Permanent makeup (also called cosmetic tattooing, micropigmentation or dermapigmentation) can be used to enhance facial features or to correct skin pigmentation problems. This form of tattooing is an increasingly popular alternative to conventional makeup. People who have rushed schedules, allergies to makeup products, skin disorders, poor eyesight or poor hand-eye coordination, may find this procedure to be a great help. Over 100,000 people have had some permanent makeup procedure performed, including such celebrities as Dolly Parton, Raquel Welch and Elizabeth Taylor.
If you are considering permanent makeup, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure.

What are the most common benefits of this Procedure
How are the treatments performed?
How is permanent makeup applied?
How long do the treatments take?
Where are the treatments performed?
How much pain is there?

What are the most common benefits of this Procedure
Permanent makeup can be used to enhance certain facial features, or to give scar tissue a more natural appearance. Some of the most common permanent makeup procedures include: permanent eyeliner, permanent eyebrow definition, lip liner, and lip color. The fuller and more defined eyebrows and lips that result from this procedure can completely change an individual’s appearance – and can create a more youthful, put-together look. It can also save time for those who want a new look without having to reapply makeup daily. And it can be a big help to people who are allergic to cosmetics, suffer from skin disorders, or for other reasons cannot apply makeup.

How are the treatments performed?
During the initial consultation, you and your National Board Certified Master Permanent Cosmetic Artist will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, as well as its risks and limitations. He/she may review your medical history. He/she will also explain the kind of anesthesia used, the expected outcome, and costs.

Be sure to ask all the questions that you have about the procedure. Ask to see photos of the artist’s recent patients, before and after the procedure. Also ask for, and follow up on, patient references. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision. See Questions to ask your National Board Certified Master below.

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How is permanent makeup applied?
Permanent makeup is made from vegetable products that are injected into a deep layer of the skin. Fine needles are used to inject the pigment. These needles may be attached to a coil machine (the machine used for most tattoos) or a rotary machine. The needle is dipped in pigment and then injected to insert the pigment into the skin. As the needle penetrates the skin, a small amount of bleeding may occur. At the end of the procedure, the skin is washed and an antiseptic cream may be applied.

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How long do the treatments take?
The length of the procedure depends on the area being treated and the particular technique used. Generally, it takes about an hour and lips around 2 hours.

How much pain is there?
A topical numbing agent may be applied or an anesthetic injection may be used to numb the area. When set up to be done by supervising doctor that works with Karen. Most people experiience very little discomfort during the procedure. Discomfort may be less if the area treated is not close to underlying bone structure. After the skin is lightly broken another numbing agent is applied that goes into the skin and totally numbs deeply. Then is no pain.

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What can I expect afterward?
The treated area is usually sensitive and swollen for the first couple of days following the procedure. A scab will form and naturally fall away as the skin heals over the next 7-10 days. During this time, the skin must be kept clean to avoid infection, and the Master Artist may recommend that an antibiotic cream be applied to the area. During the healing process, it is important to avoid sunlight because the sun may have a lightening effect on pigment in the treated area.

Around four to six weeks after the initial procedure, a follow-up visit is scheduled to make any needed changes to the pigmentation, and to perfect the results. The color of the makeup may fade and need to be touched up at a later date.