Permanent Cosmetic Frequently Asked
Questions
-
WHAT
EXACTLY IS PERMANENT COSMETIC MAKEUP?
-
HOW
ARE PERMANENT COSMETIC PROCEDURES DONE?
-
ARE
PERMANENT COSMETICS REALLY PERMANENT?
-
HOW
MUCH DOES PERMANENT COSMETIC MAKEUP COST?
-
HOW
LONG DOES EACH PROCEDURE TAKE?
-
IS
IT PAINFUL?
-
IS
IT SAFE?
-
WHAT
IF I DON'T LIKE IT?
-
CHOOSING
A TECHNICIAN
-
IS
PERMANENT COSMETIC MAKEUP A CAREER FOR ME?
WHAT
EXACTLY IS PERMANENT COSMETIC MAKEUP?
Permanent
cosmetic makeup is a state of the art form of cosmetic
tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent
cosmetics are often referred to as "micro pigmentation",
"micro pigment implantation" or
"Dermagraphics". The cosmetic implantation technique
deposits tiny individual implants of pigment into the dermal
layer of the skin.
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HOW
ARE PERMANENT COSMETIC PROCEDURES DONE?
Permanent
cosmetics procedures are performed using various machines and
methods, including the traditional (or specialized) tattoo or
coil machines, the pen or rotary machine and the non-machine
or hand method.
These
procedures are a process, which includes the initial
consultation, initial application of pigment, and usually one
or two follow up visits for adjusting the shape and color or
density of the pigment.
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ARE
PERMANENT COSMETICS REALLY PERMANENT?
- Technically,
permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent
because the color is implanted into the dermal layer of
the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any
tattoo, fading can and often does occur, requiring
periodic maintenance. It is important to consider this and
all aspects of the procedure when selecting a potential
permanent cosmetic makeup technician.
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HOW
MUCH DOES PERMANENT COSMETIC MAKEUP COST?
- The
average cost per procedure varies somewhat but usually
averages between $500-$1000. Advanced work may be charged
at $250 to $350 per hour.
- Many
of these procedures are commonly referred to as para-medical
procedures. Work performed from physician's offices or
specialized clinics may be charged at higher rates.
- The
cost of the procedure is not the most important issue when
consulting a potential technician. Most important is the
training and skill of the technician and the confidence of
the client in that skill.
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HOW
LONG DOES EACH PROCEDURE TAKE?
- The
initial procedure will generally take approximately 1 to 1
1/2 hours. Follow up procedures usually do not require as
much time as the initial procedure.
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IS
IT PAINFUL?
Permanent
cosmetics procedures are of a skin invasive nature (as they
are a form of cosmetic tattoo) and therefore you may experience
some discomfort. This may vary according to each individual's
pain threshold and the skills of the technician performing the
service. HOWEVER, keep in mind that there are different
methods available to help with pain management, including
various topical anesthetic ointments and anesthetic blocks
(administered by a doctor or dentist), as well as topical
desensitizing products. Your technician can discuss these
methods with you to determine which one is right for you.
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IS
IT SAFE?
Micro pigmentation
is a skin invasive procedure. It is important to observe the
physical location where the procedure will be performed. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) has set
standards for a clean and sanitary working environment and
sterile equipment. Things to look for:
- MOST
IMPORTANT: Needles used should be new and sterile for each
patient and disposed of properly after each patient.
(Other machine parts should also be sterilized, ie. barrel
tube, if required, or disposed of in a sanitary manner).
Other equipment and supplies should be kept in a sanitary
manner.
- Gloves
should be used for each client and changed during the
procedure when needed.
- Your
technician should be clean and neat and knowledgeable of
environmental safety requirements.
- Clean
sheets should be used for each patient.
- The
room or treatment arena should be in an area free from
other contaminants as well.
Documented
allergic reactions to permanent cosmetic procedures are
extremely rare. Technicians may do skin testing, either
routinely or upon request. Regardless, it should be understood
that an allergic reaction could occur at any point in time.
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WHAT
IF I DON'T LIKE IT?
REMEMBER:
Although the procedure is considered permanent, these
procedures do have flexibility in changing color and shape to
some extent, depending on the expertise of your technician.
Colors will appear darker immediately following the procedure
but will soften and lighten* during the healing process, which
takes approximately a week or longer; the healing time is
different for each individual and for different procedures. *Color
on the skin may change somewhat during the healing process as
well, as it combines with the individual's skin tone.
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CHOOSING
A TECHNICIAN
One
must choose a technician carefully by considering training,
experience, and photographic examples of previous work. It is
important to remember that the shape and proper placement of
the procedure is as important as the right color. The desired
look is obtained during the course of consultation, initial
procedure and follow up procedures, allowing at all times for
interaction between the client and the technician.
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IS
PERMANENT COSMETIC MAKEUP A CAREER FOR ME?
The
opportunities for skilled permanent cosmetics technicians are
many and varied. Career and business opportunities vary
greatly depending on the individual technician's abilities and
desires. Many nurses and doctors, as well as hair, skin, and
nail care professionals are choosing to train in permanent
cosmetic procedures. Their physician sends some students for
training as the demand for advanced/para-medical procedures
increases with public knowledge of the benefits of permanent
cosmetic makeup.
Should
a technician operate a permanent cosmetic makeup clinic in
conjunction or cooperation with either a physician's office,
laser clinic or various salons, the financial opportunities
and potential for growth are even greater, as these
professions can be used as an ongoing source or referral of
clientele. This background is not a requirement, however, and
anyone interested in the merits of a permanent cosmetic makeup
career can train to become a technician.
Attractive
to many students are the financial rewards of a career in
permanent cosmetics. Many also find considerable personal
satisfaction in helping others attain recovery from personal
afflictions or just to look their best every day, 24 hours a
day.
Virtual
Learning
Once again, it is very important to choose an instructor and a
training program very carefully. A basic training program
should include not less than 40 hours of training, with
extensive hands on training on live models. Basic training
courses by home video are not sufficient to train a technician
in the fine art of permanent cosmetics application and may be
a scam. Two-day courses are also not considered a sufficient
basic training period. National organizations exist to assist
the technician desiring to obtain credibility and to provide
continuing education.
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