FAQ: Permanent Makeup

Everyone’s sensitivity level and threshold for pain is different. Following the pre-procedure protocols is very important and can directly impact your comfort level during the process. Topical aesthetics are applied before as well as throughout the procedure. Most clients experience only minor discomfort to start, if any, which then diminishes greatly, if not completely, after the secondary anesthetic is applied. Clients have actually fallen asleep during procedures!  (Shhh, don’t tell anyone, some even snore!)

Everyone is different, and it is primarily dependent on skin type, skin care regimens and other external factors such as, medications and lifestyle. Over exposure to the sun causes the skin cells to break down and disperse causing the pigment to fade faster. AHA’s stimulate cell turnover also causing pigment to fade quicker. The darker colors tend to last longer than the lighter colors. A color boost is typically recommended every 2-3 years depending on the location as some last longer like eyeliner vs. lip blush which tends to fade faster by comparison.

Typically, you can go back to your everyday life with only minimal restrictions, no gardening, or cleaning out the garage which expose you to dust and dirt and no strenuous activities that will make you sweat. Most importantly, no sun! So, if you're planning a trip to the Caribbean or any place hot and humid, its best to wait until you return to get your new eyeliner, brows or lip blush. Detailed after care instructions are provided, and you’re advised to follow them fully.  

Color tends to be darker the first 2-4 days, this is especially true of eyebrow procedures, and this can be a bit disconcerting if you’re not prepared. Some swelling can be associated with eyeliner and lip procedures as the skin is very thin.

In many cases clients wish to go darker on their eyeliner perfecting visit. However, it is best to err on the side of caution on the first visit. It is far easier to add more color, than to remove it. Actual healing time varies slightly from client to client, for example smokers tend to heal slower than non-smokers. Following the aftercare instructions dramatically improves the healing process and time as well as results.

With proper pre-screening, taking an in-depth health history and following the pre-procedure and after care instructions and protocols, risks are greatly reduce.  Some risks include allergic reaction, infection, pigment migration, scaring, and incorrect pigment placement.

In addition, we adhere to strict health and safety guidelines and received professional training from an AAM (American Academy of Micropigmentation) certified institution. 

There really is no difference. Cosmetic tattooing is called a number of things, most often Permanent Makeup, Semi-Permanent Makeup or Micropigmentation. They all refer to the same thing, the process of implanting pigment into the dermis layer of the skin. The main confusion is between permanent and semi-permanent makeup. The pigments implanted under the skin are permanent; however, they disperse over time along with the skin cells due to exposure to the elements, and other factors, so the pigment appears faded and therefore referred to as “semi-permanent”. No one can, or should, guarantee that the pigment will fade completely, and therefore these procedures should be considered as “permanent” when contemplating cosmetic tattooing.

These Client Forms provide in-depth information for clients to be able to determine whether they are a good candidate for permanent makeup, how to prepare for the procedure, and what to expect after the procedure.

Pre-screening

Am I a good candidate for permanent makeup?

Client Intake & Health History

Do I have any health issues that disqualify me from getting permanent makeup, or require a release from my doctor?

Informed Consent

What are the risks, rules and protocols for getting permanent makeup?

Pre-procedure

What do I need to do to prepare for my appointment?

After Care 

How do I care for my permanent makeup after the procedure?