Frequently Asked Questions — Cosmetic Tatttooing (Permanent Makeup)
Q: Permanent makeup — what is it?
A: Permanent makeup is cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as “micropigmentation,” “micropigment implantation” or “dermagraphics”. The cosmetic implantation technique deposits colored pigment into the upper reticular layer of the dermis.
Q: How are permanent cosmetic procedures performed?
A: Permanent cosmetics procedures are performed using various devices, including the traditional tattoo coil machines, the pen or rotary machine (includes the digital rotary machines) and the non-machine, or hand, device. The process includes a consultation, the application of pigment, and at least one (or more) follow up visits for evaluating the healed design work and color of the pigment.
Q: How long will each procedure take?
A: Each procedure will take approximately 2-3 hours. There are records that we need to establish; photographs to take; desired design and color to decide upon; the procedure to perform; and the aftercare requirements to discuss. Follow-up or color refresher appointments will not usually require that same amount of time.
Q: Is it painful?
A: Most people experience some form of discomfort. This will vary according to each individual’s pain threshold. However, to help manage any mild discomfort there are various topical anesthetics that are applied a few times throughout the procedure.
Q: Who benefits from permanent makeup?
A: People who meet minimum age requirements and have the ability to heal properly from minor wounds can benefit from the liberating benefits of permanent cosmetics. Interest in this service spans from the young to the more mature; those who desire a soft, natural enhancement to their appearance. It is especially valuable to people who can’t wear traditional cosmetics due to allergies and skin sensitivities; active people who want to look their best for sports activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, aerobics; and those who don’t want to worry about “sweating off” or reapplying cosmetics. Or, busy people who don’t have time to spend applying and refreshing makeup throughout the day and evening.
Permanent Cosmetics also benefit the visually challenged who have difficulty applying their cosmetics; as well as others with dexterity-related conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors, and many others who are challenged with applying cosmetics as they used to regularly.
Q: What type of permanent cosmetic procedures can be done?
A: Permanent Cosmetic procedures can be very subtle or dramatic depending on what you are looking for. I currently offer Microblading and Ombre powder brows as my two main services. Other options include: Eyeliner (top & bottom), Lip Liner, Lip Color, Blend, and paramedical tattooing such as: Scar Camouflage, Beauty Marks, Hair Imitation, Lash Enhancement, and Areola Repigmentation.
Q: Is cosmetic tattooing safe?
A: As long as proper sterilization and disinfection guidelines are met, permanent cosmetics are completely safe. Professionals in the permanent cosmetic industry routinely attend Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) classes to become, and remain, well-versed on safety principles. These guidelines include, but are not limited to the following IMPORTANT things to look for:
1. All needles should be new and sterile for each client. Unopened, new, sterile needles should be opened in your presence.
2. Disposable, sterilized, one-time use machine parts should be purchased by the artist, and disposed of in a sharps container immediately after the procedure has been completed.
3. Personal protection equipment such as disposable one-time use aprons and gloves should be new for each client and changed during the procedure when needed.
4. Disposable one-time use chair/bed covering should be new for each client.
5. The room or treatment area should be in an area free from other contaminants.
Q: What’s a touch-up and do I need one?
A: Often the tattooed color is not perfect after the initial procedure heals. Permanent cosmetic procedures are a process and at least one follow-up to the initial procedure should be scheduled. It is recommended that any required detail work to the original procedure be performed no sooner than four weeks after the original procedure.
Q: Are there any side effects during or after the procedure?
A: After getting your eyebrows done, you should see little to no side effects. At most, there may be slight swelling and minor redness. During the procedure there may be some minor pinpoint bleeding to the treatment area. If you take blood thinners on a daily basis so some slight bleeding may occur. Others show little or no signs of bleeding.
You will most likely experience some tenderness around your brow area and the color will appear much darker than you expect for the first 6-10 days after your procedure.
Other less-often reported side effects are difficult to determine due to the individuality of each person’s biological system. This is why professional permanent cosmetic technicians require a client history profile to be filled out to assess different factors that may contribute to your experience after the tattooing procedure has been completed.
Q: I’ve had my eyebrows microbladed by another artist in the past, can you touch-up their work?
A: Most artists prefer not to work over another artist’s work, but there may be exception in certain cases (e.g. the other artist is no longer available due to geographic reasons, or change in career, etc). Please send a picture of your bare brows to info@inkaesthetx.com to get approval before booking an appointment.