FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS PERMANENT MAKEUP?
Permanent Makeup is also known as dermagraphics, permanent cosmetics or micropigmentation, cosmetic tattooing and transdermal pigment implantation. Dermagraphics is the enhancement of the face or repigmentation of hypo-pigmented areas of the dermis with non-reactive, hypo-allergenic natural iron-oxide colored pigments which are implanted into the very first layers of the skin, like a tattoo. These pigments are very natural looking and available in both basic and trendy colors.
The procedure is the same as tattooing, and is permanent. However, with permanent makeup, the pigments are lighter, such as earth tones, therefore making touchups necessary about every three to five years. Of course this varies with age, skin tone, body chemistry, sun exposure and exfoliation.
RECOVERY TIME FROM PERMANENT MAKEUP PROCEDURES
You may experience some swelling and tenderness for a few days. In most cases, you will not need to take time off work. Even though the process is permanent, color can be modified or changed. The results will last for many years and any faded areas can be touched up in the future. With each procedure we give a (Complimentary Perfection Session) within 4-6 weeks to be sure it is perfect.
OUR PHILISOPHY IS WE CAN ALWAYS ADD MORE COLOR OR GO DARKER
A Natural Look Permanent Makeup Centers follows very strict hygiene and sterilization procedures. All needles are sterile and disposable and we use the highest quality pigments and machines. Adhering to strict OSHA and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines and follow all regulations and requirements.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR PERMANENT MAKEUP?
If you are active and want to look your best every day or if any of the following describes you:
- Poor vision or blindness
- Unskilled at applying conventional makeup
- Allergies
- Sparse, light or no eyebrows
- Alopecia
- Unsteady hands
- Going through chemotherapy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Tremors
or if you simply want want to free yourself of the time it takes to apply conventional makeup everyday. If you have no history of keloid scarring in your family, you are a candidate for permanent makeup.
HOW MUCH DOES PERMANENT MAKEUP COST?
This is one of the most often asked questions when people first consider permanent makeup. The bigger question is, do you really want the cheapest person you can find? In this industry, higher cost often equals higher quality, experience and skills. Do you really want the cheapest person you can find?
We have a saying: “Good Art is Not Cheap and Cheap Art is Not Good!”
Don’t bargain hunt on your face. It will cost you 4 times as much than if you did it right the first time.
Give us a call and we will discuss what procedures you want and give you our affordable, fair, set prices.
All procedures include a complimentary touch up in 4-6 weeks.
HOW IS PERMANENT MAKEUP APPLIED?
Permanent makeup is applied by enhancing the brows, eyes, lips or re-pigmentation of hypo-pigmented areas of the dermis with non-reactive hypo-allergenic natural iron-oxide colored pigments which are implanted into the very first layers of the skin with a tattoo like “machine” or “pen”.
The longer version: Any type of tattoo is applied by using a small electric device (rotary pen, machine coil, Softap™ or by hand) with a needle bar that holds from one to 14 needles, each in its own little tube, to implant colored pigments.
Prior to getting a tattoo the technician puts on a pair of sterilized gloves and inspects your skin to make sure you have no cuts, scrapes or other types of broken skin. The area is either swabbed with alcohol or sprayed with an antiseptic solution or both.
The technician then “draws” your desired look onto your skin. You are asked to verify the placement, position and design that is about to be implanted. When everything is good a thin layer of petroleum jelly, or other ointment, is spread over the area to be pigmented.
Cosmetic tattooing can be completed per area in about an hour and a half. If you are having more than one area/procedure it may take a few hours or maybe another sitting (you come back another time).
IS PERMANENT MAKEUP PAINFUL?
No. A topical anesthetic is applied prior to and during each procedure to numb the epidermis. We use doctor prescription anesthetics just like those used by your dentist, plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Some people feel a slight discomfort. Each person might have an area that is more uncomfortable than another although we try to keep you comfortable and relaxed. We have had clients fall asleep while doing their procedure.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL PERMANENT MAKEUP CONSULTATION INVOLVE?
Free Consultations on the phone are to discuss the procedures you would like performed as well as reviewing some of your medical history. At this time you can ask any questions regarding the procedures so you can make an educated decision. When you decide that you would like to come to us, we will make an appointment and do a more visual intense consultation. We always suggest checking your technician’s credentials, portfolios, education, and licensing. Because permanent makeup is slightly invasive you should inspect the technicians general area for neatness and bio-hazardous waste disposal.
At your appointment we will “draw or create” your custom desired design on your skin, then showing you various complimentary colors according to your skin tone. Be extremely cautious of “deals” from flea market vendors, or fly by night so-called experts. Like most things in life, with permanent makeup you really do get what you pay for. We have a saying, “Good art is not cheap and cheap art is not good.” This is your face. Don’t bargain hunt on your face.
WHAT IF I WANT TO CHANGE MY MAKEUP?
Change it! Permanent makeup will become part of your skin, like your lips, and can enhance your natural facial features. You can put any color over it. We come as close to nature as possible, so cosmetics may be applied over your permanent makeup for color variety. Some clients choose to apply a layer of conventional makeup to achieve a more dramatic effect for nighttime events. The choice is yours!
WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK?
Most can return to work or other daily activities immediately. There may be redness that is apparent. There may be very slight swelling and the area treated may be slightly scabby for a week, however, this is usually very minimal.
WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE RESULTS?
Results are seen immediately, although the full end result is seen in approximately four weeks. The color will have faded to the color you initially chose and the light scabbing will be almost gone in 7-10 days. A touch up may be necessary and we include this touch up free of charge within 30 to 45 days of your initial procedure.
Remember: The color for the first week will be darker before it heals. That is because a lot of the color is sitting on top of the skin (that is the slight scabbing) and will get that natural lighter powder look in 4 to 6 weeks.
WHAT IS CORRECTIVE WORK?
A lot of our work is Corrective work.
We see often permanent makeup that is done by untrained, non-experienced and unlicensed practitioners. For unhappy clients this later may require expensive corrections and revisions work. This happens because in order to get experience they cut costs and such practitioners use cheap, low quality pigments. They are inexperienced and do not have enough experience to do a professional permanent makeup procedure. Some of the typical problems requiring corrections are odd eyebrow, pink, gray, or violet eyebrow color, lip colors turning purple or not even, unflattering or asymmetric shapes and pigment migration.
Corrections are a two-step process.
The first step is to neutralize or remove the offending color. This step usually takes two or more visits. The second step is re-application of the permanent makeup with proper colors, shapes and perhaps some camouflaging.
Don’t bargain hunt on your face! It will cost you 4 times as much than if you had it professionally done right the first time.