What does it cost?

Permanent makeup is not inexpensive, but it can be priceless. It has been estimated that the savings in daily makeup is about $400 per year, and in time you may save 380 hours per year. Most people don’t get permanent makeup to save money, they do it for convenience and to know that they always look their best. If you compare other non-surgical procedures such as Botox or wrinkle filler it gives you a good idea of the value of permanent makeup. For about the same cost as some Botox or filler, which may last only 3-4 months, you will get permanent makeup that lasts for years and saves you time every day.

 

How long does a procedure take?

Usually, each procedure appointment is one to two hours. The majority of the time is spent in adequately consulting and selecting the appropriate colour for your skin; measuring and artistically drawing on the planned procedure prior to actually implanting the colour, and allowing for the application of topical anaesthetics. Complete after-care instructions will be reviewed verbally and then sent home in written copy form.

 

Is it the same as a tattoo?

It is a form of tattoo, although different techniques and pigments are used. Anytime colour is implanted into the dermis of the skin, it is technically a tattoo, regardless of the manner in which it is performed.

 

What is micropigmentation?

This is the name of the process used to implant colour in permanent makeup. Many people refer to permanent makeup by fancy names such as micro-pigmentation, dermal pigmentation etc. It is all correct, however, it truly is a tattoo process.

 

Is the procedure safe?

Unlike some technicians that re-use or sterilize via an autoclave the various components of their equipment, we use all pre-packaged, sterile and disposable needles that are individually packaged with dates and lot numbers.

 

With the highly technologically advanced digital implantation system used at Newport Permanent Makeup, we use medical-grade needles that are encased in a special permanent cartridge.

 

This patented cartridge system contains an internal diaphragm that prevents any bodily fluids and airborne contaminants from entering the system.

 

This ensures that you will receive the safest, most sterile form of cosmetic tattooing available. In addition, all of your procedures are done under Federal OSHA standards that regulate sterile, safe and healthy practices for the prevention of cross-contamination from person to person.

 

Are there other health concerns?

Cold sores may be set off by the lip procedure, you should take the cold-sore medication in advance. This is true if you have EVER had a cold sore or “fever blister” even if it has been years. Any disturbance of the lip area, from aggressive dental work to too much sun exposure can cause the Herpes Simples virus to come out of its dormant state and react into a blister-like sore. It can negatively impact the successful healing of the lip colour. You must contact your doctor, dermatologist or dentist to get a prescription for an anti-viral medication as a preventative for this condition.

 

The condition of the lip tissue is highly relevant to the success of the procedure. Lips have no sweat or oil glands, therefore dehydrate very easily. Using a conditioning, hydrating lip balm and gentle exfoliation prior to the lip procedure will ensure a more favourable “canvas”. Also, it is recommended to avoid using “long-wear” lip colour products for several weeks before the procedure, as these tend to dry out the lips.

 

People who get a lot of sun exposure are often not good candidates for lip tattooing. Assessment of your lips is recommended in a face-to-face consultation prior to your procedure to ensure that you are an appropriate candidate for this process.

 

If you get lip fillers, it is recommended that you refrain from any filler injections for a minimum of one month before or after the lip tattooing.

 

Diabetics may have slower healing times. There may be some situations where you would need medical clearance first. A thorough health history will be taken prior to your procedure. Any contraindications or medical alerts will be discussed prior to receiving the procedures.

 

Does it hurt?

Topical anaesthesia is used as needed to help numb the areas to be treated. This helps to alleviate any minor discomfort you may experience during the procedure. Everyone has their own unique level of pain tolerance. Some people feel that certain areas of the face are more sensitive than others; a special emphasis is put on making the client as comfortable as possible.

 

A variety of topical anaesthetics are on hand to ensure that your procedure is as pain-free as possible. As recently as 4-5 years ago there were not many effective topical numbing agents available for the permanent makeup industry.

 

Today there are a variety of highly effective topical anaesthetics to choose from.

 

How will I look immediately after the procedure?

You may experience minor to moderate swelling on the procedure day that may last for up to 3 days. The application of ice packs at home will assist in quickly reducing any inflammation and may be used for 24 hours for the effective reduction of swelling.

 

The lips are unique in their healing process from any other permanent makeup. The lip tissue does not have a true dermal layer like the rest of the facial and body skin.

 

Immediately after the lip colour procedure, the colour will look like a medium to dark or very bright lipstick, even if the healed outcome desired is supernatural. This will resolve in about 3-4 days post-procedure after a surface layer “peels” and the natural colour tone is revealed underneath. It is always recommended that you have the lip colour procedure done at a time when you have adequate “downtime” from important social events.

 

Can I have lip liner only, and leave the lips natural?

This is not stylistically recommended. It is recommended that the lip liner and lip fill-in colour be the same. At Newport Permanent Makeup we do a Blended Lip Liner. This means that the liner is done in the select colour tone and then the colour is lightly blended in to look like it becomes a part of your own natural lip tone. It avoids that look of lip liner only but gives beautiful definition, fullness and colour-enhancement to a natural lip tone.

 

Can I still wear regular lipstick if I want to change the colour sometimes?

Absolutely! Since the permanent lip colour is implanted within the lip tissue, you can wear any color you wish over the top and still get variety in your look. The lipstick will “cancel” out the colour of the permanent lip makeup.

 

How long will it take to see the healed results?

The Lip colour is unique. For all other areas of permanent makeup, you will heal in approximately 5-10 days with the final result visible at that point. Due to the nature of the lip tissue which is not the same physiological makeup as the rest of the facial or body skin, you can expect that it will be much darker for 3-4 days, you will have a “peeling” process (much like having chapped lips) for a day or so, and then the color will actually appear too light. The initial reaction will be wishing you have chosen a darker, brighter or less natural colour. Not to worry – the colour is sharing the same space as the blood flow in the lip membrane. It takes 3-4 weeks for the colour to find a permanent “home” in that lip tissue and develop into the true healed intensity desired. After 4-6 weeks you will return for a follow-up visit to check the results and it is sometimes necessary to have anywhere from minor touch up to a second full saturation to perfect the results.

 

Which technique do you use?

The most state-of-the-art technology today is the computerized digital system. We are proud to use the German-engineered Nouveau Contour Intelligent system. This system allows for precision artistry, medical-grade sterility and with the computer “brain” the settings for the needle speed and depth can be individualized for each person’s skin type and texture.

 

This allows for preservation of the skin’s integrity, minimal to zero chance of scar tissue or other complications often associated with permanent makeup tools or machines.

 

I have lip filler injections already. Can I still get permanent lip colour?

Yes, but it is important to share this information with your permanent makeup technician. The filler and the colour will be sharing the same space within the lip tissue. Colour selection can need adjustments to ensure that the long-term colour results don’t change.

 

It is recommended that the colour be implanted first, and after it is healed get the lip augmentation. This ensures proper placement and symmetry of the lip filler that nicely compliments the shape and symmetry of the permanent colour.

 

I am planning a cosmetic facial procedure. Should I wait until after that for my permanent makeup?

It is often advised that you have your permanent makeup first. You will have great guidelines to ensure symmetry and placement when adjusting facial structure as is done in a face or brow-lift.

 

When having lip augmentation with temporary or more permanent fillers, I like to do the lip colour first. This gives the doctor beautiful guidelines to follow for symmetry and fullness. The other bonus is that you look better when you are healing from surgery while you are not allowed to wear traditional makeup.

 

If you have surgery first, you need to wait until your doctor clears you to have any procedures done, usually 6-12 weeks.

 

I am planning on some laser facial rejuvenation treatments. Can I do this after having permanent makeup?

You may have laser treatments such as IPL for photodamage, Fraxel-type lasers for skin tightening and skin restoration but you need to inform the medical professional that you have permanent makeup. Certain colours can turn to an undesirable shade or get lightened or removed.

 

It is simply avoiding direct contact between the laser and the permanent makeup areas.

 

I heard that you can’t have an MRI if you have permanent makeup. Is this true?

No, you can safely have an MRI even if you have permanent makeup. It is recommended to wait 3 months after new permanent makeup. In rare, isolated cases of facial/head MRI scans, a warm sensation can manifest in the makeup areas. Statistical data indicates this is rare and usually related to heavy dark eyeliner.

 

Simply tell the MRI technician that you have had permanent makeup (or any form of tattooing) so they know to watch for any unusual reactions.