The Permanent Make-Up Process
Permanent make-up is also called micro-pigmentation or cosmetic tattooing, and it is a procedure in which tiny granules of pigment are implanted a few millimeters below the top layer of skin. The hypo-allergenic, non-biodegradable pigment is made from organic ingredients which were developed in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration.
Before undergoing any permanent make-up procedure, an individual should first have a consultation with the technician to discuss the procedure, the benefits of it and any potential drawbacks. It’s important to be 100% comfortable with the technician and the setting where the procedure will take place – if you have any misgivings, leave. It’s not like getting a too short haircut that will grow back.
The permanent make-up technician may use one of several application methods or use different equipment to implant the pigments; the employment of one over another depends largely on the part of the body on which the procedure will be performed. The most common applications of micro-pigmentation are using the Coil Machine, which is similar to traditional tattoo equipment, and the Rotary Pen, while some technicians may use the state-of-the art Computerized Digital Pen. In any case, at the working end of the equipment, a sterilized disposable needle will be inserted a few millimeters into the skin, and essentially “draw” on the surface of the skin, leaving behind the pre-mixed pigment.
For some people, the most important issue is the pain factor, and there’s no denying that there is pain involved, though everyone has a different pain threshold. The technician should provide you with a topical anesthesia that will numb your skin and make the procedure tolerable. An antibiotic ointment is usually provided for after-care, to quicken the healing process.
The length of the procedure will vary depending on which permanent make-up application an individual is undergoing, but is typically a minimum of 90 minutes up to 3 hours, especially if more than one application is to be done.
Within 2 weeks after the procedure, the body will naturally slough off the dead skin cells, and the true color of the permanent make-up will appear. In some cases, a follow-up appointment with the technician may be needed to deepen or balance the colors.
It’s important to note that while it’s called “permanent” make-up, that’s a misnomer, since the pigments do fade over time – the darker the pigment, the longer lasting, and the lighter the pigment, the quicker to fade. Permanence has to do with the fact that permanent make-up can’t be washed off, and only another medical procedure (often using lasers) can remove it entirely.
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