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Permanent makeup, also known as cosmetic tattooing, involves depositing colored pigment into the upper layer of your skin. This technique is often called micropigmentation, micropigment implantation, or dermagraphics.

Permanent makeup is applied using various devices, including the traditional tattoo coil machines, the pen or rotary machine (includes the digital rotary machines) and the non-machine or hand device. The process includes a consultation, the application of pigment, and at least one or more follow up visits for evaluating the healed design work and color of the pigment.

Permanent makeup can be very subtle or dramatic depending on what you are looking for. Options include:

Eyebrows, Eyeliner, Top and Bottom

Lipliner, Lip Color, and Blend

Scar Camouflage, Beauty Marks, Hair imitation, Lash Enhancement, and Areola Repigmentation

NOTE: Some of these procedures use more advanced techniques (para-medical techniques) and thus require an experienced technician with advanced training. Lynn Soles at Permanent Beauty is very experienced in para-medical and one of her many specialties.

Permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because pigment is tattooed into the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo or colorant (pigment) in general, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance referred to as color re-enhancement or color refreshing. The scientific structure of pigments and the requirement for periodic refreshing is identical to that of tinted hair color; faded material on furniture that may be located near a window and subject to sun exposure; house paint that is exposed to the sun and other environmental elements; pigment implanted in the skin may fade with time. This colorant periodic maintenance requirement is a good opportunity to reevaluate one’s color and design preferences. While the concept of permanent, without any change, may seem like a perfectly good idea, think about how your tastes have changed over the years. From time to time likely you have made subtle or dramatic changes in your clothing preferences, your hair color and style, and if you wear topical makeup, those colors have changed as well. The fact that most people will require periodic color refreshing of their permanent cosmetics is the opportune time to work with your technician to reevaluate your overall appearance profile and determine if any changes are appropriate. Longevity varies from person to person depending on their life style (sun exposure), the color(s) used for the permanent cosmetic procedure, and are also thought to be affected by topical products applied to the skin.

Your initial permanent makeup procedure will typically take about two to three hours. This includes time for paperwork, taking photos, discussing your desired design and color, performing the procedure, and going over aftercare instructions. Follow-up or color refresher appointments usually take less time.

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. The healing time is different for each individual and procedure.It’s very important to realize that often the new procedure represents something somewhat different; at times color where there was no color at all or very little. It takes time to become acclimated to a new look (very often this applies to eyebrows which were sparse and unnoticeable before the permanent cosmetic brow procedure.) Eyeliner color is more evident due to the contrast to the skin color. Lip color can take up to six weeks to reflect the final color. Be patient.After the procedure has healed, and you are able to make an informed decision about the healed version of the procedure, the only reason you should not like your permanent cosmetics is if you chose a technician who did not work with you on design and color. How could this happen?

If you cannot communicate with your technician, it is possible your desires will not be realized.

If your technician recognizes your requests, but does not take your desires for color or design into account, you should not proceed with the procedure.

Don’t request eyebrow color based on your tinted scalp hair color. That is subject to change and it may affect how you then feel about the color of your permanent cosmetic eyebrows. Eyebrow color should be selected based on your skin undertone and the color of your eyebrow hair (if any.)

Conversely, most well-trained technicians will not perform a procedure if the design and/or color requested by the client is not reasonable. If your requests are turned down by one or more technicians, re-think what you are asking for.

Permanent cosmetics are not easily removed. Make good decisions up front. You can enjoy the liberation permanent cosmetics provides when you do your research and choose a qualified professional that you work well with.

Choose a technician carefully by considering training, experience, compliance with state and local laws, and the technician’s before and after photograph portfolio.It is important to remember that the shape and proper placement of the procedure is as important as the right color. Professionals have studied color theory and skin undertones which results in the color requested. Unskilled people who have not pursued the required education do not have the knowledge required to translate pigment color to skin to achieve the desired outcome.The preferred look is obtained during the course of consultation, initial procedure and follow-up appointment(s). Interaction between the client and the technician is of utmost importance.

While it's possible to develop an allergy to anything, pigment allergies in permanent makeup are very rare. In fact, some doctors recommend permanent makeup for people with allergies to conventional cosmetics. Always ask your technician about the ingredients in their pigments to ensure they meet safety standards.

The risks associated with permanent makeup are minimal with today's health standards. Our professionals are trained in precise methods of disinfection and sterilization. Following post-procedural instructions carefully will greatly reduce any risk. Most issues arise from not adhering to aftercare instructions, so choose a time when you can commit to following them.

Often the tattooed color is not perfect after the initial procedure heals. Permanent cosmetic procedures are a process and at least one follow-up to the initial procedure should be scheduled.It is recommended that any required detail work to the original procedure be performed no sooner than four weeks after the original procedure.The minimum standard for follow-up detail work for lip procedures is six weeks. Lips have a different healing agenda than procedures performed on other parts of the face due to their delicate nature.The cited time frames will vary depending on the health profile and age of the client, but these are good minimum standards for consideration.