Permanent Makeup
                               explained

Micropigmentation, also known as cosmetic tattooing or semi-/ permanent makeup (PMU), is a specialist procedure in which micro-deposits of pigment are implanted into the upper dermis layer of the skin. This a form of tattooing used for the purpose of enhancing natural facial features by adding lasting colour to area such as the eyebrows, eyelids (eyeliner) and lips. A hand held tool known as a micro-blade, or a digital machine which uses small needles are used to penetrate the skin and create cosmetic tattoos. On average results last between 1-2 years before the pigment fades and needs to be periodically refreshed to maintain its original look.

​

AIMS AND MOTIVATIONS FOR THIS TREATMENT:

Sparse brows or uneven brows - PMU offers an illusion of fuller brows. These can be as natural as requested.

• Busy routine - Those who have a busy routine just don't have the time to draw their eyebrows on perfectly everyday or keep reapplying lipstick/ gloss. PMU looks like natural makeup and is longer lasting, so can eliminate this daily task.

• Suffer with hair loss - PMU can create natural/bold brows in the absence of any natural hairs.

• Active lifestyle - Those who have an active lifestyle such as going to the gym frequently or going swimming, PMU can be a game changer. Unlike makeup, PMU will not rub off through the day.

• Sensitive skin - Some people may be sensitive towards conventional makeup so PMU may provide the ability to have a makeup appearance without the daily irritation.

• Long lasting results - unlike conventional makeup, PMU lasts on average 12-24 months.

• Lack of natural shape on lips - Lip blush can help to enhance the shape and colour of the lips.

​

A consultation and patch test is required before full procedure can be performed. During this, a small amount of pigment will be applied into the skin behind the ear or on the upper forearm. This gives an indication if an adverse reaction is likely to occur. 

​

The procedure requires 2 visits (in some cases more will be required). The initial appointment lasts between 2-3 hours. During the first treatment, the technician will spend a lot of time mapping out the new brow shape or lip shape. This will be based on the natural brows/ natural lips, taking important measurements from the face. As much of the natural shape is incorporated into the new shape to make upkeep easier. However this may not always be the case if there is previous PMU work or limited brow hair present. Once the shape has been finalised by the client the outline of the brows/ lips will be commenced. Once the outline has been completed, optional numbing cream can be applied to the area before working on the body of the brows/lips. The process of PMU brows is generally comfortable however some mild pain and/ or stinging may be present. The second appointment will usually take place after 6-8 weeks which is known as the perfection appointment, where any faded parts from the first procedure will be topped up. When treating melanin-rich lips, the top up will be performed after at least 10-12 weeks have passed.

After each procedure there will be a healing time of 4-6 weeks, or 10-12 weeks for melanin-rich lips. During this time the skin will repair itself and the following may be experienced:

• Dark pigment - Immediately after the procedure and the next 1-2 days, darkening of the pigment can occur. This is completely normal as the excess pigment sits on the skin rather than within it.

• Scabbing/ peeling - Within a few days of the procedure, the skin will begin to heal and scabs may form. For some this may be a light layer of crusting but for others it may be definite scabs. This will come away gradually over the next week to 10 days, sometimes a little longer.

• Milky appearance - Once the scabs have all fallen off the skin may appear to have a milky appearance and the PMU work quite faded. This is completely normal. The PMU work will resurface once the skin has completely healed over the next 4-6 weeks, or 10-12 weeks when treating melanin-rich lips.

 

​PERMANENT MAKEUP  EYEBROW STYLES EXPLAINED:

COMBINATION BROWS

Combination brow is a mixture of hair strokes and machine shading for added definition. Hair like strokes are created at the front of the brows using a tattoo machine. The machine is then used to create pixelated shading across the body and tail of the brow. This can be natural or bold and is the most popular choice.

​

MACHINE HAIRSTROKES

This technique creates hair like strokes with the machine, the most natural style of permanent makeup on the brows. This style gives the appearance of more brow hairs. Ideal for those who already have thick brow hairs and have small areas of sparseness, or those with finer brows wanting the illusion of more hairs only.

​

OMBRÉ

This technique uses machine shading only with no added hair strokes. The front of the brows start with light shading, which gets darker through the body and tail of the brow to give a powdered brow effect. Perfect for those who want more structure to the body and tail of the brow. Again, this can be natural or bold.

​

PERMANENT MAKEUP LIPS EXPLAINED:

LIP BLUSH

Lip blush focuses on giving the lips a natural tint.

This technique softly enhances the lips natural colour, giving them a fresh, youthful look. A delicate blush tone is selected which blends flawlessly with the natural lip tone. This provides a gentle enhancement that's perfect for everyday elegance. Ideal for those that like a minimalist yet refined look.

​

MELANIN-RICH LIPS

Some lips have higher concentrations of melanin present, particularly eumelanin, which appears brown or black. Melanin-rich lips have a darker colour due to this higher concentration of eumelanin. When working with melanin-rich lips these darker tones have to be neutralised in order to achieve a brighter and balanced even toned colour throughout the lips. This technique balances and enriches the lip colour to provide depth and uniformity. Individuals with melanin-rich lips are likely to require additional top ups to reach the desired outcome. The healing time for melanin-rich lips is at least10-12 weeks. Following this initial healing period additional top ups can be performed as desired. There is an increased risk of Hypopigmentation and Hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich lips. Hyperpigmentation often stems from excessive melanin and can make the skin look darker, while hypopigmentation, often results from skin trauma and can make the area look whiter.

 

The possible risks of the micropigmentation procedure include but are not limited to:

• Infection - An infection can occur when injury is caused to the skin as with the cosmetic tattooing procedure. The most vulnerable time for an infection to occur from a cosmetic tattooing procedure is within the first 2 weeks. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, and discharge.

• Scarring - There is a small chance of scarring, which could include large scars and rarely, abnormal scar formations called keloid scars. To reduce the chances of scarring, it is very important to follow the post-treatment instructions.

• Swelling - This may be present immediately after or in the days after treatment and usually subsides within the first 7 days following the procedure.

• Bleeding and/ bruising - There may be a small amount of bleeding during and after the procedure. The area may be tender and/ or appear red. Further to this bruising can occur post-treatment. the area can also experience scabbing as the skin begins to repair itself.

• Herpes simplex breakout - This is a higher risk when having permanent makeup on the lips. It is a painful outbreak of blisters or sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Pre treatment and post treatment advice must be followed to try to reduce the risk of a breakout.

• Discomfort - Some discomfort may be felt during and after the procedure.

• Uneven pigment/ Implantation issues - Pigment may very per skin tones, skin type, age and skin condition. Some skin types accept pigment more readily and no guarantee on results can be given.

• Spreading, fanning and/ or fading of pigment. In some cases pigment may spread or fan in the skin from where it was originally placed. Pigment may also fade. Non-toxic pigments are used during this procedure which may fade over 1-3 years.

• Pigment remaining in the skin indefinitely - Even once the colour has faded, pigment itself may remain in the skin indefinitely.

• Hypo/ Hyper pigmentation - The treated area may heal with changed pigmentation or colour, especially in individuals prone to this. Such a change usually occurs with darker skin, after pregnancy, or when the related area has been exposed to sunlight. With some patients these changes may occur despite adequate protection from UV rays. The changed pigmentation which may include more or less colour, usually reverts to its original appearance within 3-6 months. However, occasionally a pigment change may be permanent.

• Allergic reaction - There are various components within tattoo pigments, ointments and numbing creams which can cause hypersensitivity during this procedure. Although a patch test can help to identify if an adverse reaction may occur, it cannot determine whether an allergic reaction may occur when the full procedure is performed, or in future.

• Discomfort during an MRI scan: It is important to note that some pigments contain traces of metal, but most cosmetic tattoos are safe in an MRI scanner. In rare cases, patients with tattoos may have adverse reactions such as burning, irritation, or general discomfort on the cosmetic tattoo. You must inform your medical healthcare professional of your cosmetic tattoo/s if you plan to have an MRI scan.
  Compliance with the aftercare guidelines is crucial for healing.