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. My advice is, ask questions, 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 or permanent cosmetic enhancement, is a process of inserting pigments (typically iron oxide) into the upper portion of the dermis for cosmetic enhancement. This includes eyelash enhancement, eyeliner, brow enhancement, lip liner, full lip shading and beauty marks. It can also be used to fill in color to the scalp after hair transplants. Another application would be to create a nipple/areola after breast surgery or to soften and camouflage scar tissue.


Is this a tattooing procedure?
Yes

Will it hurt?
The sensation varies for each person. It can range from a tickling or annoying sensation to downright uncomfortable. A topical anesthetic is usually used to make it more comfortable. 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 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.


What kind of machine do you use?
I prefer a rotary type machine. It looks like a fat pen. 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 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 in five years from now. It is also double gamma radiated for sterility, and it 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. 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 a month?
This could be from a number of reasons. (1) Pigment with too small a molecular size could be absorbed by the body. (2) 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. (3) 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?
Yes, quite a few. 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 that winged eyeliner?” or pointed brow or purple lipliner or …..


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.