Permanent Makeup Complications

What is Permanent Makeup?

Officially referred to by doctors as "permanent pigmentation of the dermis", permanent makeup is a process that literally tattoos cosmetics onto the skin. Almost all makeup can be applied through permanent makeup. The most popular types are for eye shadow, lip color, and brow liner.

Already a hit with the older generation, younger ladies have also caught on to this trend. Besides improving appearance through color and enhancement, this treatment can also be used to conceal scars and other damages caused by invasive surgeries.

A licensed dermatologist, or plastic surgeon must apply tattooed makeup, and the FDA must first approve all inks and dyes used. However, despite these strict regulations, some women still experience complications with permanent makeup.

Permanent Makeup Complications

A fair number of complaints in regards to permanent makeup procedures come from the patient not being educated. Unsure of what to expect, and not doing homework beforehand, are common causes of complications for the paying customer. It is very important that women know the level of skill their chosen tattoo artist has before allowing him, or her to make any alterations to their face. Just like artistic tattooing, the results are permanent and difficult to reverse. Keep this in mind when exploring your options in order to avoid the general complications associated with permanent makeup.

Common complications often fade away with time. This includes harsh looking results that soften up within a few weeks. Sunlight and other environmental factors may start to fade the pigmentation over time, threatening to give away your latest beauty secret. However, it is important to remember that most of the dyes used will not fade until about a decade after application, and touch up coloring can easily be done.

Many women, especially those who suffer from illnesses such as Parkinson's Disease, which causes hand tremors, are willing to tolerate the less than natural look the permanent makeup may provide either immediately following the procedure, or long term. For these people, and others who may be allergic to traditional cosmetics, or experience other physical issues, the potential permanent makeup complications are a good trade off.

The Downside of a Changed Mind

Some recipients of permanent makeup realize further down the road that they no longer enjoy the colors, or enhancements they have been given. This leads to a second complication with permanent makeup – it is not easily removed.

Just like traditional tattoos, cosmetics that have been dyed onto the skin must be taken off with laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or other modes of surgical procedure. Restoring the face to its original coloring can be a more painful and daunting experience than the original makeup application itself, causing more distress and emotional anxiety for the patient.

Due to the severity of removal procedures, many women instead opt for "camouflaging", which adds new pigment over the existing tattoo in order to balance out the skin tone. This can be easier than actually removing the original procedure, and can help to reduce the level of long-term permanent makeup complications.

Unexpected Downfalls

Besides all of the minor risks mentioned above, permanent makeup complications can take a more serious turn. Some find that they experience allergies to the pigments used, which can cause scarring, skin cracking, blistering, and infection.

Much like visiting a regular tattoo parlor, the careless use of unsanitary needles can lead to an increased risk of hepatitis, or HIV. However, the instances of unsterilized equipment in this day and age are quite rare, and this fear alone should not deter you from undergoing the procedure.

The FDA recently reported that there are fifty known adversities associated with a certain type of ink that is used in permanent makeup. However, this specific pigment has since been recalled and is rarely an issue. Unfortunately this dye caused serious disfigurement in a fair number of patients, leaving them struggling to complete daily tasks such as talking and eating.

Don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions before undergoing this or any other cosmetic procedure. Requesting the doctor to abstain from applying any pigments containing iron oxide or other metallic components is a good way to keep you safe from potential complications with permanent makeup.

Always be smart and cautious before undergoing any dramatic changes to your look. Be sure that you are ready to live with all consequences, be it positive or negative.