Micropigmentation:

What is it?

Micropigmentation -

What is it?

Micropigmentaion is cosmetic tattooing often referred to as “Permanent
makeup”, or “colour infusion”. The cosmetic implantation technique deposits
coloured pigment into the upper reticular layer of the dermis.

How is Micropigmentation performed?

How is Micropigmentation performed?

Permanent cosmetics procedures are performed 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.

What type of

Micropigmentation can be done?

What kinds of micropigmentation can be done?

Permanent Cosmetic procedures can be very subtle or dramatic depending
on what you are looking for.

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Options include:

1 Eyebrows: microblading/powder fill

2 Lash enhancement: upper and lower
3 lip liner and lip blush
4 SMP (Scalp micropigmentation)
5 Areola

Who benefits the most from Micropigmentation?

People who meet minimum age requirements and have the ability to heal properly from minor wounds can benefit from the liberating benefits of permanent cosmetics. Interest in this service spans the young to the more mature; those who desire a soft, natural enhancement to their appearance.

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It is especially valuable to people who can’t wear traditional cosmetics due to allergies and skin sensitivities; active people who want to look their best for sports activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, aerobics; and those who don’t want to worry about “sweating off” or reapplying cosmetics.

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Micropigmentation also benefits the vision challenged who have difficulty applying their cosmetics; and others with dexterity related conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors, and busy people who don’t have time to spend applying and refreshing makeup throughout the day and evening.

What if I don't like it?

Although the procedure is considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing colour and shape to some extent, depending on the expertise of your technician. Colours 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 colour where there was no colour 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 colour is more evident due to the contrast to the skin colour. Lip colour can take up to eight weeks to reflect the final colour. 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 colour.

How could this happen?   

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

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

3 - Don’t request eyebrow colour based on your tinted scalp hair colour. That is subject to change and it may affect how you then feel about the colour of your permanent cosmetic eyebrows. Eyebrow colour should be selected based on your skin undertone and the colour of your eyebrow hair (if any.)
4 - Conversely, most well-trained technicians will not perform a procedure if the design and/or colour 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.
5 - 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.

Is it safe?

If proper sterilization and disinfection guidelines are met, permanent cosmetics should be completely safe. Professionals in the permanent cosmetic industry routinely attend Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) classes to become well versed on safety principals. These guidelines include, but are not limited to the following: 

IMPORTANT Things To Look For:
1 - All Needles should be new and sterile for each client. Unopened new and sterile needles should be opened in your presence.

2 - Disposable sterilized one-time use machine parts should be purchased by the artist, and disposed of in a sharps container immediately after the procedure has been completed. 

3 - Personal protection equipment such as disposable one-time use
aprons and gloves should be new for each client and changed during the procedure when needed.
4 - The technician should be clean and neat.
5 - Disposable one-time use chair/bed covering should be new for each client.
6 - The room or treatment area should be in an area free from other contaminants.

How much does permanent make-up cost?

The average cost per procedure varies but usually averages between $200-$600. 

SMP is charged at $175.00 an hour. Many of these procedures are commonly referred to as 

para-medical procedures.

How long does each procedure take?

The initial procedure will generally take approximately two to three hours; there are records to establish; photographs to take; desired design and colour
to discuss; the procedure to perform; and the aftercare requirements to
discuss.Follow up or colour refresher procedures usually do not require the
same amount of time.

Are permanent cosmetics really permanent?

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. The fact that most people will require periodic colour 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 colour(s) used for the permanent cosmetic procedure, and are also thought to be affected by topical products applied to the skin.

Which technician should I choose?

Choose a technician carefully by considering training, experience, compliance with provincial 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 colour. Professionals have studied colour theory and skin undertones which results in the colour requested.

Unskilled people who have not pursued the required education do not have the knowledge required to translate pigment colour to skin to achieve the desired outcome. The preferred look is obtained during the course of consultation, initial procedure and follow-up appointments. Interaction between the client and the technician is of utmost importance.

What is a touch up and do I need one?

Often the tattooed colour 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 eight 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. 

Is it painful?

The level of comfort will vary according to each individual’s pain threshold. Two forms of anesthetic are available:

A pre-number and a liquid topical that is applied to the open skin (both lidocaine based).

To put this in perspective, thousands of body art tattoos are performed annually, possibly millions. As a rule, traditional tattoo professionals do not use any anesthetics for their tattoo procedures. Anesthetics for permanent cosmetics are more of a tattoo service luxury because of the nature of the tattoo location and the fact that permanent cosmetics falls into the beauty treatment category.

Can I still have an MRI?

Numerous studies have shown that even for people who have large body  tattoos there is little to no potential for irritation resulting from an MRI.In the  rare instance where discomfort resulted, it was localized and very temporary.  However, with that said, it is prudent to advise your MRI technician that you  have permanent cosmetics.