Permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eyelining and other permanent enhancing colors to the skin of the face, lips, and eyelids. It is also used to produce artificial eyebrows, particularly in people who have lost them as a consequence of old age, disease, such as alopecia, chemotherapy, or a genetic disturbance, and to disguise scars and white spots in the skin such as in vitiligo. It is also used to restore or enhance the breast’s areola, such as after breast surgery.
Most commonly called permanent cosmetics, other names include dermapigmentation, micropigmentation, and cosmetic tattooing, the latter being most appropriate since permanent makeup is tattooing.
Immediate results
Results can imitate topically applied cosmetics or look different depending upon the design, color value and amount of pigment used. At first, permanent makeup results may look harsh due to color remaining in the outermost epidermal layers of skin. Color softens within a few days as the upper layers of epidermis slough and new epidermal cells replace them.
Long term results
While permanent makeup pigment remains in the dermis its “beauty-span” may be influenced by several possible factors. These can be environmental, procedural and/or individual factors. Sun exposure fades color. The amount and color of pigment deposit at the dermal level can affect how long it lasts. Subtle tattoos are more likely to need touch-ups. Skin tones are a factor in color value changes over time.
