We are happy to work with you to determine how best to meet your esthetic goals. The permanent cosmetic techniques used are designed to give you a very natural look. Depending on your personal taste, we can help create a subtle or dramatic look. With permanent makeup you can always apply conventional makeup over the permanent makeup to enhance or change a color temporarily, allowing you the flexibility to alter your appearance as your mood dictates...changing your lash liner, eyebrows, lip liner, or lip color.
You will come into the office with your makeup on the way you like you wear it. Based on the way you currently wear your makeup we will work together to create your desired look. If there are any questions as to shape or color, we will be conservative. Any necessary additions or changes can be made on your follow-up visit. Many people use permanent makeup because it replaces cosmetic products to which they are allergic. Allergies to permanent makeup are extremely uncommon. If you are concerned, we offer an allergy test for a small fee. The test is administered seven days before a procedure is performed.
The process used to pigment the skin is a multiple-step process. Layers of pigment (color) are tattooed into the skin one layer at a time over multiple visits, spaced no sooner than four weeks apart. This allows the cells to fully repair themselves. While these injected tones may from time to time simulate the exact color and tone desired, they will not always be perfect matches. This is due to the fact that while natural skin tones vary if the skin is cold or warm or your circulation is good or poor, injected pigments are permanent. This may mean that your lipline may appear darker on some days or that your eyebrows appear lighter after exposure to the sun. The pigment is placed under your skin and is therefore affected by the ever-changing tones of the epidermis. This is what sets Permanent Cosmetics apart from regular cosmetics, which are placed on top of and cover the epidermis.
Discuss your medical history with your esthetician. If you have ever had cold sores, you will need to get a prescription for Valtrex from your primary care physician before the Permanent Cosmetic treatment.
Strict sanitation and sterilization guidelines are followed in accordance with the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Disposable, sterile needles are used with each client. Possible complications and consequences include: infection, scarring, inconsistent color, and spreading, fanning, or fading of pigments. The actual color of the pigment may be modified slightly due to tone and color of skin. This is a tattoo process and therefore not a science but an art.
There is usually some discomfort with this procedure, although everyone's tolerance level is different. We will make sure that you are as comfortable as possible. Most clients agree Permanent Cosmetics are well worth it. Each procedure takes approximately one hour. In most cases you can have a procedure performed and return to work or regular daily activities with minimal redness or swelling. For three to five days after your treatment, you will experience some peeling and dryness as the procedure area is healing. Each original procedure includes two complimentary follow-up visits for any additions or changes.
For three to five days after your treatment, approximately 60 to 80 percent of the pigment will fade. This is normal. After the skin exfoliates, we will know how much pigment has bonded. Remember, this is a building process. We will perform follow-up procedures at your four week follow-up visit where we may add or change color. Once we have achieved the desired look, minor maintenance may be required after a few years although this varies with each individual.
1. Apply ointment (we recommend A&D or Aquaphor) for three to five days until all peeling has stopped and the surface of the procedure area is smooth. Only a small amount of ointment needs to be applied. It does not need to appear greasy. Basically you are wiping it all off. Treat area gently; be careful not to rub or pick at the procedure area.
2. If you tan, wait 10 to 14 days before going in the sun or tanning bed. ALWAYS use sunscreen.
3. Area will appear much darker until top layer of skin exfoliates. Then we will know how much pigment has bonded. Don't throw lining pencils away yet. Remember this is a building process.
4. Occasionally some people are allergic to Neosporin, Polysporin, etc. If the swelling continues, discontinue topical ointment immediately.
If lip procedure was performed, please read this carefully:
Repeat steps 1-4 above.
If you have been advised to take a cold sore preventive such as Valtrex or its equivalent, be sure to follow the instructions explicitly in order to prevent breakouts. (Your skin has become “hot” or irritated in which the herpes virus lies dormant and can cause breakouts.) This is why taking Valtrex is very important.
Lips typically lose even more color than other procedures and will peel as they heal. As you are waiting for your lips to heal, keep in mind that this is a building process. Once the lips have completely peeled, they may appear to look extremely light. Don't panic. Within a few weeks more color appears as the lips become less dry. We then will perform your follow-up procedure at your four week follow-up visit where we may add or change color.
Most importantly: Be PATIENT and follow all instructions. The color of your lips may appear darker or lighter depending on the clothes you're wearing, if you're ill, or if you have been tanning.
Once we have achieved your desired look, minor maintenance may be required after a few years although this varies with each individual.
