There are a variety of reasons people may consider permanent makeup. Maybe your vision is blurry, so it is difficult to put makeup on; perhaps you have a medical condition that you want to help correct; or maybe you have a busy schedule, and the idea of permeant makeup seems like it would be better for your lifestyle. Here are five essential questions answered on permanent makeup to help you decide if it is the correct route for you.

What is permanent makeup?

Permanent makeup, also known as cosmetic tattoo or micropigmentation, is done using a pen containing iron oxide that tattoos the skin to create the look of makeup. There are a variety of permanent makeup options, but some of the most popular include:

• Microblading – A semi-permanent tattooing technique where a blade is used to create thin, hair-like strokes that give off the appearance of fuller, filled-in brows. This technique can also be used for dermatologic conditions such as alopecia totalis (complete hair loss of scalp) or chemotherapy-induced loss of eyebrows.
• Lip blushing – A semi-permanent tattoo process that defines and fills in your lips. Lip blushing adds a simple wash of sheer color across the entire lip and gives an illusion of fuller lips.
• Permanent eyeliner – A semi-permanent tattooing technique where pigment is placed along your lash line to create the appearance of always having on eyeliner.
• Scar camouflaging – A tattoo of the skin with flesh-colored pigment to mask a scar.

Is permanent makeup safe?

Permanent makeup is considered safe. The main risk factors with permanent makeup are a possible allergic reaction and infection.

Before you start the process, check to see what products are being used to ensure you don’t have a related allergy associated with those products.

If you have a history of forming keloids or enlarged scars, it is advised to avoid any kind of trauma to your skin.

Because permanent makeup involves opening the skin with small needles, blood-borne pathogens can be spread. You want to make sure the person you go to is using disposable, single-use tools. Once you have the procedure done, you want to make sure you take excellent care of your permanent makeup during the healing process to avoid infection. Follow all recommended after-care instructions to ensure it heals properly.

Who should you go to for permanent makeup?

There are various places people go to get permanent makeup – aestheticians, tattoo artists and, of course, physicians, like dermatologists. The most important thing you should do when deciding who to go to is research! As with anything that involves making slight changes to your appearance, you should do a lot of research on who you decide to go to. Questions to ask them include:

1. What are your credentials?
2. How long have you been doing this?
3. Do you have examples of your work?

It is also wise to look around their space and see what kind of tools they are using. Are they high-quality medical-grade instruments? Is the ink they use high quality? It is important you completely trust the person you are going to see. If you don’t find a good fit, continue your search!

How long does permanent makeup last?

Most permanent makeup is considered semi-permanent, and it most likely will require touchups every so often to keep it looking its best. However, it is important to keep in mind that permanent makeup is not easily removed. The process to completely remove it can be painful and expensive, so it is best to be 100% sure it is something you want to move forward with. It is also important to keep in mind that your face (along with beauty trends) does change over time. You want to be sure that what you are getting now will look good 10-15 years down the road.

How much does permanent makeup cost?

The cost of permanent makeup can vary by what procedure you are getting and the person you are going to. While you want to be comfortable with the price because it most likely will not be covered by insurance, you should focus more on finding a reputable source than finding one that might be cheaper.