Permanent Makeup: Should You Do It?

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All women have woken up in the morning, looked in the mirror and thought, “I’m sure I’ll look better after a shower and I put some makeup on.” Permanent makeup that places eyeliner, eyebrow filler and lip color on the face has been around now for many years. Women no longer need worry about drawing an even line or replacing lipstick after a meal. Is a good idea to have permanent makeup done or do the negatives outweigh the benefits?

How is permanent makeup applied?

Permanent makeup application is a form of tattooing onto the skin. The ink contains metallic ingredients such as iron oxide mixed with numerous pigments and color shades. Permanent makeup application can be performed by a variety of people, from doctors to amateur technicians, with a corresponding range of skill levels.

First, a topical anesthetic is placed on the area the makeup is to be applied. Permanent makeup tattooing, also called micropigmentation, implants the colored iron oxide ink below the surface layer of the skin using either a pen-like device or a tattoo gun. The procedure lasts 20 to 30 minutes and may need more than one treatment. Special post care directions will be given such as staying out of sunlight or not wearing contact lens which must be followed. The color is intended to be permanent though can fade with time and may need further touch ups.

Risks of permanent makeup:

● Infection: may occur either from unclean needles, ink contamination, poor skin cleaning before getting the tattoo or from poor technique of the tattooist. It is essential that the person performing the tattooing be especially trained in permanent makeup application.

● Allergy: to components in the ink may cause a rash that may be difficult to get rid of since the tattoo ink is permanently placed in the skin.

● Scarring: is always a risk in any procedure that either places or removes a tattoo.

● Granulomas: are small bumps in the tattooed area that may occur as a response against the foreign substances in the tattoo ink.

● MRI problems: Tattoo ink may have metallic compounds in it that can cause swelling or burning when inside an MRI machine. The discomfort is temporary but it is important to tell your doctor or the technician about the tattooed areas so they can plan accordingly.

● Unable to change color or easily remove the tattooed area if styles change or you no longer like the look.

Benefits:

● Can fill in an area of hair loss from illnesses such as eyebrows or eyelashes.
● Can correct uneven hairline, cover scars or make thin lips appear fuller.
● Provides permanent makeup for those allergic to cosmetics.
● Saves time and money on purchase and use of cosmetics.
● Improves self esteem and increases self confidence.

There are a variety of reasons why someone would want to have permanent makeup applied to their face or body. Some are medical reasons and some are more emotionally driven. Since permanent makeup application cannot be easily reversed, it is important to consider whether it is really the right choice for you.

Before you proceed, thoroughly check out the skills and credentials of the person who is providing the makeup tattooing to avoid potential problems. Contact the Society of Cosmetic Professionals at www.spcp.org or the American Society of Plastic surgeons www.plasticsurgery.org to locate a certified professional in your state.

Visit the location prior to your actual appointment to make sure you are comfortable with both the place and the person who will be applying the makeup.

sources:
www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm107327.htm
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/Micropigmentation/hic_Micropigmentation.aspx

Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele can be read at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles

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Michele Blacksberg RN HERWriter View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.