Permanent makeup is a cosmetic procedure that involves tattooing pigment into the skin to create the appearance of makeup. It can be used to enhance the eyebrows, eyelids, lips, cheeks, and other facial features. Permanent makeup can save you time and money on applying makeup every day, as well as help you achieve a more consistent and flattering look. However, permanent makeup is not without risks and drawbacks, so it is important to do your research and consult with a qualified professional before undergoing any treatment. Here are some tips to help you decide if permanent makeup is right for you and how to care for it after the procedure.
What are the benefits of permanent makeup?
Permanent makeup can offer many benefits for people who want to simplify their beauty routine or have difficulty applying makeup due to allergies, vision problems, or medical conditions. Some of the advantages of permanent makeup are:
- It can enhance your natural features and correct any asymmetries or imperfections.
- It can save you time and hassle on applying and removing makeup every day.
- It can be more cost-effective in the long run than buying and replacing makeup products.
- It can be customized to suit your preferences, skin tone, and facial structure.
- It can last for several years with proper maintenance and touch-ups.
What are the risks and drawbacks of permanent makeup?
Permanent makeup is not a risk-free procedure and it may not suit everyone’s needs and expectations. Some of the potential risks and drawbacks of permanent makeup are:
- It can cause infections, allergic reactions, scarring, or granulomas (inflammatory nodules) in the skin.
- It can fade or change color over time due to sun exposure, aging, or skin type.
- It can be difficult or expensive to remove or modify if you are unhappy with the results or want to change your style.
- It can interfere with some medical tests or treatments, such as MRI scans or chemotherapy.
- It can limit your options for applying conventional makeup over the tattooed area.
How to choose a permanent makeup provider?
Permanent makeup is a form of tattooing, which means that it should be performed by a licensed and experienced professional who follows strict hygiene and safety standards. To find a reputable permanent makeup provider, you should:
- Do your research and check their credentials, portfolio, reviews, and references.
- Ask for a consultation and discuss your goals, expectations, medical history, and any questions or concerns you have.
- Ask for a patch test to see how your skin reacts to the pigment and anesthesia.
- Ask for a written consent form that outlines the procedure, risks, benefits, costs, aftercare, and follow-up instructions.
How to prepare for a permanent makeup procedure?
Before undergoing a permanent makeup procedure, you should:
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, aspirin, ibuprofen, or any blood-thinning medications for at least 24 hours before the appointment.
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, waxing, threading, or any other skin treatments for at least a week before the appointment.
- Avoid wearing any makeup or contact lenses on the day of the appointment.
- Eat a light meal and drink plenty of water before the appointment.
- Bring a photo of your desired look or some examples of your favorite makeup products for reference.
How to care for your skin after a permanent makeup procedure?
After getting a permanent makeup procedure, you should:
- Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your technician carefully and apply any ointments or creams as recommended.
- Keep the treated area clean and dry for at least five days and avoid touching, rubbing, scratching, or picking at it.
- Avoid any water-based activities such as swimming, bathing, or washing your face for at least a week after the procedure.
- Avoid any heat-based activities such as sauna, steam room, or hot yoga for at least two weeks after the procedure.
- Avoid any sun exposure, tanning beds, or chemical peels for at least four weeks after the procedure.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day to protect your skin and prevent fading or discoloration of the pigment.
- Expect some swelling, redness, bruising, scabbing, itching, or flaking in the first few days after the procedure. These are normal signs of healing and will subside gradually.
- Expect some fading or lightening of the pigment in the first few weeks after the procedure. This is normal and part of the healing process. You may need a touch-up session after four to six weeks to achieve your desired results.
Permanent makeup can be a great way to enhance your beauty and simplify your life. However, it is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Make sure you do your homework and consult with a qualified professional before getting any permanent cosmetic treatment. Remember that permanent makeup is not truly permanent and it will require regular maintenance and care to keep it looking fresh and natural.
Source:
(1) The Ultimate Guide to Permanent Makeup – Allure. https://www.allure.com/story/permanent-makeup-guide-cosmetic-tattooing-for-face.
(2) Permanent Makeup Aftercare Tips From a Makeup Artist | Makeup.com. https://www.makeup.com/makeup-tutorials/expert-tips/permanent-makeup-aftercare.
(3) Permanent Makeup: All About the Process, Results, Safety, and Cost. https://greatist.com/health/permanent-makeup.