Permanent Cosmetics

Jokes are made about the amount of time women spend applying makeup. For some, this is a lengthy, natural part of their daily lives. Then, some find applying cosmetics to be bothersome and too time consuming. But others have physical conditions that make applying makeup difficult (i.e. allergies, cataracts, sever arthritis, etc.). Plus, cosmetics cost money and only last temporarily. Permanent cosmetics (micropigmentation) provide a way to save time and help women gain the appearance they desire. With micropigmentation, there’s no need to spend time and money on makeup routines that only provide temporary results.

Permanent cosmetics can help enhance appearance, and can also correct certain conditions. For those with little or no eyebrow hair, this procedure can provide more natural-looking results. Permanent cosmetics can also help cover up unsightly scars, and do not wash away, smudge, or fade in a few hours. The results can last for years.

With the increasing popularity of various cosmetic surgery procedures, including permanent cosmetics, it is important that the prospective patient research and understand different issues like what the procedure can and cannot treat, inherent risks, costs, and other factors. Keep in mind, cosmetic surgery is just that – a surgical procedure whose results cannot simply be erased. While the information contained in this website will provide you with a good introduction to permanent cosmetics, when considering this or any other cosmetic procedure, we recommend that you consult a qualified provider with significant experience. Some important elements you should understand regarding this procedure include the following:
Who would best Represent an Ideal Candidate for Permanent Cosmetics?
There are various reasons why women, (even some men) would choose to receive permanent cosmetics. The more common include:

* Improving the appearance of thin or no eyebrows.
* Improving the appearance of thin lips.
* Correcting an uneven hairline.
* Gaining a boost in self-esteem.
* Feeling more confident.
* Providing a solution for those allergic to makeup.
* Saving time and money on makeup.

Where do I begin?
Those considering permanent cosmetics should first find a qualified cosmetic surgeon or makeup specialist to perform the procedure.

This is an important step to the procedure. During consultations, the doctor or specialist can learn more about their patients and vice versa. This visit gives them a chance to evaluate the patient’s skin tone, texture and complexion. As a result, the doctor or specialist can determine the proper pigment to best match the patient’s natural colors. These visits also allow the specialists to inform the patient of the benefits, precautions, risks, methods used and other important information.

Consultation visits also give patients the opportunity to talk about their goals and expectations for permanent cosmetics and to ask any other questions. It is important that patients are well-informed about the procedure before making a decision.

Types of Permanent Cosmetics
Here are some of the more common types of permanent cosmetics:

Eyebrow – this can benefit those with little, or no eyebrows. Permanent eyebrows can also help open up the eyes and change the frame of one’s face.

Eyelashes/Eyeliner – this provides a more natural look of fuller lashes. Permanent eyeliner can also help reshape the eye.

Lip color – adding permanent cosmetics can create more definition to the lip line. It can also help camouflage any lip scarring.

Note: Permanent cosmetics can also be used during breast reconstruction when recreating an areola.
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How are Permanent Cosmetics applied?
Getting permanent cosmetics is similar to getting a tattoo. Patients are given topical anesthetic to numb the skin and, after the anesthetic takes effect, the specialist can begin. The procedure usually takes about one to two hours.

The doctor or makeup specialist uses a hollow, vibrating needle to introduce the pigment into the middle layer of skin (dermis). A droplet of the pigment is then released into the skin. The color used will look dark and shiny, while the surrounding areas will appear swollen and red. Patients can go home shortly after treatment.

A follow-up treatment may be needed to adjust the shape, color, and density of the permanent cosmetic.