Category: Permanent Makeup

Permanent Eyeliner Styles

Eyeliner is a makeup-lover’s best friend. It can define your eyelashes and make your eyes pop, bringing everyone’s attention to the “windows to your soul.” But if you wear eyeliner every day, you know how irritating the daily routine of applying it and taking it off can be (not to mention the raccoon-eye residue you may see at the end of the day). If that sounds like your daily makeup routine, you might consider permanent eyeliner. Although this procedure could revolutionize your morning schedule, you must choose carefully from the many permanent eyeliner styles available. Use this guide as a starting place for choosing your perfect style.

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Areola Pigmentation Tattoo

When a breast is disfigured due to breast cancer treatments or an accident, the results can take a dramatic toll on a woman’s confidence and self-image. For women with marred, scarred, or deformed areolas, an areola re-pigmentation tattoo isn’t just a unique and innovative procedure; it is a way to restore the breast’s natural beauty and the woman’s self-confidence. Please scroll down to learn more about areola restoration procedures, techniques, and results.

Areola Pigmentation Tattoo

The goal of an areola pigmentation tattoo is to create a very natural areola and nipple, thus restoring the breast’s natural beauty. The procedure can be used after a mastectomy or another form of breast surgery, but it’s also useful for women with fading or irregular areolas. The tattoo can help a woman “feel like herself” again and regain confidence in her femininity.

THE PROCEDURE

If you have ever gotten a tattoo, you will understand the basics of the procedure. Tiny needles will transfer the pigment to your skin, and sometimes a local anesthetic is provided to reduce discomfort. The process is very quick and can be completed in one appointment (omitting the initial consultation and allergy patch test, of course). As reds and pinks have the highest allergy rate among tattoo pigments, a patch test is highly recommended. The test will also allow you to see which pigments heal closest to your desired color.

COLORS & SHAPING

The color will be carefully selected to produce the correct healed pigment. If only one areola will be tattooed, the technician can match the shade of the existing areola. If both areolas have been reconstructed, your technician can use preoperative photos to choose a color, or you can choose the shade yourself!
Natural areolas are not a single flat shade of color. Instead of using one color throughout, typically multiple shades are used to create a more natural look. If your technician is comfortable with their skills as an artist, they may even be able to mimic the original texture or vascular look of the pre-op areola. The technician should take time to carefully consider the size and shape of the areola, and your personal desires are also very important. Finally, if you have not had nipple reconstruction, some technicians can give the tattoo a three-dimensional appearance to provide the illusion of a nipple.

POST-PROCEDURE

All tattoos fade over time, so your new areola will appear darker than you expected at first. Be patient as you wait for the color to lighten and the skin to heal. The tattoo may weep at first, but you can wear gauze (to protect your clothing). The tattoo area may also peel, scab, or itch. Apply ointment to keep the tattoo moist and to assist with comfort and healing. It may take one to three weeks for your tattoo to completely heal, but you can resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure (such as exercising and showering). However, avoid soaking the tattoo in water (in a bath tub, hot tub, swimming pool, etc.) and call your technician if you have any questions or concerns.

SCAR CAMOUFLAGE

After a breast trauma, such as cancer, an accident, or reduction, the areola may not be the only concern. There may be disfiguring scars that are also damaging to the woman’s confidence. For textured scars, DermaHealth offers other treatments in the office, but for discoloration, there is the option of getting a tattoo over the scar to better match the color of the scar to the surrounding undamaged skin.

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Although this procedure is simple in practice, its impact cannot be underestimated. If you’re interested in an areola pigmentation tattoo, please contact DermaHealth Laser & Skin Care Clinic if you live in southwest Missouri. Our experienced technicians strive to re-create the color and look of a natural areola. After a consultation in which you will discuss the procedure and the artistic details involved, you will have a test patch four weeks before the procedure due to the potential allergy risks. To get started, please give us a call at 417-447-7777 or click here to schedule a complimentary consultation online. We look forward to hearing from you!

Permanent Makeup Q&A

Permanent makeup is a revelation for some women. After years of carefully pencilling in their eyebrows, running eyeliner above their lashes, and camouflaging old scars with concealer, they’re able to sit back and relax. Upon waking, their eyeliner is already perfectly drawn, and at midnight, it’s still crisp and not at all smudged. They never again have to waste time drawing individual eyebrows or patting in just the right amount of concealer. It’s an amazing convenience. However, it’s still important to research the technology involved before you commit to a procedure. Check out the permanent makeup Q&A list that we’ve compiled below to get started.

Permanent Makeup Q&A

What options do I have for permanent makeup? There are a variety of procedures available, but some of the most popular include defining or shaping the eyebrows, adding eyeliner to the upper and/or lower lash line, camouflaging a scar, and enhancing the appearance of the areola post-surgery. Other options include lipliner, lip color, and beauty marks.

Is permanent makeup truly permanent? Yes. Although it will fade over time (like all tattoos), permanent makeup is difficult to remove. So if you like to change your style often, we do not recommend permanent makeup. This should not be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Carefully consider the procedure beforehand and try to choose a classic style that you will love forever.

Is permanent makeup painful? Permanent makeup is a tattoo, in essence, so yes, it will hurt a bit. Ask your chosen facility if they offer anesthetics to ease the discomfort during and after the procedure.

Is permanent makeup safe? Yes, permanent makeup is safe. However, to ensure your safety, it is critical that you find a reputable facility with well-trained technicians. Be sure that they make patient safety a top priority and look for quality equipment, sterile needles, and pigments made specifically for permanent cosmetics. During your consultation, quiz the practitioner on their safety procedures and discuss any concerns you have. For more information regarding permanent makeup safety, check out this previous blog post.

What if I don’t like the end result? Unfortunately, as we mentioned above, we can not easily remove permanent makeup. Instead of worrying about the end result, make smart decisions up front. First and foremost, communicate with your technician. Express your desires clearly and with great detail, and don’t let the procedure move forward if you aren’t absolutely certain that the technician understands what you want. In addition, be sure to choose a classic style that you will continue to love as you age.

Will I get to choose the look? Yes, of course. Permanent makeup is available in a variety of colors, styles, and thicknesses. Your technician should work with you to create a look that complements and enhances your natural beauty. However, many technicians will refuse to apply certain styles (for example, a cat-eye flick or eyeliner on the wet line) due to safety and aging concerns.

What are the benefits of permanent makeup? Permanent makeup is very convenient, and it will save you time in the morning. It won’t smudge or wipe off, and it can be tailored to fit your goals. Many clients find that they have less stress and worry about permanent cosmetics, as their eyebrows and eyeliner is always perfect. Finally, it can enhance your natural beauty and, in doing so, improve your confidence.

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If you’re interested in permanent makeup and you live in or near Springfield, Missouri, contact DermaHealth. We offer a variety of permanent makeup services including eyeliner, eyebrows, and scar camouflage. To learn more about your options, give us a call at 417-447-7777 or click here to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

Is Permanent Makeup Safe?

Even if permanent makeup is beautiful and convenient and time-saving and affordable, none of these benefits matter without one important element: safety. Is permanent makeup safe? That should be your first question if you’re considering undergoing a permanent makeup procedure. Whether you would like to define your eyebrows, camouflage a scar, enhance your eyes with eyeliner, or improve the appearance of your areola after breast surgery, the safety of the procedure should be your primary concern.

Is Permanent Makeup Safe?

Yes, permanent makeup is safe. The procedure is very similar to the process of applying a tattoo. However, it is crucial that you find a respected, reputable facility that employs well-trained technicians. Look for a facility that takes safety seriously and treats permanent makeup as a medical procedure. They must have very high quality standards when it comes to their equipment, their hygiene, and the products they use. Sterile needles and pigments from a trusted source (and that are only made for permanent cosmetics) should be used.

Before you sign up for any permanent makeup procedure, schedule a consultation so that you can discuss your goals and concerns with the practitioner and quiz them on their safety procedures. Ask to have your consultation with the same practitioner who will be applying your permanent makeup as well, so that you can ensure that the details discussed during the consultation will mirror the actual procedure.

Before you schedule your appointment, scrutinize the facility, interview the employees, and check for the following safety precautions:

• Be sure that a trained professional will be performing the procedure.
• Choose a reputable facility known for its high standards.
• Ask if the technician will use pigments that are only made for permanent cosmetics.
• Ask if the pigments are made specifically for cosmetic procedures on the face.
• Discuss whether the pigments used pose a high allergy risk.
• Ask the technician to conduct a test patch several weeks before the procedure.
• Discuss how and when the equipment and needles are sterilized.
• Make sure the facility has a business license.
• Look for a certificate from the local board of health that says the facility has been inspected.
• Ask the practitioner about their level of experience.
• Ask the practitioner how many permanent tattoo procedures they have performed.
• If possible, ask for references who you can meet in person.
• During the procedure, be sure that the practitioner uses a fresh needle and fresh pigment.

If the facility or the practitioner doesn’t meet these safety standards, walk away. If you choose to undergo the procedure regardless, you’re putting yourself at risk for a dangerous infection or allergic reaction.

Finally, due to safety concerns, we do not recommend that you have your wet line (the mucosal area) tattooed at all.

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Safety first! You can never be too careful when it comes to your health. Use the tips above to ensure that your permanent makeup procedure is sterile, safe, and stress-free.

Are you interested in receiving a permanent makeup procedure? If you live in Springfield, Missouri, contact DermaHealth. We offer a variety of permanent makeup services including eyeliner, eyebrows, and scar camouflage. To learn more about your options, give us a call at 417-447-7777 or click here to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

Preparing for Permanent Eyeliner

Two small lines can make a remarkable impact on your appearance. I’m talking, of course, about eyeliner. With a quick sweep of pigment, you can emphasize your eyes, give the illusion of bigger eyes, or make your lashes appear thicker and darker. Most women apply eyeliner every day using various products including pencils, brushes, liquids, glosses, and crayons, but if you’re tired of drawing on those two lines every day, why not try permanent eyeliner? It’s a simple process that will give you a lasting makeup look. If you’re interested, scroll down to learn about the process of preparing for permanent eyeliner.

Preparing for Permanent Eyeliner

Consider your aesthetic choices. Remember that this is a permanent procedure, so you should choose a timeless style that you will still like decades from now. Most women prefer to mimic the eyeliner they apply on an everyday basis already. First, you will need to choose the thickness. A thin line will appear very natural, a barely noticeable enhancement to your eyes and lashes, while a thick line can be more dramatic and defining. You will also choose the shape, the crispness/softness, and the color (most women request black or brown). Finally, will you receive the procedure on your upper eyelid only or on the lower lash line as well?

Note: Keep in mind that many companies have limitations when it comes to coloring the wet line (mucosal) or creating winged eyeliner due to concerns regarding aging and safety.

Choose the date wisely. A permanent makeup procedure should not be scheduled directly before an important occasion or a vacation. You will need a few days to heal and the eyelid area will be moderately swollen. Although you can complete everyday tasks during this time, you may want to avoid social engagements and strenuous activity. Plan to stay out of the sun as well. Many clinics require 3 days of no eye makeup after procedure.

Ready yourself for the day. The procedure itself could last up to three hours, so plan accordingly. Some people prefer not to drive afterward due to swelling and sensitivity, but it doesn’t keep you from driving. If you wear contact lens, remember to bring your glasses.

Prepare your eyes. You should not wear contact lens during the procedure, and your technician will likely recommend that you not wear them for 1-2 days afterward. You should also not use an eyelash curler or wear eye shadow or mascara on the day of the procedure. However, typically you should wear your preferred eyeliner (so the technician can mimic the line’s shape and thickness) to the consult.

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If you wear eyeliner on a daily basis and you’re tired of ending each day with “raccoon” eyes, permanent eyeliner could be the perfect solution. However, before you head in for your appointment, be sure to carefully consider the color and the shape that you want. Your skincare technician will have additional guidelines and more specific instructions for you after your consultation.

If you’re interested in permanent eyeliner and you live in or near Springfield, Missouri, contact DermaHealth. We offer a variety of permanent makeup services including eyeliner, eyebrows, and scar camouflage. To learn more about your options, give us a call at 417-447-7777 or click here to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!