What is permanent makeup? - Permanent makeup, also known as micropigmentation, and cosmetic tattooing is a revolutionary cosmetic technique which involves permanent pigmentation of the dermis. It’s achieved by inserting coloured natural pigments into the dermal layer of the skin. It produces articulate designs that resemble makeup.

Permanent make up treatments are performed using a digital machine that implants hypoallergenic pharmaceutical grade pigments into the top layer of the skin. A traditional tattoo goes much deeper and uses different pigments - tattoo ink is unsuitable for the sensitive skin of the facial features.

Permanent make up pigments are made from mineral and organic material and are designed to fade over time, lasting between 12-18 months after which you can top up your permanent make up with a maintenance treatment called a colour boost to refresh colour, shape and definition.

HOW IMPORTANT IS PERMANENT MAKEUP ‘’TOUCH UP’’ PROCEDURE?

What is a touch-up appointment? During the first round of permanent makeup ink, the treated area(s) will become saturated with deep color causing these areas to swell and the tissue to reject further pigment. Over time, those areas will start to show less color, and a second appointment will be needed to fill them in. It is best to wait 4 to 8 weeks for complete tissue healing and color stabilization to make this first touch up appointment. Once the desired results are achieved, the client can keep the color looking fresh with a touch up visit every few years.

Why get touch ups? Permanent makeup changes over time for several reasons. Fading can occur due to sun exposure, tanning, skin care products/makeup remover, and your skin’s natural exfoliation process. Exposure to these elements oxidizes the color, which can make a brown turn pink and a black turn blue. For these reasons it’s important to come in for a touch up appointment every few years.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE DIABEDIC (type 1)…If you are insulin dependent, you are not a candidate for permanent make-up. Healing could be compromised and take longer than average. Otherwise, if your doctor feels your condition is under control you may request a letter stating that you are able to undergo cosmetic tattooing. HAVE GLAUCOMA…You may not have eyeliner. Increased intra ocular pressure combined with pressure placed on the eye to apply eyeliner could be damaging. It is important to have this condition under control and/or refer to your physician for further consent to the application of eyeliner. Skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and undiagnosed rashes or blisters on the site that is to be treated. Allergies to makeup or colors. Easily triggered post inflammatory hyper pigmentation. Transmittable blood conditions (e.g.,  HIV or Hepatitis). Active skin cancer in the area to be tattooed. BLOOD DISORDERS… that affect clotting such as hemophillia, sickle cell anemia and platelet disorders could interfere with implantation of pigment, however it is possible to receive successful implantation of permanent cosmetics. Thyroid medication. Healing disorders. ON ANTICOAGULATIONS…(blood thinners) long term use of asprin, ibuprofen and some herbs reduce clotting time resulting in increased bleeding and bruising, which will affect the implantation of pigment as well as increase the healing time. uncontrolled high blood pressure or mitral valve disorder ON ACCUTANE, RETIN A – Topical steroids thin the skin.Depending on the stage your skin is at, it may be too fragile to undergo procedure. You should get clearance from your doctor before considering permanent make-up. MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE, ARTIFICIAL HEART VALVES, OR ARTIFICIAL JOINTS… or any person that requires prophylactic antibiotics before dental or other procedures will need consult their physician for treatment prior to permanent make-up*Let us know if you have/had allergic reactions to topical anesthetics. HERPES SIMPLEX… People who get fever blisters and/or cold sores may experience an outbreak after procedures. It’s imperative that you discuss the procedure with your physician before the procedure and receive proper instructions how to prevent an outbreak post procedure. Most physicians will offer a prescription for Zovirax or Valtrex to take prior to and after procedure. KELOID OR HYPERTHOPHIC SCARRING…Persons with tendencies for this type of scarring have the same risk with tattoo also.The risk is mainly in the torso area, however, we may decide to do a patch test to insure that you do not scar in this manor. HAVE ANY OTHER HEART CONDITIONS… uncontrolled high blood pressure and poor general health would be special concern, you will need to see your physician and discuss the procedure to gain pre-approval. Patients who have epilepsy, diabetes (type 1), hemophilia or a hart disease of any kind should have a physicians approval prior to any tattooing procedure. PREGNANT or NURSING – Although there are no medical evidence that tattooing would have any effect on an unborn child, we don’t know for sure. So we suggest you err on the side of caution and come back after the baby is born and you are no longer nursing.

Other contraindications: AHAs (lactic, glycol  citric, retinoid and tartaric acids) or any OTC (over the counter) creams and lotions for tone correcting, anti-aging and exfoliating can fade and discolor your permanent makeup.   Flu or Cold: Please stay home and reschedule your appointment if you have a cold, flu or sinus/respiratory infection.   Coumadin: Amount of bleeding and response to topical epinephrine will determine coverage per application. If excessive bleeding occurs, extra appointments/applications may be necessary for desired outcome or procedure may not be effective.   Juvederm or other "fillers": Get permanent makeup first or ask your juvederm tech for clearance.   Shingles: If you have shingles on your face, wait several months for it to clear before permanent makeup.   Eyelift or blepharoplasty: Wait about 3 months.