Everything you need to know before committing to permanent makeup.
PMU is sometimes referred to as semi-permanent makeup. This can cause a lot of confusion! It's permanent in the sense that it can't be washed or exfoliated away. Anytime pigment is placed under the skin, and lasts more than 6 weeks, it's considered to be permanent/tattooing. However, it's semi-permanent in the way that it will fade over time and need refreshing. For some clients it may fade away completely, and for others it may not.
I know, I know. How could it NOT hurt, right? Wrong! Although PMU is a form of tattooing, I work so shallow in the skin to create light, powdery results. I just barely hit the 2nd layer of the skin. On top of this, I use numbing gel throughout my services to make you as comfortable as possible. Many clients even fall asleep during their services. Not kidding! Once that numbing gel takes effect, it's smooth sailing. 95% of my clients say their services were much more comfortable than they expected.
Tattooing of any kind is considered to be totally safe, so long as:
1. It's done in a properly licensed facility, by a licensed and insured artist.
2. It's not done on any clients that are not considered good candidates (see contraindications list in my eBook).
3. Proper aftercare instructions are followed closely.
The touch up appointment which is performed anywhere in between 4 to 7 weeks is for perfecting and finishing up what I have started working on at your initial appointment. The main reason for finishing the work over two separate visits is so the best possible result is achieved, by starting slow and conservative at your first session, waiting to see how you heal and how much of the color your skin retains, and finishing up at your second session with the confidence of not overloading your skin with unnecessary pigment.
Yes, customization is a key aspect. Your practitioner will work with you to determine the most suitable color and shape based on your preferences and facial features.
The longevity of permanent makeup varies depending on factors such as the area treated, individual skin type, and lifestyle. On average, permanent makeup can last anywhere from one to five years. Periodic touch-ups may be necessary to maintain the desired color and shape, as the pigments gradually fade over time. Proper aftercare and protection from sun exposure can also contribute to the longevity of permanent makeup.
WHAT TO EXPECT VISUALLY:
Most clients leave their liner appointments with slightly swollen lids. This is a normal reaction, and nothing to be concerned about. Swelling and redness can be a bit worse the following morning, but typically starts to subside within a few hours. Swollen lids may also appear asymmetrical. Light peeling can occur between days 3 and 10. When the peeling is complexe, the liner can often look much lighter. But by the time the skin fully heals through each layer (4-6 weeks), the color will have blossomed back up a bit.
WHAT TO DO:
For the first two days, keep the area dry.
Many clients like to ice the area to reduce swelling, just be sure to keep a clean towel between the skin and the ice, and don't over-do it. On day 3, you can begin applying a very thin layer of Aquaphor with clean hands, if the skin feels tight, dry, or irritated. The skin should then feel hydrated, but never look wet. You should not need to apply Aquaphor for more than a few days.
WHAT TO AVOID UNTIL PEELING IS
COMPLETELY DONE, OR FOR 10 DAYS IF NO PEELING OCCURS:
Saunas, steam rooms, tanning beds, tanning booths, excessive steam/sweating, makeup or skincare within 1", picking, scratching, itching, sun, swimming, and spray tans.
It's also critical that you avoid very hot showers or baths and any other source of steam, to prevent pigment migration (color bleeding under the skin).
WHAT TO AVOID INDEFINITELY:
Retinols/ acids/ exfoliants within 1*, and unprotected sun exposure.
WHAT TO EXPECT VISUALLY:
Most clients leave their lip appointments with noticeable swelling, bold color, and sometimes bruising. This is a normal part of the process, and nothing to be concerned about. Swelling and bruising typically starts to go down within just a few hours, and almost entirely by the following day. Peeling occurs between days 3 and 10. When the peeling is complete, the lips can often look much lighter. But by the time the skin fully heals through each layer (4-6 weeks), the color will have blissomed back up a bit.
WHAT TO DO:
Immediately following your appointment, feel free to apply generous layers of Aquaphor with clean hands as often as you'd like. Hydrated lips will heal more comfortably. Blot as needed between applications. Many clients like to ice the area to reduce swelling, just be sure to keep a clean towel between the skin and the ice, and don't over-do it. You should not need to apply Aquaphor for more than 10 days.
WHAT TO AVOID UNTIL PEELING IS COMPLETELY DONE, OR FOR 10 DAYS IF NO PEELING OCCURS:
Saunas, steam rooms, tanning beds, tanning booths, excessive steam/sweating, makeup or skincare within 1*, picking, scratching, itching, sun, swimming, and spray tans.
It's also critical that you avoid very hot/acidic/spicy foods, having dental work done, smoking, excessive stretching or rubbing of the mouth, teeth whitening, topical cold sore medication, sleeping on the face (if you can help it), applying any lip product not recommended by your artist, or exces-sive sexual contact.
WHAT TO AVOID INDEFINITELY:
Retinols/ acids/ exfoliants within 1" and unprotected sun exposure.
WHAT TO EXPECT VISUALLY:
When you leave, your brows will look bigger due to swelling, much warmer in color, darker, and more defined. This is normal. On days 3-5, your brows will begin to lightly peel and this will last for a few days. When the peeling is done, the brows will look lighter, cooler in color, and softer around the edges. By the time the skin fully heals through each layer (4-6 weeks), the color will have blossomed back up a bit.
WHAT TO DO:
For 10 days or until peeling begins, cleanse twice daily with plain antibacterial soap, and follow with a thin layer of Aquaphor. When you're cleansing, you want to be gentle, but do cleanse as if you're trying to remove something. When you're applying the Aquaphor, you'll only need about the size of a grain of rice for both brows combined. If you have thick/coarse brow hair, be sure to press the Aquaphor through to the skin. Once the peeling begins, you should stop cleaning and applying Aquaphor.
WHAT TO AVOID UNTIL PEELING IS COMPLETELY DONE, OR FOR 10 DAYS IF NO PEELING OCCURS:
Saunas, steam rooms, tanning beds, tanning booths, excessive steam/sweating, makeup or skincare within 1* picking, scratching, itching, sun, swimming, and spray tans.
WHAT TO AVOID INDEFINITELY:
Retinols/ acids/ exfoliants within 1*, and unprotected sun exposure.No, eyebrow hair does not have to be removed to get permanent eyebrow makeup done. In fact, permanent brow makeup is designed to enhance and complement existing eyebrow hair. The procedure involves adding pigment to the skin providing a fuller or more defined look.
While permanent lip makeup can create the illusion of fuller lips, it's important to note that the results are not as dramatic as those achieved through dermal fillers or other surgical procedures. The primary goal of lip micropigmentation is to enhance the natural shape and color of the lips rather than significantly alter their size.