Semi-Permanent Make Up and Cosmetics
The latest trend in the cosmetic surgery industry is the application of semi-permanent make up products. Semi-permanent cosmetics can be applied to the eyes, lips, and other areas of the face to replace traditional make up products. These procedures are advertised as the latest and greatest techniques for enhancing beauty and reducing the time it takes to apply make up. However, are these procedures really safe? Here is a closer look at semi-permanent make up and cosmetics and what you should know before you decide to make your mark.
What Is Semi-Permanent Make Up?
Semi-permanent make up application is a relatively new procedure that involves the injection of pigmented vegetal or mineral inks into the outer layer of the skin. The pigmented inks can be color selected to take the place of traditional make up products. In theory, these techniques could be used to reduce the visibility of scars, birthmarks, burns, hair loss, and irregular skin pigmentation. In most cases, however, these procedures are used to simply replace the standard application of such routine cosmetics as eyeliner, lip liner, and lip color.
How Is Semi-Permanent Make Up Applied?
The application of semi-permanent make up should only be undertaken by a licensed physician who specializes in these cosmetic procedures. Semi-permanent make up application is an out patient procedure that will require a few days recovery time.
At the beginning of the procedure, a medical professional will apply a desensitizing cream to the area that will be treated. The physician will then use a pencil to simulate the semi-permanent make up application. Then, using a sterile needle and sterilized pigments, the practitioner will begin injecting the pigment into the dermal layer of the skin. The procedure will take anywhere from one hour to several hours.
Is There A Recovery Period For Semi-Permanent Make Up Application?
For several days after the procedure the treated area will likely be slightly swollen and the make up color will probably appear slightly darker than desired. Additionally, about one or two days after the procedure a light crust will form over the treated area. This crusty patch will take a few days to fall off. It may take as long as a week for the color to even out and the swelling to be reduced.
How Long Does Semi-Permanent Make Up Last?
As your skin cells begin to slough off and renew themselves, the injected ink will eventually work its way out of the skin. The color of the make up will continue to fade and after about three years it will be almost unrecognizable. In fact, most practitioners recommend a “touch-up” session at least once a year to keep the colors looking fresh.
Where Can I Have Semi-Permanent Make Up Applied?
Semi-permanent make up can be applied as eyeliner, eyelash enhancement, eyebrow pencil, lip liner, and lip color.
Are There Any Risks Involved With Semi-Permanent Make Up?
As with any procedure that involves needles and injection, there is considerable concern about unsafe or unhygienic procedures that may be detrimental to the health. If procedures that involve skin penetration are not managed correctly, they may transmit bacterial, fungal and viral infections, including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
In addition to these health concerns, the Food and Drug Administration has recently issued blanket warnings to consumers considering any kind of injectable dye procedure. The FDA is apparently concerned about the quality of pigments and color additives that are being used for these procedures. According to the FDA, many of these dyes and pigments are not approved for skin contact but are instead industrial grade, for example, “suitable for printers’ ink or automobile paint.”
Other risks associated with semi-permanent make up include allergic reactions and disfiguring scars. Semi permanent make up can also interfere with medical procedures such as an MRI. In addition, semi-permanent is difficult to remove if the consumer should change his or her mind about the color or style of application.
The Pros and Cons of Semi-Permanent Make Up
Pros: Semi permanent make up can be helpful to those who are visually impaired, or for those who suffer from arthritis or other conditions that impair the movement of the hands and fingers. Semi-permanent make up can help individuals reduce the time it takes to apply the daily make up. It also will not wash off, and can be ideal for those who want to appear freshly made up after showering or swimming.
Cons: As its name implies, semi-permanent make up will stick around for a while, and it cannot be washed off or easily removed. Therefore, if individual tastes change regarding colors or make up styles, the client will have to live with their decision. In addition, semi permanent make up holds the same risks as tattoos and permanent make up for complications such as infections, allergic reactions, and the development of permanent scars.