results are achieved, the client can keep the color looking fresh with a maintenance visit every few years.
Can I remove or change my Permanent Makeup?
The removal of permanent makeup is not an easy process, if at all possible. That is why it is important to select a qualified and experienced professional who has a conservative approach. During the initial application, a “less is more” philosophy works best. A lighter, more natural color can always be changed or supplemented later with conventional makeup. It can also be adjusted or darkened if necessary with another application at a second (touch-up) appointment. Shape can also be refined at a follow-up visit, but not drastically, so a good original design is a must.
What is the recovery period like?
Immediately following a procedure, there will be mild swelling, redness, or tenderness that lasts a few hours to a few days (eyebrows swell less than eyes). The color looks much darker immediately afterward for any procedure. It will lighten a lot within 5 to 7 days and will continue to lighten over several weeks. During the first week ointments (aftercare kit and instructions supplied by Salina)  must be applied to the tattooed area for protection and to minimize scabbing. Most people are amazed at how “normal” they look immediately after and do not feel it is necessary to take time off of work.
How long does each procedure take?
Many important steps are followed when a procedure is done correctly. A well-trained and experienced permanent cosmetics specialist will take a minimum of 2 hours or more for an initial appointment. Most of Salina’s Permanent Makeup procedures are scheduled for 3 hours. It should include a consultation (if not done before) and a review of the person’s medical history. Time is then used for determining the best design, color selection, numbing, the actual procedure, photos, after care instructions, and answering all questions. Follow-up visits usually require less time.
Will Permanent Makeup continue to look good as I age?
It is true that as we age, our skin and its elasticity changes. However, there are many older women who look good wearing conventional makeup as long as it is correctly applied. Those women would look just as good with correctly applied permanent makeup. The best looking permanent makeup can be altered, however, if any facial surgery is performed that changes the position of the tattooed area. For example, if a brow lift is performed after a permanent eyebrow procedure, the eyebrows could be raised and look different. Therefore, anyone planning to have facial plastic surgery should discuss this with her surgeon and permanent cosmetics specialist.
Can I have an MRI procedure after Cosmetic Tattooing?
Yes. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and electromagnetic fields to create pictures of internal human organs. The magnetism and temperature changes during these procedures may cause mild temporary discomfort in tattoos containing large amounts of iron oxide metals. Studies showed that only a few patients with an iron oxide tattoo reported a mild pulling or burning sensation during an MRI test. Most people with tattoos have had no problems. The size of a tattoo and the total number of tattoos seems to affect the amount of magnetic pull. According to MRI safety experts, the iron particles in most cosmetic tattooing pigments are too microscopic to react as metal pieces. However, they recommend that a patient with a tattoo informs the radiologist and technician where it is located because it may create a small artificial image (artifact).
Is a Cosmetic Tattooing procedure expensive?
Permanent cosmetics are affordable for most people, and the long term benefits make procedures fairly inexpensive. Other non-surgical procedures like Botox or fillers cost the same or more. But they may last for only three to twelve months while cosmetic tattooing lasts for years. The savings from not having to buy regular makeup products that are applied every day adds up quickly. Also, the convenience and time saved from not applying makeup every day are worth a lot, and the self-esteem that is restored by medical tattooing is priceless. Nationwide, permanent makeup fees can vary greatly for the initial procedure and one follow up. Prices can start as low as $75 for “discount” or “coupon” offers (usually by new or inexperienced artists) to as high as $2,000 (usually by “celebrity” artists profiled on television). Permanent makeup performed by legitimately certified and experienced artists generally ranges from $250-$650 for two applications. Pricing also varies by makeup procedure type and region of the country (city and state). So it is important to ask questions to see what you will get for your money.

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