Permanent cosmetic makeup is a state of the art form of cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as "micropigmentation", "micropigment implantation" or "dermagraphics". The cosmetic implantation technique deposits tiny individual implants of pigment into the dermal layer of the skin.

HOW ARE PERMANENT COSMETIC PROCEDURES DONE?

Permanent cosmetics procedures are performed using various machines and methods, including the traditional (or specialized) tattoo or coil machines, the pen or rotary machine and the non-machine or hand method.

These procedures are a process which includes the initial consultation, initial application of pigment, and usually one or two follow up visits for adjusting the shape and color or density of the pigment.

WHO BENEFITS FROM PERMANENT COSMETIC MAKEUP?

• EVERYONE, FROM THE YOUNG TO THE ELDERLY, WHO DESIRES A SOFT AND NATURAL ENHANCEMENT TO THEIR APPEARANCE
• POST SURGICAL/INJURY, those seeking reconstruction of areolas after surgery; camouflage of scars from burns, surgery, accidents or injuries; redefinition of facial features.
• ALOPECIA areata or universalis sufferers who have lost some or all of their facial hair, including eyebrows and/or eyelashes.
• CHEMOTHERAPY recipients with full or partial hair loss.
• VITILIGO sufferers who may have areas of skin which have lost their pigment.
• PHYSICALLY ACTIVE people who want to look their best throughout activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, aerobics, and don't want to worry about "sweating off" or reapplying cosmetics.
• ALLERGIES and SENSITIVE SKIN-these people often can't wear other cosmetics.
• VISION IMPAIRED people who have difficulty applying their cosmetics.
• MOTOR IMPAIRED, including arthritics, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors, and those with unsteady hands who cannot apply their own makeup.
• ENTERTAINERS, ACTRESSES, and MODELS.
• MEN who want feature enhancement that looks natural and not "made up".
• WOMEN who want to look their best all the time, even when they wake up.
• MOTHERS and other busy professionals who DON'T HAVE TIME for makeup.

WHAT TYPES OF PERMANENT COSMETIC PROCEDURES CAN BE DONE?

• Eyebrows
• Eyeliner, top and bottom
• Eyelash enhancement
• Lipliner
• Full lip color
• Scar camouflage
• Feature reconstruction
• Areola restoration or repigmentation
• Hair imitation
• Skin grafts
• Cleft/hare lip
• Beauty marks

  NOTE: Some of these procedures are more advanced techniques (sometimes referred to as para-medical techniques) and require an experienced technician with advanced training.

ARE PERMANENT COSMETICS REALLY PERMANENT?

• Technically, permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because the color is implanted into the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance. It is important to consider this and all aspects of the procedure when selecting a potential permanent cosmetic makeup technician.

• The average cost per procedure varies somewhat but usually averages between $400-$600. Advanced work may be charged at $150 to $250 per hour.
• Many of these procedures are commonly referred to as para-medical procedures. Work performed from physician's offices or specialized clinics may be charged at higher rates.
• The cost of the procedure is not be the most important issue when consulting a potential technician. Most important is the training and skill of the technician and the confidence of the client in that skill.

• The initial procedure will generally take approximately 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Follow up procedures usually do not require as much time as the initial procedure.

Permanent cosmetics procedures are of a skin invasive nature (as they are a form of cosmetic tatoo) and therefore you may experience some discomfort. This may vary according to each individual's pain threshold and the skills of the technician performing the service. HOWEVER, keep in mind that there are different methods available to help with pain management, including various topical anesthetic ointments and anesthetic blocks (administered by a doctor or dentist), as well as topical desensitizing products. Your technician can discuss these methods with you to determine which one is right for you.

Micropigmentation is a skin invasive procedure. It is important to observe the physical location where the procedure will be performed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has set standards for a clean and sanitary working environment and sterile equipment. Things to look for:

• MOST IMPORTANT: Needles used should be new and sterile for each patient and disposed of properly after each patient. (Other machine parts should also be sterilized, ie. barrel tube, if required, or disposed of in a sanitary manner). Other equipment and supplies should be kept in a sanitary manner.
• Gloves should be used for each client and changed during the procedure when needed.
• Your technician should be clean and neat and knowledgeable of environmental safety requirements.
• Clean sheets should be used for each patient.
• The room or treatment arena should be in an area free from other contaminants as well.

  Documented allergic reactions to permanent cosmetic procedures are extremely rare. Skin testing may be done by technicians, either routinely or upon request. Regardless, it should be understood that an allergic reaction could occur at any point in time.

REMEMBER: Although the procedure is considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing color and shape to some extent, depending on the expertise of your technician. Colors will appear darker immediately following the procedure but will soften and lighten* during the healing process, which takes approximately a week or longer; the healing time is different for each individual and for different procedures. *Color on the skin may change somewhat during the healing process as well, as it combines with the individual's skin tone.

CHOOSING A TECHNICIAN

One must choose a technician carefully by considering training, experience, and photographic examples of previous work. It is important to remember that the shape and proper placement of the procedure is as important as the right color. The desired look is obtained during the course of consultation, initial procedure and follow up procedures, allowing at all times for interaction between the client and the technician.

IS PERMANENT COSMETIC MAKEUP A CAREER FOR ME?

The opportunities for skilled permanent cosmetics technicians are many and varied. Career and business opportunities vary greatly depending on the individual technician's abilities and desires. Many nurses and doctors, as well as hair, skin, and nail care professionals are choosing to train in permanent cosmetic procedures. Some students are sent for training by their physician as the demand for advanced/para-medical procedures increases with public knowledge of the benefits of permanent cosmetic makeup.

Should a technician operate a permanent cosmetic makeup clinic in conjunction or cooperation with either a physician's office, laser clinic or various salons, the financial opportunities and potential for growth are even greater, as these professions can be used as an ongoing source or referral of clientele. This background is not a requirement, however, and anyone interested in the merits of a permanent cosmetic makeup career can train to become a technician.

Attractive to many students are the financial rewards of a career in permanent cosmetics. Many also find considerable personal satisfaction in helping others attain recovery from personal afflictions or just to look their best every day, 24 hours a day.

Once again, it is very important to choose an instructor and a training program very carefully. A basic training program should include not less than 40 hours of training, with extensive hands on training on live models. (See the Society for Permanent Cosmetic Professionals for their guidelines and requirements for membership.) Basic training courses by home video are not sufficient to train a technician in the fine art of permanent cosmetics application and may be a scam. Two day courses are also not considered a sufficient basic training period. National organizations exist to assist the technician desiring to obtain credibility and to provide continuing education.

TOP OF PAGE
Read about Procedures | CONTACT US
FIND A TECHNICIAN, SUPPLIER OR EDUCATOR
News and Information