Q. What is Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation?

Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation is the process used to implant pigment or color into the dermal skin layer. This process is also known as  Cosmetic Tattooing, Derma Pigmentation, or Permanent Makeup. Natural pigments have been medically developed for safe application.

Q. Is it the same as a tattoo?

It  is a form of tattoo, however, different techniques and pigments are used.

Q. Can Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation be removed?

Although Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation is considered permanent, it is possible to have it removed with a laser procedure performed by a qualified technician. It is also possible to change the color and design slightly in order to create a new look, making sure not to add too much pigment or make it too thick, Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation is meant only to slightly alter or enhance your natural features.

Q. Who is a good candidate for Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation?

Individuals that are busy or active and want to save time!

Athletes that want to look as though they are wearing makeup!

Someone with a loss of eyebrows or eyelashes!

Anyone with allergies to regular cosmetics!

Individuals with a visual impairment, either unable to see or not seeing well!

Anyone with shaky or unsteady hands!

Everyone who wants to save time and look good when they first wake up, while exercising, while swimming or just anytime!!!

Q. Is the procedure safe?

Yes. Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation has been used in other countries for over 3 decades and in the US for 15 years. In accordance with OSHA and CDC recommendations we use sterile single-use needles for each procedure.

Q. What about allergic reactions?

There have been very few documented reactions to cosmetic pigments. Having a patch test 72 hours before the procedure can help to put you at ease regarding an allergic reaction. Note: It is possible for someone to develop an allergy, over time, to anything.

Q. Are there any other health concerns?

If you are prone to cold sores a break out can occur directly after the lip procedures. Taking antibiotics prescribed by your physician prior to having the procedure done will alleviate this. Diabetics may have a longer healing time.

Q. Can I still have an MRI scan?

YES. Many studies have shown that there is little to no potential for irritations resulting from an MRI scan. In rare instances of discomfort it was generally described as tingling or light pulling within the implanted area from the magnet used in the scan.  You should  always disclose all Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation and tattoo locations to the radiologist performing the MRI scan. 

Q. Is it painful?

The discomfort varies with each individual. We use topical anesthetics, which have been medically developed for use in Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation procedures, to assist in numbing the areas we are working on and thus making it much more comfortable.

Q. Is it really permanent? How long will it last?

Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation is considered permanent because the implanted pigment cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance approximately every 3-5 years. Since the pigment implant is placed in the dermal layer of the skin, the natural shedding of the skin will determine the length of time before it fades. Other things, such as, exfoliating agents, skin type, and exposure to the sun are also determining factors.

Q. I’m nervous about the fact that this is permanent. How do I know if I’ll like it?

We always use makeup pencils to design the look on you in advance. This way you have the final approval prior to having any pigment implanted. As far as color and design, we generally begin cautiously, keeping the implanted pigment as light and natural as possible. It’s much easier to add more color and design during your follow up appointment than it is to have the pigment removed.
 

Q. How will it look right after the procedure?

During the procedure there may be light bleeding. Therefore, you should expect some redness and swelling immediately following and for approximately 3 days, as well as slight scabbing, bruising and tenderness for approximately 7 days. The color and design will appear much darker and thicker for up to 21 days, but will soften as much as 30% during the healing process. Because of the natural hair located on the eyebrow, the implanted pigment will appear much darker and thicker in the eyebrows than any other area for 7-21 days, but will soften as much as 50% during the healing process. Follow after care instructions for the best possible results.

Q. Should I take any time off work?

It is up to each individuals preference, however, it is not necessary.

Q. Will I need a touch up?

 The implanted color is rarely perfect after the first procedure. The art of Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation is a process and a follow up to the initial application is required in order to perfect the procedure. We can schedule a follow up appointment 6 weeks after the original procedure in order to inspect the final result. At that time we will perform a touch up. Following the after care instructions is the best prevention for excessive touch ups.

Q. When will I see the final result?

Within 4-6 weeks. The drying, peeling will subside within 1-2 weeks, but healing must occur both externally and internally before you will see the final result. Because the lips are so vascular the implanted pigment will drop down while the healing occurs and then rise back to the surface, this process is generally completed at 6 -8 weeks. Individual results may vary.  

Q. Should I wait until after the Micro-Pigmentation before having other cosmetic facial procedures?

Anyone planning to have a facial procedure such as collagen, face lift, etc. after permanent makeup needs to allow for adequate healing time, but otherwise should not have a conflict. Consult your Physician to determine what their preference is for these types of procedures. If you proceed medically first you must have the Physicians release prior to having any permanent makeup procedure done.

Q. One of my eyes droops more than the other. Will having this procedure done correct it?

NO. Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation is not meant to correct, it can only create the illusion of having symmetry within your appearance. No two sides of a face are exactly the same; Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation can enhance and/or slightly alter your natural beauty. The degree of difference determines if this procedure or cosmetic surgery would work best for you.

Q. My friend recently had Micro-Pigmentation done and I love it. We have very similar features. Will mine look exactly the same?

 No two people are exactly the same, even identical twins have minute differences; therefore, it would be impossible for it to look exactly the same. Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation is an artistic process; we do everything possible to create the effect desired by each individual within the limits of their natural features.

Q. What is the difference between a lash enhancement and full eyeliner?

 An eyelash enhancement is created by filling in the spaces between each lash with pigment. It is specifically designed to create the appearance of fuller, thicker lashes. It is a far more natural, less dramatic effect than eyeliner, which also deposits the color in a line above or below the lash line.

Q. Can I just have lip liner without the full lip color?

 YES. However, it is not aesthetically recommended. Having the lip liner done will create a more defined look for your mouth, but full lip color is recommended so the liner and color match perfectly; creating a more beautiful, well defined mouth. The color can be deposited with a wash effect if you want a more natural look.

Q. I have little or no eyebrow hair. Can the pigment be applied to look more natural or will it look drawn on?

We use specific hair-like strokes, on the brow bone, in order to give the appearance of natural, well-manicured eyebrows. Adding a wash in between the hair-strokes will give the illusion of a soft powdered brow.

Q. How long does the procedure take?

During the procedure there may be light bleeding. Therefore, you should expect some redness and swelling immediately following and for approximately 3 days, as well as slight scabbing, bruising and tenderness for approximately 7 days. The color and design will appear much darker and thicker for up to 21 days, but will soften as much as 30% during the healing process. Because of the natural hair located on the eyebrow, the implanted pigment will appear much darker and thicker in the eyebrows than any other area for 7-21 days, but will soften as much as 50% during the healing process. Follow after care instructions for the best possible results.

Q. Should I take any time off work?

It is up to each individuals preference, however, it is not necessary.

Q. Will I need a touch up?

The implanted color is rarely perfect after the first procedure. The art of Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation is a process and a follow up to the initial application is required in order to perfect the procedure. We can schedule a follow up appointment 6 weeks after the original procedure in order to inspect the final result. At that time we will perform a touch up. Following the after care instructions is the best prevention for excessive touch ups.

Q. When will I see the final result?

Within 4-6 weeks. The drying, peeling will subside within 1-2 weeks, but healing must occur both externally and internally before you will see the final result. Because the lips are so vascular the implanted pigment will drop down while the healing occurs and then rise back to the surface, this process is generally completed at 6 -8 weeks. Individual results may vary. 

Q. Should I wait until after the Micro-Pigmentation before having other cosmetic facial procedures?

Anyone planning to have a facial procedure such as collagen, face lift, etc. after permanent makeup needs to allow for adequate healing time, but otherwise should not have a conflict. Consult your Physician to determine what their preference is for these types of procedures. If you proceed medically first you must have the Physicians release prior to having any permanent makeup procedure done.

Q. One of my eyes droops more than the other. Will having this procedure done correct it?

NO. Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation is not meant to correct, it can only create the illusion of having symmetry within your appearance. No two sides of a face are exactly the same; Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation can enhance and/or slightly alter your natural beauty. The degree of difference determines if this procedure or cosmetic surgery would work best for you.

Q. My friend recently had Micro-Pigmentation done and I love it. We have very similar features. Will mine look exactly the same?

No two people are exactly the same, even identical twins have minute differences; therefore, it would be impossible for it to look exactly the same. Cosmetic Micro-Pigmentation is an artistic process; we do everything possible to create the effect desired by each individual within the limits of their natural features.

Q. What is the difference between a lash enhancement and full eyeliner?

An eyelash enhancement is created by filling in the spaces between each lash with pigment. It is specifically designed to create the appearance of fuller, thicker lashes. It is a far more natural, less dramatic effect than eyeliner, which also deposits the color in a line above or below the lash line.

Q. Can I just have lip liner without the full lip color?

YES. However, it is not aesthetically recommended. Having the lip liner done will create a more defined look for your mouth, but full lip color is recommended so the liner and color match perfectly; creating a more beautiful, well defined mouth. The color can be deposited with a wash effect if you want a more natural look.

Q. I have little or no eyebrow hair. Can the pigment be applied to look more natural or will it look drawn on?

We use specific hair-like strokes, on the brow bone, in order to give the appearance of natural, well-manicured eyebrows. Adding a wash in between the hair-strokes will give the illusion of a soft powdered brow.

Q. How long does the procedure take?

It takes about 2 hours for the procedure appointment. Most of our time is spent numbing the procedure area, creating a color for your face palette and drawing it onto the procedure area. The time spent implanting pigment can be between 30 to 60 minutes.