Here are some of the more frequently asked questions when it comes to micropigmentation. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please contact Shanti Wellness Day Spa and one of our trained estheticians can answer your question for you.
HOW ARE PERMANENT COSMETIC PROCEDURES DONE?
Permanent cosmetic procedures are performed using various methods including traditional tattoo or coil machines, the pen or rotary machine and the non-machine or hand method. The process includes an initial consultation, then application of pigment and at least one or more follow up visits for adjusting the shape and door or density of the pigment.
WHO BENEFITS FROM PERMANENT MAKEUP?
EVERYONE. If you desire a soft, natural enhancement to your appearance or can’t wear cosmetics due to allergies and skin sensitivities, then micro pigmentation is for you. Active people who want to look their best for their activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis or aerobics – if you worry about “sweating off” your makeup or don’t want to reapply. If you are vision impaired or have difficulty applying your makeup or suffer from arthritis, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, stroke survive or have unsteady hands, or just don’t have the time to spend putting on makeup.
ARE PERMANENT COSMETICS REALLY PERMANENT?
Technically, permanent cosmetic procedures are considered permanent because the color is implanted into the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance, color re-enhancement or color refreshing.
HOW LONG DOES EACH PROCEDURE TAKE?
The initial procedure will generally take approximately 1 – 2 hours. Touch up procedures usually do not require as much time.
IS IT PAINFUL?
Most people experience some discomfort. This may vary according to each individual’s pain threshold. However, there are different methods available to help with pain management including various topical anesthetic ointments.
IS IT SAFE?
If proper sterilization and sanitary guidelines are met, permanent cosmetics should be completely safe. These guidelines include the following: 1) all needles will be new and sterile for each client; and 2) gloves will be new for each client and changed during the procedure when needed.
WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE IT?
Although the procedure is considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing color and shape to some extent. Colors will appear darker immediately following the procedure but will soften and lighten during the healing process. The healing time is different with each individual and procedure.
ARE THERE ANY AFTER OR SIDE EFFECTS?
Generally, there is some swelling of the treated area. While eyebrows may show little after effect, eyeliner and lips may show more and the edema may last from two to 72 hours. During the procedure there may be some bleeding and/or bruising. There is usually some tenderness for a few days. The color is much darker than you may expect for the first six to 10 days.
DO THE PIGMENTS POSE ALLERGY PROBLEMS?
The application is just deep enough to penetrate the minute capillaries in the dermal layer of the skin. There have been so few reactions to the pigments that some doctors are suggesting that the patch test be eliminated. You can develop an allergy to anything, anytime. Some doctors recommend that people with allergies have permanent cosmetic procedures because they can replace cosmetic products that they are sensitive to. There have been very few reactions to pigments and only rarely in the case of the blue-based red pigments.
IS THERE ANY POSSIBILITY FOR MEDICAL PROBLEMS?
The possibility that you would have any problems or reactions from these procedures is almost non-existent with today’s health standards. Post procedural instructions, if followed carefully, will completely eliminate any risk.
WHAT’S A TOUCH-UP AND DO I NEED ONE?
A touch-up is a color re-enhancement. Almost always the implanted color is not perfect after the first procedure. These procedures are processes and at least one follow-up to the initial procedure should be scheduled. It is recommended that you do not traumatize the skin again fro a minimum of two weeks. Four weeks is better but of course, your individual needs take precedence. Eight weeks is recommended after a lip procedure.
CAN I STILL HAVE AN MRI SCAN?
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. Most people have more metal in their fillings than they would ever have in tattoo work.