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FAQ About Permanent Cosmetics
What is Permanent Cosmetics?
Permanent cosmetics, also known as cosmetic tattooing, is a process of implanting pigment, not ink, into the dermis layer of the skin. It is a medically developed procedure of implanting pigment into the skin to create a long lasting cosmetic effect. This is a cosmetic procedure that can add subtle enhancements or dramatic definition to your eyes, eyebrows, or lips. It can also be used to improve the appearance of unsightly scars or to re-create an areola complex where a client has lost her breasts due to cancer.
Why have permanent make-up?
You can save time and money in your routine grooming and not have to worry about smearing, smudging or makeup washing off. You wake up looking fresh and not washed out!
Is the procedure safe?
When performed by a qualified, trained professional -absolutely! Hospital sterilization and sanitation methods are practiced in my environment. Needles are never reused and safety precautions are implemented at all times. Permanent make-up is not recommended for people with autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, lupus, etc., or for women who may be pregnant or are nursing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Hazard Association (OSHA) has set standards for a clean, sanitary and safe working environment using sanitary equipment. Things to look for:
MOST IMPORTANT: Needles used should be new and sterile for each patient and disposed of properly after each patient. (Other machine parts should also be sterilized, barrel tube, if required, or disposed of in a sanitary manner). Other equipment and supplies should be kept in a sanitary manner.
New gloves and gowns should be used for each client and disposed of after the procedure.
Your technician should be clean, neat and knowledgeable of environmental safety requirements. It’s recommended that you find a technician who proudly displays CPCP (Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional) behind her name and who is certified by OSHA in Blood borne Pathogens and Infection Control. These certificates are updated and renewed every two years.
The room or treatment arena should be in an area free from other contaminants as well.
Documented allergic reactions to permanent cosmetic procedures are extremely rare. Skin testing may be done by technicians, either routinely or upon request. Regardless, it should be understood that, though it is rare, an allergic reaction could occur at any point in time. Permanent Cosmetics are created from organic and inorganic pigments. |
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What can permanent make-up do for me?
Permanent makeup can enhance your eyebrows, eyes & lips while making your morning routine much easier. It can also increase your self-esteem when scars are blended in making them less visible.
Who is a good candidate for permanent make-up?
EVERYONE, FROM THE YOUNG TO THE ELDERLY, WHO DESIRES A SOFT AND NATURAL ENHANCEMENT TO THEIR APPEARANCE CAN BENEFIT FROM PERMANENT COSMETICS
POST SURGICAL/INJURY, those seeking reconstruction of areolas after surgery; camouflage of scars from burns, surgery, accidents or injuries; redefinition of facial features.
ALOPECIA areata or universalis sufferers who have lost some or all of their facial hair, including eyebrows and/or eyelashes.
CHEMOTHERAPY recipients with full or partial hair loss.
VITILIGO sufferers who may have areas of skin which have lost their pigment.
PHYSICALLY ACTIVE people who want to look their best throughout activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, aerobics, and don't want to worry about "sweating off" or reapplying cosmetics.
ALLERGIES and SENSITIVE SKIN-these people often can't wear other cosmetics.
VISION IMPAIRED people who have difficulty applying their cosmetics.
MOTOR IMPAIRED, including arthritics, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors, and those with unsteady hands who cannot apply their own makeup.
ENTERTAINERS, ACTRESSES, and MODELS.
MEN who want feature enhancement that looks natural and not "made up".
WOMEN who want to look their best all the time, even when they wake up.
MOTHERS and other busy professionals who DON'T HAVE TIME for makeup. |
Is the permanent cosmetic procedure painful?
Permanent cosmetics procedures are of a skin invasive nature (as they are a form of cosmetic tattooing) and therefore you may experience some discomfort. This may vary according to each individual's pain threshold and the skills of the technician performing the service. HOWEVER, keep in mind that there are different methods available to help with pain management, including various topical anesthetic ointments. Your technician can discuss these methods with you during a consultation. Overall, the benefits of permanent cosmetics far outweigh the slight discomfort you may experience in this medically safe procedure.
Are there any precautions that should be taken before a procedure?
With the lips. If you have ever had Cold sore/fever blisters we suggest that you obtain a prescription for Zovirax or Valtrex capsules from your physician and begin taking them as prescribed by your physician prior to your procedure. Also, to lessen inflammation, Benadryl is recommended as an antihistamine to lessen swelling.
How long does each procedure take?
The initial permanent cosmetic procedure, also known as the “saturation visit,” will generally take approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Touch-up procedures also known as the “focus visit” (completed 3 – 4 weeks after the saturation visit), usually do not require as much time as the initial procedure. If you are considering more than one procedure, you may do the procedures together.
Can it be completed in one visit?
Some procedures may achieve their desired look after the initial visit, but permanent cosmetic IS a building process and may require multiple visits. About a month following the initial application, one or two "focus visits” may be needed to perfect the lines, adjust the color, and to replace any pigment loss during the healing process. Slight maintenance may be required in months or years to come. There will be a nominal charge for those visits.
What can I expect immediately following a permanent cosmetic procedure?
I approach this process with great care. The results immediately following the procedure will look somewhat darker and more pronounced than desired. Within the week, the excess pigment is sloughed off leaving a soft natural look. Right afterwards, you may experience slight swelling and redness but only minimal discomfort.
Is the procedure costly?
Fees can vary depending on the amount of work a client is requesting per procedural area. No doubt that you have seen advertisements or have heard of services being offered from under $100 to over $1000 per procedure. It is advisable to take the time to check quality and experience of the technician before making your decision. This procedure is permanent (meaning, it doesn’t wash off) and can be enjoyed for quite a long time. I find that fees can vary from expert Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professionals based on “where” they live. Expect to pay more if you live in popular cities such as: San Francisco, Boca Rotan, Miami, San Diego, Austin, etc. whereas a small town expert has a little more difficulty demanding these higher fees even if she has more experience than her colleagues who work in the cities. Work performed from physician's offices or specialized clinics may be charged even higher rates.
Skin camouflage is based on an hourly rate.
Permanent Cosmetics is a “building process.” Multiple visits may be required to achieve “your” desired look. Be patient. Rome was not built in a day.
Carolyn Elliott accepts Visa and MasterCard. Gift certificates are available.
The cost of the procedure is not the most important issue when consulting a potential technician. Most important is the training, experience, professionalism and skill of the technician as well as the confidence of the client in that skill. Many find this relatively inexpensive when compared with hair and nail appointments that must be kept up on a regular basis. |
What colors are available?
You may select from over 50 natural tones or I can blend a color unique to you.
How long does permanent make-up last?
The treatment is semi-permanent and varies with the pigment color. For example, a blonde eyebrow color may need a touch-up before black eyeliner. Over time the colors may soften. Touch ups are needed to brighten your color after it has softened. Chemical peels, sun exposure and certain skin treatments will shorten the life of your pigment.
What can I do to prolong the life of my permanent make-up?
Sunscreen is the best kept beauty secret! Not only will sunscreen prolong the life of your permanent makeup, but it does wonders for the skin! Sunscreen helps prevent premature aging, wrinkles, and most importantly skin cancer. Be sure to wear a sunscreen with a minimum of an SPF 15 for best results and reapply often, especially after swimming or extended hours outdoors. Hats and sunglasses also help minimize harmful UV rays. You can still have fun in the sun…just do it wisely |
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Carolyn Elliott - Certified Permanent Cosmetics Professional - Masters Level, 10+ years of professional experience with over 10,000 procedures completed. ♦ OSHA Certified ♦ Bloodborne Pathogens & Infectious Control ♦ Fully Insured ♦ Professional environment ♦ Physician referred ♦ Background in nursing ♦
Call for your free consultation now at (805) 550-7379. Located in San Luis Obispo. |
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