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What are Permanent Cosmetics?
Also called cosmetic tattooing, permanent make-up, or occasionally, micropigmentation, it is a procedure of artistically placing color into the upper dermal layer of the skin. Although permanent, aging and sun exposure will cause it to fade over time. For this reason, touch-up or refresher appointments may be desired every few years to keep your makeup looking it’s best.
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What procedures are available to me?
EYEBROWS - are created for many reasons, such as for brows that are too light, short, sparse or nonexistent. They can be designed to enhance your face and personality, create lift, symmetry and balance.
EYELINER - enhances the shape of your eyes, creates the illusion of larger, properly spaced eyes, and whether you choose natural lash enhancement, or darker, dramatic liner, your eyes will become more alluring than the naked look of no makeup or messy eyeliner.
LIP LINER/FULL LIP COLOR - corrects uneven, lips that are too thin, or too thick, scarred, or lacking in color. If you have trouble with your lipstick feathering, permanent cosmetics corrects the problem. It is also used to enhance the shape of a nicely shaped mouth.
CAMOUFLAGE and AREOLA PIGMENTATION - are specialty procedures that help individuals with certain needs. It is used to soften, blend and minimize scars, or to create a nipple from breast reconstruction.
SPECIALTY REQUESTS - Just ask! From tattooed toenails to scalp coverups, if you can improve it with conventional make up, we can possibly help.
BEAUTY MARKS - just for fun!
TATTOO REMOVAL- lighten, fade unwanted tattoos, limited to small areas.
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What should I expect?
Immediately following the procedure, there may be some swelling, and redness and very rarely, a small amount of bruising, lasting a couple hours to a couple days. Within 3 to 7 days, the color will be lighter, and less than the first day. In 3-4 weeks, you are ready to have your first complimentary touch up. This lightening is to be expected, and is a wonderful safety feature with this procedure, allowing for changes in shaping and color if necessary.
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Why do I need touch-ups?
Your two optional complimentary touch ups are for peace of mind. They allow for the freedom to add more, change the color and/or shape, and to come back for any reason. That way, if it.s not exactly perfect the first time, you know you can return at no more expense, up to 2 times within 12 months.
How long does it last?
Your new permanent cosmetics will last a lifetime. Generally, the lighter, and more natural you have it, the more likely you will want to periodically freshen up the color, every few years. We record your colors and offer touch ups at a very low cost to ensure your makeup always looks it's best.The darker and more dramatic, the less you will notice fading. The softening of color that is associated with tattoos is sometimes very desirable with cosmetics, and the muting is a nice look without ever touching it up. Hot sun climates will require touching up sooner compared to a colder or rainy climate. You will want to avoid skin peeling products such as Retin-A or microdermabrasion directly on the tattooed areas.
*Remember to always use your sunscreen and good sun sense to help maintain your color.
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Does it hurt?
With the use of over the counter topical anesthetic creams specifically formulated for permanent cosmetics, the discomfort is greatly reduced, most of our clients describe it as slightly irritating or scratchy feeling.
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Is the procedure safe?
Safety and comfort are of utmost concern. Single use, sterile disposable, individually wrapped needles, tubes and tips are used. Pigments, and any products used are discarded after procedure. All OSHA guidelines are followed. There has been much confusion in the past regarding MRI's and tattoos. For your reassurance, go to www.MRIsafety.com register and type the word "tattoo" in the searchbox or http://www.mrisafety.com/safety_article.asp?subject=145
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Can I change it?
Although the procedure is permanent, shape variations and color adjustments are possible either during the initial touch ups, or any time in the future. It is recommended to consider keeping it natural, and enhancing it with regular make up if you are not sure how dramatic you would like to have it permanently.
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How long does it take?
The initial appointment usually takes 1-2 hours, the touch ups generally may be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Every new procedure includes 2 complimentary touch ups, to be used within a year of the initial procedure.
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What will it look like?
A free consultation is provided, before the procedure is performed. You may come in wearing your makeup, and together, we will make changes using regular make-up, discuss color and shape and you will have explained to you limitations and or benefits of the procedure for you. We will address any concerns either of us may have regarding the results you desire.
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What responsibility do I have?
ASK QUESTIONS! THIS IS NOT A REGULATED INDUSTRY IN WASHINGTON. Research your potential permanent make-up technician. Have the technician show you with conventional make up, what the results will look like, if the technician cannot create the desired look with regular make-up, the chance of creating the desired look permanently is not likely. Your face is too precious to risk unsatisfactory results!
Make sure you have seen a portfolio of their own work, not a purchased "generic" of someone else's. Make sure they are following proper sterilization procedures, their artistry appeals to you, and their knowledge of what they are performing on you meets standards that are acceptible to you.
And follow the care instructions on how to take care of your new permanent cosmetics.
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How do I know if my technician is qualified to work on my face?
That is the question that is the hardest to answer. There are currently, NO set standards or a fair measure of competency here in Washington State. There are a few states that do offer minimum requirements.For more information on your state laws, follow these links. http://www.spcp.org/legislative_information/index.htm and http://www.spcp.org/legislat.htm
Be diligent in choosing your technician. A few questions you might want answers to are: References, and portfolio of actual work performed. Where did you get your training? How long was your training? How often do you have continueing education, attend national conventions and stay current on bloodborne pathogens. Ask to see certificates. With no state requirements, you, as the client are at risk. Protect yourself, be informed! If you check it out beforehand, you might save yourself a lot of heartache in the long run.
Not all permanent cosmetics are created equal, it's a lifelong commitment. Be careful be safe. You're worth it!
Good luck and enjoy your new permanently beautiful look!
Why choose DermaTech Permanent Cosmetics?
DermaTech Permanent Cosmetics has been in the valley for nearly 20 years. The basis for it's success is YOU, our client. We are trained to listen and to understand your needs. We give attention to details and comfort. Your satisfaction combined with maintaining a life long relationship with you is the reason we are here. You are assured the same quality of care years after you had your permanent cosmetics. You will always be able to come in for a "refresher" at a very reasonable cost, because it's important to us that you look your best all the time. We keep all your information safe and confidential, but available if ever you decide to come back! We are committed to you for many years to come.
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