What is Semi-permanent cosmetics and is it safe?

Semi-permanent cosmetics, also known as permanent makeup, derma graphics or cosmetic tattooing, is a procedure whereby minute particles of natural and synthetic iron oxide colour pigments are implanted a little more than 1mm below the skin’s surface using a hand-piece which holds a sterile needle or needle grouping.The depth varies depending on which area of the face is being pigmented. The eyes require the most caution as far as depth of penetration is concerned so as not to abrade the eyeball itself. Other areas such as lips and eyebrows can be pigmented a little deeper to a depth of around 2mm.The procedure is both safe and medically approved when carried out by a competent technician. The products we use have a history of long-term use and to date there have been no recorded cases of allergic reactions due to applied pigments. Our products are of the highest quality and all conform to EU standards.

Consultation

We will send you a patch test prior to our consultation to ensure that you have no reaction to the pigments we will be using.   A thorough consultation will be carried out to determine the ‘right look’ for you. During this time we will discuss and agree shapes and colours to make sure your ‘new look’ will be nothing but perfect!   Client satisfaction and comfort is our number one priority. We will take before and after photographs so you can see how small changes can have a big impact on enhancing your appearance and making you look years younger.

What treatments are available?

The list is endless, but the most popular treatments that are requested are lash-line enhancement, eyeliner, eyebrow-recreation using the hair-strokes technique OR powder brows, Lip-line definition, full-lip colouring and also enhancements for men. The end results can range from soft and subtle to vibrant and dramatic.The choice is entirely up to you and can be achieved in any colour of their choice. We would strongly advise against a ‘look’ that is too trendy as this may date. It’s better to have a client disappointed for a day or so than them regretting their treatment for many years to come so we will advise you during your consultation prior to treatment.

Who would benefit from Semi-permanent cosmetics?

Career women and men, athletes, people with busy and hectic lifestyles that don’t have the time to apply their make-up in the mornings, let alone freshen-up several times throughout the day will benefit from having their features enhanced with semi-permanent cosmetics.Not forgetting people with unsteady hands or those with poor eyesight and even the less fortunate ones who suffer with allergies when using conventional make-up. Also people who have been disfigured or badly scarred and anyone who has a hare-lip can have the symmetry put back with advanced Micropigmentation techniques.They are all prime candidates for these procedures and the convenience that they have to offer. In fact, it’s for everyone who wishes to look his or her best. And the most satisfying thing of all is they are safe in the knowledge that their enhancements or corrections have been expertly applied by Louise Hill @ LouBelle Beauty.

How will it look when it’s finished?

Although a little dark when the treatment is first carried out, this will soften by up to 30% – 50% during the healing process which will be between 5 and 10 days depending on the individual’s unique recovery rate and how closely the ‘post-procedure’ care instructions are adhered to.

What about recovery time?

I will give you all that you need to take care of your skin and colour. Once you leave my rooms it will be up to you to follow the simple but very effective aftercare advice and use the products I give you to get the best results from the treatment. There is rarely any swelling and if there is it is minimal. The needles we use are so fine and are made using the latest technology in laser-cutting techniques. Trauma is greatly reduced and causes no scarring unlike a lot of inferior products still used by many today. The products are hypoallergenic, so allergy risks are reduced even further. However in the unlikely event that you do experience some swelling, ice packs can be used for short periods to reduce this and in any case should not last for more than a day or so. You can continue with your schedule as you normally would with no down time.

Is the procedure painful?

To greatly reduce any discomfort, we numb the procedure location with very effective topical anaesthetics before the treatment begins. Most people will feel nothing at all, while a few feel a slight, prickly sensation. Also the needles we use are so fine that trauma is at an absolute minimum and there is no bleeding. The minimal discomfort that a client may experience is definitely outweighed by the stunning results that will be achieved.

What is the healing period like?

Is there a risk of infection?

At all times, we adhere to the strictest hygiene and sanitation procedures. We only use sterile, disposable needles, which are opened in front of each client, and are used for your complete safety.A lip-liner may occasionally cause a cold sore outbreak as the area of skin has been traumatised, but this can only happen if the client already has the herpes simplex virus in their body. In other words, the client has a history of cold sore attacks.To prevent this, we will recommend some medication which you will have to get from your doctor as it is a prescription only medicine. You will need to take this for five days in order to stop a herpes simplex VS1 outbreak and you will need to start taking it as advised.

What if styles change?

As semi-permanent makeup professionals we never do anything that is too trendy or a fashion fad. We use colours that are custom-blended to complement your skin tone, eye and hair colour to give a soft and natural appearance. However, the colour can be changed at any time by blending another colour over the original if you wish.

How long will it last?

The final results are truly remarkable and will last between 1 and 3 years and sometimes longer. Again this depends entirely on the individual’s after-care and the body’s own unique rate of cell regeneration. In the initial two weeks care should be taken not to expose the treated areas to strong UVA rays, chlorine, salts and saunas, as these will reduce the life of your treatment.As an ongoing precaution we would recommend a total sun block on the treated areas when going on sunning holidays and when using artificial tanning aids since the UVA will eventually bleach out the pigment. To keep your semi-permanent makeup in tip-top condition with true colour retention we would recommend a colour booster every year.

Why does the colour fade?

Skin is a living, breathing organ, which is changing, growing and shedding constantly. The rate at which this occurs is vastly different for everyone and explains why colour will last in different skins at different rates.You may also appreciate that the skin on the face is finer and more delicate than on the rest of the body and therefore care is taken to not damage the skin by applying colour too deeply. (Traditional tattoos are designed to last forever with the use of more heavy duty equipment and colours.) Colour retention is also subject to exposure to sun, saltwater, chlorine, some skin care products, cosmetic treatments, medication, quality of your skin…

It is also advantageous for the colour to fade over time as generally we prefer a softer, kinder look as we age. This can be achieved with follow-up treatments as the years go by.