FAQ
The Answers You Need
Semi-permanent makeup is cosmetic tattooing. It is divided into two; Microblading which involves depositing pigment into the superficial layer of the skins epidermis while the other technique is often referred to as ‘micro- pigmentation’. The procedure involves depositing pigment into the upper reticular layer of the skin’s dermis.
DOES SPMU WORK ON EVERYBODY'S SKIN?
Semi-permanent makeup results can be unsuccessful on some skin types. This includes clients with large pores and oily skin. In some cases, an additional 3rd top up treatment maybe required at an additional cost. With that in mind, it is strongly inadvisable to tattoo an area more than 2 times within the period of a year. We can never guarantee results but we always use our best judgments to obtain the best results possible.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COSMETIC TATTOOING AND TRADITIONAL TATTOOING?
The purpose of cosmetic tattooing is to enhance the natural features of a client. Cosmetic tattooing is softer and more subtle – it is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. Body tattoos use ink while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve pigments. The pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to colour and shape over time as the client’s natural colouration, facial changes and ageing occurs.
WHAT DOES THE PROCESS INVOLVE?
Your first step will be to make an appointment with BA for a complimentary consultation to discuss your needs and the procedures which you are interested in. Your artist will discuss the shape that would be most flattering to your face as well as the colour which will harmonize with your skin’s undertones. Our artists are very skilled at blending pigment for a client’s skin tone. We will show you some before and after photographs to give you an idea of how the procedure can transform you and give more youthfulness to your facial features.
HOW ARE THE SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP PROCEDURES PERFORMED?
Permanent cosmetics procedures can be performed using various devices, the pen or rotary machine (includes the digital rotary machines) and the non-machine or hand device. The process includes a consultation, the application of the pigment, and at least one or more follow up visits for evaluating the healed design and colour of the pigment.
WHO BENEFITS FROM SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP?
People who meet minimum age requirements and have the ability to heal properly from minor wounds can benefit from the liberating benefits of semi-permanent cosmetics. Interest in this service spans from the young to the more mature; those who desire a soft, natural enhancement to their appearance. It is especially valuable to people who can’t wear traditional cosmetics due to allergies and skin sensitivities; active people who want to look their best for sports activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, aerobics; and those who don’t want to worry about “sweating off” or reapplying cosmetics. Semi-permanent makeup also benefits the vision impaired who have difficulty applying their own cosmetics, others with dexterity related conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors, and busy people who don’t have time to spend applying and refreshing makeup throughout the day and evening.
WHAT TYPE OF PERMANENT COSMETIC PROCEDURES CAN BE DONE?
Permanent Cosmetic procedures can be very subtle or dramatic depending on what you are looking for. We offer the following treatment: Eyebrows, Eyeliner Top and Bottom, Lip liner, Lip blush, Lash Enhancement and Paramedical Tattooing.
ARE PERMANENT COSMETICS REALLY PERMANENT?
Permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because pigment is tattooed into the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo or colorant (pigment) in general, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance referred to as colour re-enhancement or colour refreshing. The scientific structure of pigments and the requirement for periodic refreshing is identical to that of tinted hair colour; decorative paint colours that are exposed to the sun and other environmental elements; and may fade over time.
WHY IS AN ANNUAL COLOUR BOOST REQUIRED?
The requirement for periodic maintenance is a good opportunity to revaluate one’s colour and design preferences. While the concept of permanent, without any change, may seem like a perfectly good idea, think about how your tastes have changed over the years. From time to time likely you have made subtle or dramatic changes in your clothing preferences, your hair colour and style, and if you wear topical makeup, those colours may have changed as well. The fact that most people will require periodic colour refreshing of their permanent cosmetics is a great time to revaluate your overall appearance profile and determine if any changes are appropriate. Longevity varies from person to person depending on their life style (sun exposure); the colour(s) used for the permanent cosmetic procedure, and are also thought to be affected by topical products applied to the skin.
Permanent cosmetics are a form of cosmetic tattooing which should be thought of as being “permanent”, however as is also true of body tattoo work, the degree of “permanency” varies with each individual.
Colour can fade due to many factors, including over-exposure to the sun, a person’s own body chemistry, and the degree of care taken to maintain the work. Any process involving the skin such as facials, peels, or certain medications such as Accutane can adversely affect colour integrity.
CAN I GET SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP IF I AM PREGNANT OR NURSING?
As a precaution, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.
IS THERE ANY SPECIAL AFTER CARE?
After the application of permanent makeup there is no special after care needed. To ensure that your semi permanent makeup heals perfectly, we will give you aftercare instructions.
IS THE END RESULT IMMEDIATELY VISIBLE?
No. The first week, the pigmentation is significantly darker than the final result. Within the first week of healing the intensity of the colour will become 15-20% softer. Due to the natural cell renewal, the end result of pigmentation will be visible after a period of approximately 3 to 5 weeks.
WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE IT?
Although the procedure is considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing colour and shape to some extent. Colours will appear darker immediately following the procedure but will soften and lighten during the healing process. The healing time is different for each individual and procedure. It’s very important to realize that often the new procedure represents something very different; at times colour where there was no colour at all or very little. It takes time to become used to a new look (very often this applies to eyebrows which were sparse and unnoticeable before the permanent cosmetic brow procedure.) Eyeliner colour is more evident due to the contrast to the skin colour. Lip colour can take up to eight weeks to reflect the final colour.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS DURING OR AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
While eyebrows may show little after effect like soreness around the site, eyeliner and lips may show slight to moderate swelling which will reduce over time (24-48hrs).
DO THE PIGMENTS POSE ALLERGY PROBLEMS?
People can develop an allergy to anything at any time however pigment allergies are considered extremely rare. Should this occur please consult your doctor.
WHAT’S A TOUCH-UP AND DO I NEED ONE?
Sometimes the tattooed colour is not perfect after the initial procedure heals. Permanent cosmetic procedures are a process and at least one follow-up to the initial procedure should be scheduled. It is recommended that any required detail work to the original procedure be performed no sooner than four weeks after the original procedure. The minimum standard for follow-up detail work for lip procedures is 8 weeks. Lips have a different healing time than procedures performed on other parts of the face due to their delicate nature. The time frame will vary depending on the health profile and age of the client, but these are good minimum standards for consideration.