Microblading and Permanent Makeup

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Permanent Makeup, a form of micropigmentation, is a cosmetic tattoo where pigment (not ink) is implanted into the skin using a machine or hand tool to enhance the face, eyebrows, eyes, lips and body. Tattooing and micropigmentation have been around for thousands of years dating back to 3300 B.C. Modern permanent makeup has been around since the early 1900s, possibly even longer.

Micropigmentation is another word used to describe cosmetic tattooing or permanent makeup. It is a process of depositing pigment into the skin to add, improve, or correct color in the skin and even camouflage scars. 

Microblading is a cosmetic tattoo technique that is done by manually depositing pigment into the skin, speciffically the eyebrows, using a handeld tool made of several very small (micro sized) needles that are arranged close together to make a "blade". Hence the name Microblade. The handheld tool or "blade" is used to cut fine slices into the skin and deposit pigment so as to resemble a realisic hair stroke. The final result is a 3 dimensional shapely and defined eyebrow.

A Permanent Makeup Artist uses smaller and shorter needles that do not penetrate the skin as deep as the needles used by a Tattoo Artist. Pigment is used for cosmetic micropigmentation whereas ink is used for a tattoo. Tattoo ink is injected into the hypodermis also known as the subcutaneous tissue, the innermost layer fo the skin. Pigment is deposited in the dermal epidermal junction, the thin layer between the dermis (middle layer) and the epidermis (top layer) of the skin. Tattoos will last a lifetime while permanent makeup is designed to fade over time. 

The short answer is yes it is really permanent. Permanent makeup is considered permanent because the pigment is deposited into the skin below the epidermis and cannot be washed off. Also, the method of depositing that pigment creates a permanent change in the structure of the skin. The pigment in the skin does fade over time due to exfoliation, sun exposure and exfoliating skin care products, therefore periodic maintenance is necessary.  So how long does permanent makeup actually last? Following the 6-10 week "Perfection Session" touch up, Microblading can last 1-2 years before requiring a touch up. Permanent eyeliner and lips can last 3-5 years.

MICROBLADING:

• Individuals who desire a no makeup look. If you have some natural brows that are uneven or may be sparse in areas.
• Individuals who have no natural hair due to alopecia or chemotherapy
• Men and Women

WOW OMBRE BROW

• Individuals who wear brow makeup daily
• Oily skin condition who are not good candidates for microblading only
• Individuals who like a very groomed and natural look to their brow
• Anyone with sparse hair growth or "bald spots"

OMBRE POWEDER BROWS

• Individuals who want extra definition with the hassle of filing in the brows everyday
• Preferred for individuals with oily skin
• Individuals who want the "brow makeup" look

EYELINER

• Great for those who struggle with sensitive skin or who cannot use standard makeup products
• Individuals with poor eyesight, unsteady hands or who have lost their eyelashes
• Individuals who swim, play sports or do other activities that cause makeup to run.

LIP BLUSHING

• Anyone who is lacking a naturally defined border
• Individuals who have scarring and loss of pigmentation
• Anyone who would like to neutralize any purple, blue or ashy tones and gain a more uniform lip color

Everyone's skin and pain threshold is different, so it really varies from person to person. I do use a topical anesthetic prior to the procedure to numb the area to minimize discomfort. I will apply a secondary anesthetic after the skin has been opened and the intial anesthetic begins to wear off. The secondary anesthetic contains epenephrine which will reduce the pain, bleeding and swelling. 

• Must be 18 years old
• 4 weeks before - No Botox, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser or any other intense treatment. Also, do not use any retinol products, acne treatments, or salicylic acid on or around the area of the procedure.
• 1 week before - No waxing and do not take omega3 (fish oil) supplements
• 3 days before - Do not tan of have intense sun exposure
• 24 hours before - Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, Ibuprofen or blood thinners (unless medically necessary)
• The Day of - Do not drink coffee, alcohol or energizing drinks and do not work out. Arrive with clean skin, and no heavy creams or sunscreen.
• If you are not feeling well and have flu-like symptoms you will need to reschedule your appointment.
• For PMU Eyeliner: 
  • Remove all eye makeup
  • Remove contacts
  • Lash extensions must be removed 1 week prior
  • Stop using lash serums 4 weeks prior
  • Lash tinting can be done 1 week prior
• For Lip Blushing
  • Moisturize you lips with Vaseline daily until your appointment day
  • If you are prone to cold sores, lip tattooing can cause outbreaks. You should take an anti-viral or cold sore medication prior to your appointment.
  • Have something to eat before the procedure as it can take up to 3 hours for your first session.
  • Do not have filler injections in the lip area 2-3 weeks before your appointment
  • No tanning 2 weeks before and after the procedure, this can affect the color of the pigment when healed.

If you would like a patch test done, it must be done 24-48 hours prior to the procedure.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Diabetic (if not using insulin, you may get a physician's note of approval
• Autoimmune disease (will require a physician's note)
• Have skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis) or irritations (rashes, sunburn, acne, etc) in or near the procedure area
• Prone to keloid scars or hypertrophic scarring
• Have had sensitivities to dyes/pigments or local anesthetics (patch test required)
• Chemotherapy and Radiation Treatments (must be 12 months post treatment)
• Viral Infections or Diseases such as Hepatitis B
• Epilepsy (consult with your physician)
• Pacemaker or major heart problems
• If you require prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental treatments you must be pre-medicated and have a physician's note.
• Organ transplant (consult your physician)
• Actively sick (cold/flu symptoms)
• Currently on Accutane or any oral form of retinoid (must wait 6 months for procedure)
• PMU Eyeliner Only: Have Ocular Herpes, a sty or existing corneal abrasions/burns
• PMU Eyeliner Only: Eye conditions that require use of medicated eye drops

The healing process can vary from person to person. Some of the most common things to expect after PMU or Microblading are:

• Tenderness in the area 
• Pink or redness around the affected area
• Swelling 
• Thickening and darkening of the area
• Moderate to thick scabbing 3-4 days after the procedure
• Scabs will begin to flake off anytime between days 5 - 10
• After scabs flake off, pigment color and strokes will look light, grey, and blurry and may completely disappear
• After area is fully healed (4 weeks after procedure) the pigment will return to full color

Aftercare instructions will be provided at the appointment

It is really important to remember that the first appointment is the "Foundation Session" and the 2nd appointment is the "Perfection Session". At the "Perfection Session" I will  touch up any light spots, build additonal texture, add color and doing any necessary concealing and correction. This appointment must be done 6-10 weeks following the Foundation Session. Color rentention and healing is different for everyone and depends on your age, health, skin structure and integrity. Some individuals may require a 3rd touch up session.