What is the difference between Cosmetic Tattooing and Decorative Traditional Tattooing?
Are Permanent Cosmetics really permanent?
How long does each procedure take?
What is the aftercare?
Does it hurt?
Who may benefit from Permanent Cosmetics?
What is the difference between Cosmetic Tattooing and Decorative Traditional Tattooing?
Cosmetic Tattooing requires a comprehensive understanding of color theory. Unlike Body Tattoos, Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing IS NOT simply a decorative design that has flexibility in the color outcome, not to mention, Permanent pigment is placed on the most visible area of your body, the face. Pigments, once implanted in the dermis, blend with our skin undertones, whether warm or cool, and can change immediately or over time leaving a result that is not desirable such as an ashy tattooed look or purple or salmon colored lips. Without this knowledge and consideration an opposite than desired result may be obtained if the correct pigment is not chosen. This must be fully assessed and considered when choosing color for eyebrows, liner and lips so the pigment is successfully neutralized with your specific skin undertones.
Permanent Cosmetic Pigment has wide range of colors and a high degree of stability. It is implanted about 1 mm deep (About the thickness of a dime) vs. a traditional tattoo which is implanted 1.5 mm deep (About The thickness of Nickel)
Traditional Tattoo Pigments can be Made of Anything. You can’t be 100% certain! Manufacturers of Traditional Inks and Pigments are not required to reveal the contents. Most tattoo inks technically aren’t inks. They are composed of pigments that are suspended in a carrier solution. Contrary to popular belief, pigments usually are not vegetable dyes. Today’s pigments primarily are metal salts. However, some traditional tattoo pigments are plastics and there are probably some vegetable dyes too.
The gun or tattoo pen used to apply a Traditional Tattoo is also very different than the precise, quiet, speed adjustable digital and/or rotary pen used to apply permanent cosmetics.
Are Permanent Cosmetics really permanent?
Technically, permanent cosmetic procedures are considered permanent because the color is implanted into the skin and cannot be washed off. However, fading can and often does occur over time, from sun exposure and other elements requiring periodic maintenance. The typical time period for touch ups is anywhere between 2-5 years.
How long does each procedure take?
The initial procedure will take approximately 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Follow up procedures, if necessary usually do not require as much time as the initial procedure.
The aftercare varies based on the area treated but basically consists of keeping the area moist with healing ointment. There is literally no down time. The initial outer healing occurs 3-5 days for eye liner and eyebrows and 7-10 days for lips. Complete written aftercare instructions are always provided in advance of the procedure.
Icing without the moisture touching the skin is allowed on the treated area. Eyeliner and lips tend to swell easier than the eyebrows. Ice kept dry, can be applied after procedure to minimize any possible swelling.
Everyone has a different pain tolerance. Unlike traditional body tattoos, a topical anesthetic is used prior to and throughout the procedure. You should be able to tolerate the procedure with little discomfort. Most people feel absolutely nothing on the brow area, tickling of the eye for the eye liner and mild discomfort on the lips.
Who may benefit from Permanent Cosmetics?
Those who:
- find applying removable makeup challenging or too time consuming. Mothers, busy professionals and/or anyone who is looking to save time on a daily basis.
- have sparse or light eyebrows.
- have a sensitivity to the ingredients in removable make-up or have sensitive eyes.
- may have physical limitations.
- have certain neurological and aging disorders that include tremulous hands.
- have impaired vision.
- have lost their hair a consequence of old age, disease, such as alopecia, chemotherapy or a genetic disturbance.
- desire a natural looking distinctive permanent enhancement to their appearance.
- have an active lifestyle, swimmers/ athletes.
- want to wake-up each day with the natural look of make-up already on.
- Men who want feature enhancements that look natural and not temporary.