The basics

Cosmetic tattooing, also known as micropigmentation, is the art and science of implanting color into the skin, according to the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM). Just like getting a regular tattoo, a needle penetrates the skin and pigment is released and injected into the dermis (middle layer of skin). Depending on your pain tolerance, you may experience some stinging and discomfort.

The process usually takes one to two hours and multiple sessions might be required to achieve the desired result. Redness and swelling are normal and will typically wear off in a few days. It’ll take about three weeks for your chosen permanent shade to appear.

Ideal candidates

While permanent makeup might seem drastic, there are certain individuals who may benefit from it:

• People with faint eyebrows, no eyebrows or partial eyebrows
• People concerned with changes in the eyes, lips or brows due to aging
• People who suffer from arthritis and have trouble applying makeup
• People who are allergic to regular makeup

• Hair loss due to alopecia or chemotherapy
• Scarring due to chemical burns or serious injuries
• Cleft lips
• Vitiligo patches
• Women wanting to restore the color of their nipples after breast surgery

Details and potential downsides

Because the makeup is applied to the dermis, micropigmentation is considered “permanent.” However, the color will fade over time. So if you decide to undergo cosmetic tattooing, be prepared to schedule multiple sessions over the years to maintain or freshen up your look.

Darker colors, like black, tend to have lasting effects, while more pale colors can fade or change as a result of the environment. With permanent makeup, it’s easier to add color than to take it away, so err on the side of caution and build your desired look slowly to avoid going overboard. Mistakes can be erased with laser surgery, but it’s costly. If you’re a potential blood donor, you’ll have to wait one year before giving blood.

Necessary precautions

The FDA is currently evaluating the safety of permanent makeup as its popularity is growing, according to About. The FDA’s main concern is that the equipment used in cosmetic tattooing may spread infectious diseases if not properly sterilized.

When it comes to your health and safety, it makes sense not to skimp on costs. Remember that the results will be permanent, so it’s crucial to find the right person for your procedure. To avoid infection and ensure professional results, keep the following in mind when researching a specialist and the procedure:

• Check credentials and inquire about experience and training. Requirements to perform micropigmentation are different in every state. Licensing laws can vary from no requirements (like in California) to some training to a certificate from a weekend course, writes Dr. Matzek. Make sure you’re familiar with your state’s requirements.
• Always ask to look at before and after pictures to get a sense of the specialist’s skill level.
• Compare results between specialists and ask detailed questions (e.g., about the procedure) before making a final decision.
• Ask for explicit instructions detailing how to care for your skin following the procedure along with what you should expect during and after the procedure (normal level of pain and discomfort; common and less common side effects).
• Watch your skin carefully in the initial days following the procedure, and call the specialist immediately with any questions or concerns.

Importantly, Dr. Matzek advises patients to always inform their doctors that they’ve undergone micropigmentation, because there might be certain restrictions and precautions for cosmetic surgery, laser skin resurfacing and MRI.

See also:

Concealing your Tattoos at Work

3 Top Tips for Applying Makeup

Eyebrow and Eyelash Tinting: Dangerous Dyes?