permanent makeup vs. traditional tattoo
The Process
We provide professional micro-pigmentation which is slightly different from traditional tattooing. Permanent makeup is the process of implanting pigment into the upper layer of the skin. This layer of the skin is considered the epidermal - dermal layer of the skin, which is the outermost layer. This dermis layer is visible to the eye and is constantly shedding and renewing itself. This process of the cells turning over makes the pigment color fade over time.
While the methods of PMU and traditional tattooing is very similar, the traditional tattooing process is implanted deeper into the skin.
Pigment VS. Traditional Tattoo Ink
PMU uses micro-pigments instead of traditional tattoo ink. Micro-pigments are made of natural minerals from the earth and are semi permanent which can fade to almost nothing within 1-3 years. In contrast, traditional tattoo ink will stay in the skin forever. However, slight fading can occur with tattoo ink depending on the skin. In some cases, traditional inks on the face can turn to blueish-green, pink-orange, or purple-violet tones over the years.
Permanent makeup (PMU)
What You Should Know
PROCEDURE
A permanent makeup procedure is a safe and completely controlled method which works by gently depositing PMU pigments into the epidermal-dermal layer of the skin.
HOW LONG DOES A PMU PROCEDURE TAKE?
The most important part of a professional PMU procedure is drawing and creating the right shape for each client. This could take about 15-30 minutes.
We use topical anesthetic before and during the procedure. Pre-numbing takes about 30-45 minutes. The procedure itself, takes about 1-1.5 hours, with total time being about 1.5-2.5 hours.
TOUCH UP APPOINTMENT
The permanent makeup process takes two or more steps. It is very important to schedule a touch up appointment after the original procedure. At the first touch up appointment, we will focus on perfecting the color and shape of the brows.
Your touch up appointment should be 6-12 weeks apart after the original procedure, no sooner. The skin is fully healed at around 6 weeks.
All skin types are different and may need more touch up appointments later on. As we get older, our skin changes. Depending on the fading, refreshing your brows with a touch up every 1 & 1/2 to 2 years is essential. This will ensure that your brow will stay looking fresh and up to date with the latest brow trends.
LIFESPAN OF PERMANENT MAKEUP EYEBROWS
You should know that PMU does fade over time. The lifespan from each individual does vary depending on skin types and the quality of after care. The typical lifespan though is usually 1-3 years. The pigments used during the procedure can fade to almost nothing within these 3 years.
As far as skin types, oilier skin types tend to not hold the pigmentation quite as long or the retention may not be as long compared to drier skin types. With this, the level of outside activity can cause an effect on the lifespan as well. If you're the type that likes to go to the beach often, maybe hikes a lot, works outside, or hits the gym on a regular basis, getting intense sun exposure and sweating often will have an effect.
More aspects that can affect your PMU is the quality of your after care. It is very important to follow the after care instructions provided and to keep a consistent and healthy skin care routine.
IS IT PAINFUL?
The sensation of every person is different, pain varies from person to person. Effective and quick acting topical anesthetics are applied before and during a procedure. This multiple application technique works well to make our clients comfortable and allows the technician to complete the procedure effectively.
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR PMU
- Pregnancy and lacation
- Skin diseases such as, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, blisters
- Heavy allergies to makeup
- Easily triggered post inflammatory hyper pigmentation
- Camouflaging telangiectasia or birthmarks
- Skin tags and moles
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Auto-immune disorders
- Keloid formation
- Lupus
- Mental disorders
- Using blood thinning medication - aspirin, cortisone, steroids
- Using Accutane
- Using skincare with Retin-A or Renova
IF ALLERGIC TO REGULAR MAKEUP, IS PMU SAFE?
A patch test is recommended for those with allergies. This means a small amount of pigment is applied behind the ear and in 1-4 weeks, you will have to check if there is any reaction. Many people skip this step, but it is recommended for clients that are unsure.