Permanent cosmetics article
Olympia, 360-867-4925 Monroe, 360-805-6889
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Is “Permanent Makeup” for You?
There is more to tattooing than hearts and flowers. The
incredible convenience of permanent makeup can make the difference between
feeling bad and having the self confidence of a normal appearance. “Makeup”
is really not the right word, it should be called permanent aesthetic
enhancement.
According to my 79 year old mother permanent makeup
means waking up in the morning looking about 20 years younger with color in
her face and not having to worry about sneaking a lipstick out when she’s
having lunch. It means not having to worry about messy lipstick lines or a
shaky hand with the eyebrow pencil, or not being able to see to put on
eyeliner or having the embarrassment of putting on too much makeup because
it is hard to see how bright it really is.
Technically speaking, permanent makeup is ‘microdermal
pigment implantation with a single or multiple tip sterile probe.’ In other
words, it IS tattooing;-- a special type, usually done in a salon setting by
technicians, or in a medical setting associated with plastic surgery, or
sometimes by tattooists with special training in addition to their years of
experience applying decorative tattoos, such as in our case. Prices,
experience (and quality) are all over the map. One could pay from $200-$1000
for a single procedure which usually needs recoloring after a few years.
To find a competent technician, visit their salon or
studio and look at photographs of their work. Don’t just go with either the
lowest price (or the highest for that matter!). Trust your instincts and get
comfortable with the person first, see if they can provide contacts with
satisfied customers. Ask if they use an autoclave sterilizer and universal
precautions for disease prevention.
Eyebrow hair simulation is the single most effective
enhancement for many people of any age from 18 to 80 or more. Tiny brow
hairs in at least 3 shades are tattooed on to look just like natural brows
that won’t wipe off or smear. Scars or unbalanced or faded brows can be
corrected.
Eyeliner is the next most popular, actually “lash
enhancement”, which can benefit men or women. For those who don’t want a
made up look, a very subtle series of tiny dots are inserted into the lash
line. This can work wonders even for people who have lost all their body
hair due to illness. A more typical “eyeliner” look can be achieved with a
thicker continuous line.
Lipliner with light shading is wonderful even for those
who don’t want a lipstick look. It can subtly change the lipline, making it
fuller, more balanced, more pleasing in shape, correct a scar, or simply to
give a little color when one awakens in the morning.
We have also done camouflage between hair on the scalp
to hide scars from surgery, accident, or war injuries. Also, for the
post-mastectomy patient, the appearance of natural nipples and aureolas can
be done.
Corrective pigment camouflage helps burn survivors and cancer patients or
those with birthmarks, injury or pale spots. Something to keep in mind is
that melanin in the skin darkens in the sun, whereas the camouflage pigment
will not. Sunblock should be used.
Some technicians say you will experience only “mild
discomfort” (when a doctor says that-- watch out!). Topical anesethetics do
minimize pain. The uncomfortable part of these typical procedures should
last no more than about 20 minutes. The benefit to be gained is worth it!
Eyebrows are least painful, followed by eyeliner, which
can be applied with the eyes closed by the way. For a lipliner or full lip
color you can get a dentist to give you a shot of novacaine, but most people
do without it. Lips and eyes can be quite puffy after a procedure. Ice helps
reduce swelling which can go down in a matter of hours, or may remain for a
few days.
There are all kinds of questions you should ask, such
as how a permanent makeup procedure might work for you, or whether your skin
would bruise too much if you are taking blood thinners, or whether you can
have an MRI (yes you can) or what the pigments are made of, or can you get
touch-ups for free within a certain period of time. It's a lot to think
about! But DO think about it.... permanent cosmetics could give you a new
lease on life!
Suzanne Shepherd
co-owner
Primeval Ink Tattoo (Olympia)
360-867-4925