Permanent Makeup- Is It Safe?

Permanent Makeup

Picture the cosmetic dream- You’ve just woken up from a night of partying. And as you look in the mirror, you look and feel as good as ever- with your puckered glossy lips and exquisitely shaped brows. In fact, you look exactly (minus the hair- of course!) like you did after getting ready for your night out. Sounds too good to be true?

Permanent makeup can make it happen. But hang on- with something so good, there must be a catch, right? What are the risks? Is it safe?

Here, we answer all these questions and more. So before you jump the gun and begin searching for under-eye dermal fillers near you, read on to learn everything you need to know about permanent makeup.

What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup, or cosmetic tattooing, is precisely that- a tattoo. It uses the process of micro-pigmentation to give you a look you have always wanted.

During the process, a trained professional uses needles to color and modify your appearance. If you are particularly sensitive, you may need topical anesthesia, but the process does not last more than a few hours. And the results last a very long time- sometimes up to 3 years.

And don’t worry, you aren’t committed to your tattoo for life. With repeated sun exposure and the use of lotions and creams, the tattoo will begin to fade. So you are not bogged down with your look for the rest of your life. Because, unlike permanent tattoos, you always have the option to change up your look and keep things fresh.

Benefits of Permanent Makeup

Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you- good makeup takes time. In fact, according to a survey, women spend an average of 55 minutes each day on their appearance. That’s not even mentioning the $15,000 they spend on cosmetics over their lifetime.

So the most obvious benefit of permanent makeup is the saved time (and money). Further, it is an excellent alternative if you are sensitive to traditional makeup- but still want to look great. So your allergies will no longer get in the way.

And let’s face it, applying makeup can be challenging. Because it’s very easy to mess up, requiring laser-like precision, hand stability, and control. Luckily, permanent makeup allows you to enjoy the cosmetic benefits of makeup, even if you can not apply it yourself.

Risks of Permanent Makeup

Just like other invasive procedures, permanent makeup is not without its risks.

First, introducing needles into the skin surface raises the risk of bleeding, swelling, and scarring. On top of that, these needles can be a source of bacteria that can cause infections.

Second, there’s a reason why your parents told you not to play with needles- they can be dangerous. This is particularly true for areas around the eyes, where the risk of injury is greater.

Third, although rare, allergic reactions to the pigments can happen. These can be difficult to treat because the allergen embeds in your skin, making it tough to remove.

Lastly, permanent makeup pigments can contain some metallic elements. This means that if you need an MRI down the line, your tattoos will swell up and cause significant burning.

So Is It Safe?

In general, permanent makeup is safe. But a lot depends on the pigments used and adherence to sterilization guidelines.

Using less than high-grade pigments or using compositions that are not safe significantly raises the risk of allergies. They can also be a source of infection.

Luckily getting your permanent makeup at facilities that adheres to the guidelines laid down by the Health Department and Center for Disease Control (CDC) significantly minimizes the associated risks. The salient feature of these guidelines include:

  • Your tattoo artists should wear disposable surgical grade gloves, aprons, face masks (and shields) during the procedure. These can not be reused and must be disposed of after each appointment.
  • Any single-use equipment that touches you should be discarded after your appointment.
  • All tools- needles, chambers, and covers- must be sterilized before and after use.
  • Your tattooist should strictly adhere to the best handwashing and sterilization practices. This significantly reduces the risk of infections.

Read also: 9 Photoshoot Makeup Ideas and Tips

Permanent Makeup- Is It Safe?

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