Semi Permanent Make-up: The Benefits & Risks

Semi-permanent makeup,  has revolutionized the beauty industry. This treatment offers the convenience of waking up with flawless eyebrows, eyeliner, and lip blush. It can address sparse areas and enhance your natural beauty with subtlety.

So, what exactly is semi-permanent makeup?

Semi-permanent makeup, also called micro-pigmentation or cosmetic tattooing, is a beauty technique that involves applying pigments to the dermal layer of the skin. It enhances features like eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips. Unlike traditional tattoos, which penetrate deeper, this makeup fades over time, typically lasting several months to a few years, depending on factors such as pigment type and skin. It aims to provide a long-lasting, natural-looking makeup effect without the need for daily application.

This technique, executed with specialized equipment and skill, can deliver beautiful eyebrows with realistic hair strokes, smudge-free eyeliner, and enhanced lip colour and shape. It also plays a vital role in recreating the areola for those who have undergone breast surgery involving nipple and areola complex loss.

What are the benefits?

1. Time-saving: Say goodbye to daily makeup routines.
2. Long-lasting: Enjoy consistent looks for months or years.
3. Convenience: Ideal for busy lifestyles or those with limited dexterity.
4. Natural appearance: When done skilfully, it enhances without being overly dramatic.
5. Confidence boost: Particularly helpful for thinning eyebrows or medical recovery.
6. Allergy reduction: Minimizes the risk of makeup-related allergies.
7. Waterproof and smudge-proof: Withstands activities like swimming and workouts.
8. Customization: Tailored to your preferences for a personalized look.

Selecting a reputable technician is crucial for the best results, as poorly done work can have adverse effects. The duration of the makeup’s effect varies, and touch-ups may be needed.

Booking your consultation:

Begin by finding a trustworthy technician who explains the process, costs, and maintenance. A comprehensive consultation assesses if the treatment is safe and suitable for you. You’ll complete a health and treatment plan and work together to determine the right shape and colour before the procedure.

Pre-treatment advice:

Prepare by staying hydrated, avoiding caffeine, Ibuprofen, aspirin, and alcohol. Wash your hair before the procedure, and refrain from makeup, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, or swimming 24 hours prior. Hair removal should be done 48 hours before and one week after the procedure.

Eyeliner: Remove eyelash extensions and contact lenses before treatment.

Lips: Prepare for possible cold sore outbreaks, exfoliate your lips gently, use lip balm, and stay hydrated.

On the treatment day, ensure good health and eat beforehand. Complete consent and treatment forms and be aware that photographs will be taken for documentation.

Aftercare is crucial:

You may experience redness or whiteness, which is normal and temporary. Avoid water on the treated area, blot dry gently (no rubbing). Numbness and swelling will subside. Some bruising may occur and can last about a week. Eyebrows should be kept dry, and lips might require medication for cold sore prevention.

Healing phases:

Initially, the colour appears vibrant. Then, it heals, and a thin scab forms. After a few days, the scab peels away, revealing a lighter shade. Pigment may continue to change over 4-6 weeks.

Semi-permanent makeup typically involves two procedures: a “base coat” and “perfecting.” Both are essential for completion, with the second appointment between 4 weeks and 3 months after the first. A longer delay is considered a “touch-up” and may incur additional charges.

Important considerations:

– Donating blood is discouraged for 4 months after treatment.
– Inform radiologists of micro-pigmentation before MRI scans.
– Be cautious with lasers near pigmented areas to prevent pigment darkening.

Maintenance tips:

– Use waterproof sunblock to protect against fading.
– Avoid strong chemical or glycolic/acid peels.
– Schedule a colour boost 12-18 months after the second visit.

Safety and Risks:

Safety is a priority; complete health and treatment plans accurately. Not everyone is suitable for semi-permanent makeup, as certain medications or medical conditions may prohibit it.

Risks include infection, bruising, bleeding, pigment implantation issues, and allergic reactions. A patch test is conducted to minimize allergic reactions.

Removal options:

If you want to remove old semi-permanent makeup, saline removal or laser removal are available options.