Semi-Permanent Lip Make Up
One of the latest trends in cosmetics is the application of semi permanent lip make up. Individuals can choose to have lip liner and/or lip color injected directly into their lips, avoiding the daily application of these products. This may seem ideal for those who wish to avoid the hassle of applying lip liner and lipstick several times throughout the day. But is this procedure really as safe as most practitioners would have you believe? So before you pucker up, read on to learn more about the pros and cons of semi-permanent lip make up.
What Is Semi-Permanent Lip Make Up?
Similar to a tattoo, semi-permanent lip make up involves the injection of pigmented dyes into the lips. However, semi permanent lip make up is not injected as deeply as a tattoo, nor does it use the exact same dyes as traditional tattoos. Semi-permanent lip make up can take the place of the daily application of lip liner and /or lip color. It can be used, just like traditional lip make up to reshape uneven lips, and make the lips appear fuller and larger. However, unlike traditional lip liner and lipstick cosmetics, semi-permanent lip make up does not bleed, run, or wash off. In fact, it can be very difficult to completely remove. This is seen as a great time-saver for those who despise the chore of applying their make up every day. But for those who wish to make a change in their lip color, semi permanent lip make up may prove to be a bit restrictive.
How Is Semi-Permanent Lip Make Up Applied?
The application of semi permanent lip make up is generally performed as an outpatient procedure. If you are considering having this procedure, be sure that it is performed by a licensed physician or specialist who is trained in semi-permanent make up application.
The practitioner should begin by applying a desensitizing cream to the lips and the surrounding tissues. He or she will then use a pencil to draw the make up on the lips and simulate the semi-permanent make up application. Then a sterilized needle and pigments will be used to inject the lip liner or lip color into the outer layer of the lips. The entire procedure will generally take about one hour to complete. And it may take as long as one week for the lips to fully recover from the procedure.
Is There A Recovery Period For Semi-Permanent Lip Make Up Application?
You can expect about one full week of recovery time after your semi-permanent lip make up application. The day after the procedure, a light crust may form over the lips. This crust will persist for several days following the procedure, and the lips will probably also be slightly puffy and tender. In addition, the lip liner and lip color may appear slightly darker than desired. After a few days, the swelling will subside and the crusty patch will fall off. After about a week, the lips should be fully recovered, and the make up should be the style and colored desired.
How Long Does Semi-Permanent Lip Make Up Last?
Unlike tattoos and permanent make up, semi-permanent lip make up is injected only as far as the outer layer of the skin. Therefore, it will fade away over the years as older skin cells slough off and new skin cells emerge. Most practitioners recommend a yearly “touch up” for semi permanent lip make up to keep the make up color looking fresh. In two to five years, the lip make up will just about disappear.
Are There Any Risks Involved With Semi-Permanent Lip Make Up?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently raised concerns about procedures involving injectable dyes, including tattoos, permanent make up, and semi-permanent make up. Specifically, the FDA is worried about the types of pigments and dyes that are used in these procedures. It falls under the scope of the FDA’s responsibility to oversee the materials that are used in permanent and semi permanent make up procedures; however, they are not capable of assuring the quality of materials used by each practitioner. Therefore, the FDA has raised concerns about the quality of pigments and color additives that may be used in these procedures. Industrial grade dyes and pigments, such as printers’ ink and automobile paint may be used by practitioners looking to cut costs and buy lower quality materials. However, these dyes are not approved for skin contact and may cause serious health effects.
In addition, there is always health concerns associated with any procedure that involves the injection of materials under the skin. Unsafe or unhygienic materials or procedures can cause bacterial, fungal and viral infections, including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
Special precautions should also be taken to ensure that the individual would not experience an allergic reaction to the dyes and pigments used in the procedure. Semi-permanent make up application can also lead to the development of keloids or permanent, disfiguring scars in people who are susceptible to these blemishes. In addition, semi permanent make up can interfere with medical procedures such as an MRI.