We all wish we could just wake up in the morning already looking made up for the day. Some women take that wish one step further and seek out the services of a permanent makeup tattoo professional to place eyeliner, eyebrow filler or lip color on their face. Certainly it will save time and make us feel more beautiful when we glance in the mirror but how risky is it to have cosmetic tattooing performed?
Cosmetic tattooing, also known as micropigmentation, began in the 1980s to assist those with alopecia. “Dr. Crowell Beard, an occuloplastic surgeon, first recorded performing an eyeliner procedure by tattooing as a replacement for lost eyelashes” according to www.lastingmakeup.com. Cosmetic tattooing has since expanded its use to others who may benefit such as cancer patients who have lost their hair or those who have difficulty putting on makeup due to arthritis or Parkinson’s disease. It can even be used to cover a port wine stain using flesh-tinted dye.
Cosmetic tattooing is also referred to as permanent makeup but it is important to note that cosmetic tattooing is not actually permanent and will need continued touch ups to keep the colors appearing fresh.
What are the risks?
The most serious risks are related to when practitioners are not sufficiently trained in performing micropigmentation, when equipment that is used that is not sterile and from allergic reactions to the dye.
Each state individually regulates the training requirements practitioners need to be certified but there are voluntary organizations that provide continued training and require members have a certain number of practice hours. The United States Food and Drug Administration does monitor the inks and dyes that go into tattoo inks but allergic reactions can still occur and can be serious since the dye is located near the eyes and mouth.
Infections from non-sterile equipment can include HIV, hepatitis, and staph and strep infections from dirty needles, according to a February 23, 2011 article in the New York Times. Dr. Michael Goldman, a dermatologist in San Diego reported to the Times that he has treated a number of patients who developed infections that he felt had come from the technicians dipping the needles into tap water.
Overall, many dermatologists feel that there needs to be further monitoring and regulation of both the practitioners and the dyes in the colorant. Skin reactions that do not resolve easily and systemic infections have been traced back to cosmetic tattooing in some patients.
If you are interested in receiving a cosmetic tattoo, do your homework. Search for someone with adequate training who is part of an organization such as The American Academy of Micropigmentation, a non-profit organization that offers certification.
Observe the space where the tattoos are given for cleanliness and inquire about the use of sterile needles and the practitioner’s sterile technique. If you are someone susceptible to skin irritations, it is probably best to avoid cosmetic tattooing altogether as even in the best circumstances swelling and irritation may occur as well as a possible allergic reaction.
sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/fashion/24SKIN.html?ref=fashion
http://www.micropigmentation.org/index.php
http://www.lastingmakeup.com/History%20of%20Permanent%20Makeup.htm
Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s health care and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele are at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles