With the increase in popularity of Permanent Cosmetic procedures, that’s the REALLY BIG question.

The simple answer, YES.

Permanent Cosmetics (also known as Micropigmentation, Permanent Makeup, Cosmetic Tattooing) is a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos as a means of producing a designs that resemble traditional make-up, such as eyeliner, lip liner and full lip color, and eyebrows. It is also used to disguise scars and white spots in the skin such as vitiligo and to restore or enhance the breast’s areola after breast surgery.

With Permanent Cosmetic procedures, pigment is tattooed in the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off, therefore it is permanent. The tattooed area will NEVER go back to the original state, there will always be some trace of the tattoo. Longevity varies from person to person depending on the pigment(s) and technique used for the Cosmetic Tattooing procedure and the person’s ability to retain pigment. Other factors that affect longevity are a person’s genetic makeup, general health of the skin and their life style (sun and environmental exposure). Certain topical products that are applied to the tattooed area can also affect longevity.

There is an art and a science to Permanent Cosmetics. A combination of the quality of the colors (pigments) and tools I use, my technique and what canvas (face) I start with, all play a significant role in every individual’s procedure.

Pigment implanted in the skin may fade with time. The scientific structure of pigments and the requirement for periodic refreshing is similar to that of tinted hair color, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance referred to as color re-enhancement, color boost or color refreshing or touch-up.

When the periodic color refreshing is needed, it is a good opportunity to reevaluate one’s color and design preferences. While the concept of permanent, without any change, may seem like a perfectly good idea, think about how our tastes have changed over the years. From time to time likely we have made subtle or dramatic changes in our clothing preferences, our hair color and style, and if you wear topical makeup, those colors have changed as well.The fact that most people will require periodic color refreshing of their Cosmetic Tattooing is the opportune time to work with the technician to reevaluate the overall appearance profile and determine if any changes are appropriate.

Remember this is most likely your face we are talking about here. Deciding to get permanent cosmetics is a big decision, be sure to look for a qualified artist for who will perform this tattoo on your face.

Have more questions? Please take a look at my most commonly asked questions and hopefully get the answers you are looking for.

Make it a beautiful day!

Lisa Marie Bates