Permanent makeup

Permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eyelining and other permanent enhancing colors to the skin of the face, lips, and eyelids. It is also used to produce artificial eyebrows, particularly in people who have lost them as a consequence of old age, disease, such as alopecia totalis, chemotherapy, or a genetic disturbance, and to disguise scars and white spots in the skin such as in vitiligo. It is also used to restore or enhance the breast's areola, such as after breast surgery.

History

The first documented permanent makeup treatment was by Sutherland Macdonald in 1902 at his tattoo shop in Fleet Street, London. The treatment he offered was 'shade in' the colors of the face. He also introduced the use of electric needles for this procedure.

Procedure

Permanent makeup is applied using heavy gauge needles or a blade to penetrate deep into the skin causing bleeding, bruising, scabbing, scarring and downtime. Permanent makeup is also applied via a digital pen using a cartridge needle. This technique is medically proven and specifically designed to be completely safe.

Risks

The risks of permanent makeup include infection, removal problems, allergic reactions, granulomas, keloid formation, and MRI complications. Some pigments can interfere with MRI tests. Therefore, it is important to inform the radiologist about the presence of permanent makeup or tattoos.

See also

• Tattoo
• Cosmetics
• Alopecia totalis
• Vitiligo
• Breast surgery

References

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