How Safe Is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup procedures have gained widespread acceptance over the past decade. Mostly because science and innovation have enhanced their benefits and mitigated most of the risks associated with such procedures. However, these procedures are not totally risk-free.
Permanent makeup procedures are minimally invasive procedures that require the breaking of the skin. Therefore, most of the infections happen because of inadequately cleaned instruments and unhygienic conditions, with the majority of these cases happening in non-certified/non-regulated beauty clinics.
However, a large proportion of the makeup artists and beauticians are well trained and have the relevant experience to perform permanent makeup procedures. Always make sure you’re checking reviews, and the work of the artists you’re interested in contacting!
What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup procedures have become widely popular because they allow individuals to alter their looks and get the desired aesthetics with permanent results.
Permanent makeup procedures are just like tattoos. These procedures are also called micro-pigmentation. Most of the procedures follow a similar pattern in which the ink/pigment is deposited into the top layer of the skin with a pen-like tool.
Scar tattooing and medical restoration are two techniques that are similar in characteristics.
Permanent makeup allows the individual to have the desired look all the time. You can go on to do your daily chores, exercise, any other activity with your makeup intact.
Adverse Reactions
Our bodies have a rigorous immune system that does not tolerate any foreign implantation. Therefore, when the PMU pigment is inserted into your skin it can result in an allergic reaction. The most common occurrences are rashes and inflammation in the treated area.
Although most of the experts say that allergic reaction to PMU pigment is rare, the only drawback is the difficulty of removing the irritant in case of an allergic reaction.
To avoid such allergic reactions, you can ask your makeup artist to perform a test patch before starting the procedure.
Iron oxide is the most commonly used pigment and allergic reactions to it are uncommon, making it the safest pigment that can be used for a PMU treatment.
Scarring
It is important to keep in mind that permanent makeup procedures or cosmetic tattooing can cause permanent scarring.
People who get keloids (caused by the production of excess protein by the body to heal an injury) can get permanent scars due to repetitive incisions.
Risk of Infections
The risk of infection in such cases is mostly caused by unhygienic conditions. The techniques employed by the makeup artists and the condition of their clinic are important determinants in this case. If they use non-sterilized instruments and equipment there is a high risk of infections.
Most of the permanent makeup treatments being offered are safe and are performed by trained and experienced professionals. But the ever-increasing expansion of the beauty industry and the lack of licensing mechanisms/authority has given rise to the opening of unauthorized clinics by untrained persons.
Therefore, it is necessary to opt for a makeup artist or a clinic that ensures hygiene in their clinic and uses sterile needles and equipment on their clients.
What are the Risks of Micropigmentation?
The basic function of the process of micropigmentation is to introduce foreign ink particles to your skin. In response to these ink particles, your body can produce regions of irritated tissue.
If you are prone to keloids your body might get permanent scarring.
In some rare cases, a person can also have an allergic reaction to a certain color of ink or the type of ink being used.
Some of the conditions that can occur due to micro-pigmentation treatment are:
- Crusting
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Loss of eyelashes
- Eyelid damage
Are Permanent Cosmetics Really Permanent?
Permanent makeup procedures are considered to be permanent because pigment cannot be removed once it has been inserted into your skin. But, this does not mean that your permanent makeup pigment will never fade!
Over time, your cosmetic procedure will require a touch-up session because the pigment will start fading.
These touch-up sessions are also known as color enhancement or color refreshing sessions.
The fading mostly occurs because the skin is exposed to environmental elements but it also depends on the quality of the product used and the lifestyle of the client.
Who Might Want Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup procedures are mostly opted by people who desire a certain look and want to enhance their aesthetics. But this treatment is also requested by people who are physically disabled or who have medical problems.
Permanent makeup procedures allow people with limited mobility to look their best while avoiding the need to apply makeup every time. People with cataracts, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or who have had a stroke are possible candidates for these procedures.
Similarly, if someone is allergic to conventional cosmetics and beauty products they can opt for permanent makeup.
People who have sparse brows, birthmarks, scarring due to surgeries, or burn marks can mitigate their conditions with permanent makeup procedures.
Permanent Makeup Is Not For Everyone
Permanent makeup procedures can be performed on anybody but certain individuals should avoid them.
People who have eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or dermatitis should consult their doctor before they go for a PMU procedure. Similarly, people who are undergoing anti-acne treatment and using Accutane/Isotretinoin should also avoid PMU because this medicine makes their skin thinner, dry and sensitive.
People who are immunocompromised or have autoimmune diseases such as lupus or inflammatory arthritis should consult a doctor before these procedures.
People with a skin illness or condition caused by a virus or bacterium should first get it under control or resolve to get PMU.
Is it Worth it for you?
Despite the minor risks associated with permanent makeup, the benefits certainly outweigh any negative. Having the right professional guide you through the process, will help ensure that your permanent makeup journey is extremely positive.
Waking up to amazing brows, or stunning lips each day is an incredible experience for those looking to save time, and money that would normally be wasted on their regular routines.
Consult With A Qualified Permanent Makeup Artist
Always consider getting a consultation from qualified experts such as those at Studio Ki Permanent Cosmetics in Vernon, BC, before choosing a permanent makeup procedure.
Their qualified permanent makeup artist can help you address specific concerns you might have for the type of permanent makeup procedure you want. They also ensure proper implementation of the health and safety guidelines so you can have peace of mind while getting treated.
