Frequently Asked Questions

Many people call me and ask only one question, “What do you charge?” When you’re price shopping, there’s always someone “cheaper”. But I have to wonder, who would consider having a procedure of this importance (in terms of your appearance and your health) done without finding out more about the qualifications of the person doing the procedure. We're talking about a tattoo being done on your face! My advice is, ask questions, and then question the answers you get. Do some research so you know if the answers you’re getting are correct. If you don’t know what to ask, here are a few questions and answers to get you started.

What is Micropigmentation?

Also known as permanent makeup, permanent cosmetic enhancement or cosmetic tattooing, is a process of inserting pigments (typically iron oxide) into the upper portion of the dermis for cosmetic enhancement. This includes eyelash enhancement, eyeliner, eyebrow enhancement, lip liner, full lip shading and beauty marks. Another application would be to create, or just add color to, a nipple/areola after breast surgery or to soften and camouflage scar tissue from breast augmentations, face lifts, acne and accidents.


Is this a tattooing procedure?

Yes.

What credentials are required?

That varies from state to state. In Colorado you must be licensed as a cosmetologist or esthetician and have passed a 132 hour course in permanent makeup, as well as being trained by OSHA. There are many people doing permanent makeup in Colorado who do not meet these qualifications, so be sure to ask for proof.

Would it be safer or can I get better results by having my procedures done by someone working in the office of a plastic surgeon, dermatologist or other doctor?

A person doing permanent makeup or micropigmentation procedures in a doctor's office or on their own, but under a doctor's supervision, is NOT required to have any certifications or training whatsoever! What a scary thought!!!

Will it hurt?

The sensation varies for each person. It can range from a tickling or annoying sensation to downright uncomfortable. A combination of topical anesthetics is used to make it as comfortable as possible. Proper stretching techniques also make it more comfortable as well as giving you a straighter line.

How will it look?

Each procedure is customized to the individual client, but generally speaking, the results should have a natural and conservative appearance.

Do you have before and after pictures to see?

Yes, many. But when you ask someone this question, be sure to ask if the pictures you’re looking at are the work of the person who is doing your procedure. Anyone can buy a portfolio of before and after pictures or steal them from other websites.

What kind of machine do you use?

I prefer a rotary type machine. It looks like a fat pen and is made specifically for permanent makeup. With the one I use, all the parts of the machine that come in contact with the client or clients blood come individually packaged, pre-sterilized, one time use, disposable. No needles or leftover pigments are ever saved to be reused, even on the same client during a later touch-up. Saved pigments or needles can become contaminated.

What kind of pigment do you use?

Generally an iron oxide pigment specifically made for permanent makeup. It is the least likely to cause an allergic reaction in the skin. It comes ready mixed, so the color is the same batch to batch. This is important if you want the exact color for your touch-up or to redo your procedure as it fades over the years. It is also double gamma radiated for sterility, and has a molecular size of 6 microns. Molecular size is important in order for the pigment to stay in the skin, where it is placed. A smaller particle can be pulled into the bloodstream for the body to get rid of.

Is it permanent?

Yes, in that, if done properly, the pigment will always be in the skin where it was originally placed.

Why does it fade?

Over time your body surrounds the pigment with cells, obscuring the color.

How often will I have to have it redone?

That varies with each person. It depends on how aggressive your body is at surrounding the pigment, how much pigment was implanted into the skin, the color used and how well you take care of your procedure (like using sunscreen). It also depends on how fresh you want to keep the color. Generally, two to five years is common.

Why would someone’s permanent makeup disappear within several months?

This could be for a number of reasons:
 

• Pigment with too small a molecular size could be absorbed by the body.

• The pigment may not have been placed deep enough into the skin. If the pigment is only placed as deep as the epidermis, or outermost layer of the skin, this layer completely sloughs off within 4 to 6 weeks, taking the pigment with it.

• If the skin is over worked with the needle, the damaged skin may not hold the pigment. This could also create excess scar tissue.

Are there any reasons someone should not have a micropigmentation procedure?

Most people would not have an issue with having a micropigmentation procedure; however there are a number of reasons not to have it done. A detailed medical history form should be filled out and discussed. In some cases I may even require a written ok from your doctor.


Have you ever refused to do a procedure?

Yes, sometimes because of a medical condition, occasionally because someone wants a look I don’t feel comfortable doing. Fads can sometimes change more quickly than your procedure will fade. My clients are my best advertising. I’d rather have someone look at one of my clients and comment, “Wow, you look good. What did you do?” not even knowing they had a procedure done, then to have someone say “Whoa, who did your permanent makeup?"
 
Will micropigmentation interfere with an MRI?

No. Some hospitals will ask if you’ve ever had permanent makeup or any kind of tattoo before performing an MRI. This is because the pigments can show up in an MRI and be misread as something else. If you are very sensitive, you may feel a slight itching sensation in the area of the pigment. Most people don’t feel a thing.

Where can I find out more about micropigmentation? 

One of the best places to start would be www.spcp.org. The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals is the largest non-profit professional association in the world for the permanent cosmetics industry. It is dedicated to promoting safety, excellence and professional standards for the Permanent Cosmetic Industry by providing education and industry guidelines.   

If you have any additional questions or would like to make an appointment, give us a call today.