Permanent Makeup Artist Kathleen Kassel joins Dr. Lees practice
Tuesday, November 13th, 2007Permanent cosmetics have been around since before the days of Cleopatra. Ancient Egyptians used dyes and pigments to dress up their appearance on a regular basis. Modern women (and more than a couple of men) have rediscovered that having their daily makeup routine simplified or eliminated entirely is a very neat thing, indeed. Here are some questions about today’s micropigmentation techniques that we’ve heard from our clients, followed by answers from one of the newest members of our team, Permanent Makeup Artist Kathleen Kassel.
Q: I’ve heard that there are ways to get eyeliner and other types of makeup applied permanently. Is it like getting tattoos or something?
A: Yes and no. While the techniques used in applying permanent cosmetics (micropigmentation is the technical term for it) are similar to tattooing, the materials and tools can be somewhat different. And the skills and training are quite different. Picasso may have been a great artist, but I wouldn’t want him putting on my makeup!
Q: Who are candidates for “Permanent Makeup”?
A: Anyone who would like to be relieved of the bother of applying cosmetics every day would find permanent cosmetics a huge benefit. Wouldn’t you like to look as good when you wake up as you did the night before?
But some of the biggest benefits are seen by athletically active women, older women with failing eyesight or unsteady hands, handicapped people, people with allergies to cosmetics and some people who use micropigmentation to camouflage scars and other loss of pigment. Alopecia and vitiligo (leukoderma) sufferers find that permanent cosmetics can do wonders to improve their appearance, as do breast surgery and chemotherapy patients.
Q: Can permanent makeup be done after plastic or reconstructive surgery?
A: Not only can it usually be done, it’s often the finishing touch! Skin color can be restored and enhanced, eyebrows can be filled in, and careful cosmetic micropigmentation can add even more shape to surgical enhancement. Scars can be minimized and the pigmentation process itself can even break down scar tissue in some cases. Breast surgery patients can have pigment loss remediated, as well.
Q: What if I change my mind and want a different color?
A: Like the name implies, the pigmentation is permanent, so short of drastic procedures, you will not be able to remove it. Most women choose a natural-looking palette of enhancements that can be supplemented with traditional makeup when the occasion calls for it. Having said that, it is often possible to modify existing colors and shades with additional procedures if that’s what you want.
Discuss it carefully with your technician and be sure you’re completely satisfied with the answers you get.
Q: Why should I have my permanent makeup done by a skin care professional?
A: The guys and gals at the “tat” parlor are very creative artists, but they are used to a whole different clientele with a whole different set of needs. Your selection of a Permanent Cosmetics Technician should be a careful process.
Meet with them at their office and get to know some things about them before making your choice. What’s their background and training? Do they keep abreast of changes in techniques and trends? Do they seem to hear and understand what you want and what your concerns are?
Ask to see photos of work they’ve done. Discuss different styles with them and listen to their advice, but also listen to how they communicate. Do you understand them? And most importantly, do they understand you?
And don’t overlook the environment they work in. Is it professional looking? Is it clean?
Q: How are permanent cosmetics applied?
A: They are generally applied with an instrument that injects the pigments under the skin’s surface in the dermal layer. At Dr. Lee’s office I use a specialized instrument developed by Dr. Linda Dixon, a Hawaii-based M.D. who is one of the pioneers in micropigmentation. It can also be done with a traditional or specialized tattoo or coil machine, or a pen or rotary machine. Or they can be applied non-mechanically using techniques similar to those of the ancient Egyptians.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Different people have different levels of sensitivity, but there can be some discomfort involved. If you and your technician feel it’s appropriate, a topical anesthetic can also be used. The better trained and more experienced your technician is, the more likely that the discomfort will be minimal.
Q: Is there a recovery period after a procedure?
A: There may be some reddening or swelling after a procedure, but it is generally minor and goes away in a few hours. You may be advised to apply ice for brief periods during the first few hours and you may be advised to wear sunglasses for a while after any work around your eyes because they may be temporarily sensitive to light. Lip coloring often involves temporary swelling and if you have a history of fever blisters, you may be prescribed some medication for them.
Q: Are there any health risks to consider before having permanent cosmetics done?
A: When the procedures are performed properly with attention paid to maintaining a sterile environment there is very little chance of infection or transmitting a communicable disease. According to the records of the Centers for Disease Control, there have been no incidences of HIV infection attributable to cosmetic micropigmentation, nor has there been any evidence of increases in the transmission of other diseases. Even allergic reactions are extremely rare, occurring less than .1% of the time.
Q: I’ve heard that permanent makeup can cause problems with MRIs. Is that true?
A: Studies by leading experts in MRI scanning safety have found only rare minor problems around the eyes and no problems at all in the brow or lip areas. They are limited to very mild redness or swelling around the eyes and did not cause any permanent damage. Testing has shown that the metallic particles in pigments are too small to react like larger metal objects and are actually quite similar in reaction to other metals that exist naturally in the body.
Q: Are the procedures expensive?
A: Permanent cosmetics are actually quite affordable. They can be less expensive than a few months’ worth of fine cosmetics. Give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss pricing for any of our procedures.