Info / Education

Permanent Makeup is especially for you if:

• You have allergies to cosmetics
• You wear contact lenses
• You are busy
• You are active
• You need better feature symmetry (most of us do!)
• You want to restore natural-looking color
• You have a hard time or are tired of putting your makeup on everyday
• You have sparse or no hair in your brows or lash line
• You have a visual impairment
• You have oily or combination skin who tend to absorb or “lose” makeup
• You have noticeable scars due to injury or surgery
• You have vitiligo or alopecia

F.A.Q.s   open allclose all

What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup is a medically developed procedure of implanting pigments through the epidermal into the dermal layer of the facial skin to create an everlasting cosmetic effect.

How painful is the application?

The benefits far outweigh the slight discomfort you may experience in this medically safe procedure. You have a choice of either topical or local anesthesia for all procedures. Topical anesthetics are more comfortable, but they take much longer to numb the treatment area and sometimes do not get the area profoundly numb. Local anesthetics will get the treatment area profoundly numb in a short amount of time, but they require an injection. Everyone has a different threshold of pain and some may experience a little discomfort. However, I am extremely gentle in my application.

How long does the procedure take?

The average Permanent Makeup Procedure takes an hour to two hours. Touchups can take anywhere from half the time to the full amount depending on what is left to accomplish. This is a process.

How long does it last?

The treatment is semi-permanent. Some fading does occur and a touch-up may be needed every couple of years to maintain the natural looking colors and less often to maintain the darker or more vibrant colors. It is essential that sun block be applied to the pigmented area to keep the color from fading. Some skin care products contain the Alpha and Beta hydroxyl acid to even out skin tone. These products will have a bleaching effect on the pigmented areas. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion will also fade pigment.

What should I expect afterwards?

Immediately following a procedure, the tattooed area is darker than the final result will be when it heals in 4 to 8 weeks. Expect to lose 20-30% of the color. DO NOT have your Permanent Makeup applied right before any major events. Wait 5 days for eyeliner and brows and 10 days for any lip procedures. The area will be tender and swollen for a few days. The color will oxidize immediately after the procedure and look too dark. This is good! It can mean less of a Touch-up. The area will peel leaving less intense color within days.

What is the recovery time?

The swelling should disappear in about 3-5 days. You will be instructed to keep an occluding lubricant on your makeup for two weeks. You will be able to wear brand new makeup on your brows and eyeliner after 5 days and brand new makeup on your lips after 10 days.

What if I decide to have cosmetic surgery?

There are no contraindications to permanent cosmetics either before or after plastic surgery. In fact, having permanent cosmetics done, especially brows, often gives the appearance of a mini face lift!

Can I still wear regular makeup?

Absolutely! This will just enhance any other cosmetics you use!

What if I want to change my hair color?

This is not really a concern when having your eyeliner or lips done. The colors I choose for brows are chosen according to the hues found in skin and hair, so that brows look natural with almost any coloring.

What about safety?

Your procedure will be performed in a safe and sanitary dental office. I use sterile, disposable needles. All of my non-disposable products are sterilized in an autoclave. All guidelines are strictly followed in accordance with CDC (Center for Disease Control) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards.

What colors should I choose?

There is a right color for everyone. I take into consideration your natural skin color, hair color and eye color. Bring in the colors you have been using or the colors you prefer.

What about changing styles?

Thicker, fuller looking lashes, beautifully arched brows, evenly shaped, natural looking luscious lips never go out of style. I help my clients figure out the most flattering, natural look for them.

Should I worry about allergies?

Yes and no. You should always be cautious, as it is possible to be allergic to the pigment or the anesthetic. You can have an allergy scratch test done by request if you are concerned.

Will this interfere with an MRI?

The pigments that I use do not contain Iron Oxide elements, which have known to have strong side effects when implanted into the skin. The pigments are stable, free of iron oxides, and true to color. Most important, my pigments are safe with no adverse reactions, long lasting and resistant to the sun. Hundreds of clients implanted with these pigments have safely undergone magnetic resonance imaging and CAT scans without burns or false images.

Will this interfere with donating blood?

Yes. You cannot donate blood for one year after receiving a cosmetic tattoo.