Frequently Asked Questions
What is Permanent Makeup?
Also known as micropigmentation, permanent cosmetics, PMU, or micro pigmentation, permanent makeup is a safe cosmetic proceedure where high grade pigment is implanted into the dermal layer of the skin. The reasons for permanent makeup are abundant, therefore the interest in the procedure has been steadily increasing for both women and men. Although it’s called “permanent”, be aware that it is more semi-permanent and does fade over time.
How long will my permanent makeup last?
In general, most cosmetic tattoos last 1 to 5 years. Many factors determine how long your PMU will last. Skin type, lifestyle, excessive sun exposure and medical conditions are just a few of these variables. The permanent makeup technique used is also part of what determines longevity. Nano, Powder, and Combination brows last longest, while Microblading tends to fade a bit sooner. Be aware that permanent makeup is low maintenance, not no maintenance. Touch-ups should be expected, and color boosts are recommended every 1 to 3 years.
Will the treatment be painful?
Everyone’s pain threshold is different. While some clients feel no discomfort, others are more sensitive. The treatment area is numbed with a topical anesthetic during the procedure to keep you as comfortable as possible. Many of my clients are so comfortable that they sleep during the procedure!
What should I expect at my appointment?
Your appointment will begin with an in depth consultation. We will discuss your goals and answer any questions you may have. Photos of your natural brows will be taken, and then we will map the shape and test color.
Mapping: This takes 20-40 minutes, depending on your style preference, natural hair growth, bone & muscular structure, and face shape. Measuring tools, mapping techniques, and my expertise will help us to achieve your desired shape. I will not proceed with the treatment until you are satisfied with the overall design of your brows.
Color: Pigment color is chosen based on natural hair color and skin tone as well as personal preference. We can adjust as much as we need to get it just right!
Numbing: A topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area. After 20 minutes, the procedure begins!
Treatment: This is where the magic happens! The treatment takes 1-3 hours, depending on the procedure type you have chosen. I will apply more anesthetic between each pass over your brows to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the process. When complete, final pictures are taken, and the client is given an aftercare kit, along with instructions on how to care for the affected area.
Why do I need a touch up?
Everyone’s skin heals differently, and everyone’s skin takes pigment differently. After the initial appointment, your brows should look perfect, albeit a bit darker than usual. At your touch up appointment, we will assess how well your skin has retained the pigment, and adjust where necessary. If there are faded areas, we can darken these areas accordingly. You should plan for your touch up to be as long as the initial treatment, though sometimes it can be shorter if retention is good.
What can I expect during the healing process?
Immediately after procedure, you will slight redness and tenderness of the skin in the affected area. It may feel like a light sunburn. You should also expect the brows to appear darker and thicker for the first few days; they will lighten up and shrink a bit as they heal. The skin may feel tight, dry and itchy. For eyeliner, you will have swelling! You can use ice to sooth, and sleep at an incline to reduce swelling.
After about 5 days, the skin will begin to flake and peel. Allow this skin to shed on its own, don’t pick at it! It is normal for it to appear as though some or all of the pigment has disappeared (this is the ghosting phase), but don’t worry—there is still pigment under the surface! Healed results aren’t visible for about a month. Trust the process!
Two to six weeks after procedure, color may appear patchy and/or light. This is completely normal, and is the reason why a touch up is necessary!
Please note, healed results vary from one individual to the next. Beauty Markd does not guarantee healed permanent makeup results for anyone.
How often should I receive a color boost?
Once your first PMU session is complete, you will need to return in 6 to 8 weeks for a touch up. After this appointment, you can expect to return in 1 to 3 years for a color boost.
Although clients are encouraged to maintain their permanent makeup long term, it’s important NOT to have touch ups more frequently than necessary. Excessive cosmetic tattooing can cause over saturation of pigment in the skin. This is most noticeable with Microblading. If touch ups are performed too often without allowing original hair strokes to fade, the Microbladed hair strokes begin to blur together and appear more powdery.
Are there any possible side effects?
Permanent makeup procedures are deemed safe to perform as long as no contraindications apply to you. Risk of infection is alway possible in any treatment when the skin is broken. Clients are given specific after care instructions after their procedure to help minimize any risk of infection.
Do you offer consultations?
Yes! Consultations are free, and are very helpful in the planning process, especially if you have previous work that you want to have covered or removed.
Do you offer corrections to previous work done by other artists?
Yes. However, corrections are handled on an individual basis. Clients must provide a clear photo of previous work or come in for an in-person consultation prior to scheduling a treatment. If you are a new client to Beauty Markd, this first visit will not be considered a color boost/touch up. New clients are charged the cost of an initial service, regardless of previous work.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please allow at least 48 hours notice prior to cancelling or rescheduling your PMU appointment. No-shows will result in the loss of your deposit.
Am I a candidate for permanent makeup?
Unfortunately, not everyone is a good fit for permanent makeup. The following is a list of issues that may disqualify you from receiving a PMU procedure. Should any of these apply, please consult your physician and contact me with specific questions regarding your eligibility.
Contraindications for permanent makeup:
Active viral infections
Active cold or flu
Epilepsy
Pregnancy & breast feeding
Pacemaker
Current chemotherapy or radiation treatment
Skin irritations on or near the treatment area (rosacea, psoriasis, acne, eczema, sunburns, rashes, etc.)
Accutane use within the last 12 months
Retin-A & Retinol use within the last 30 days
Thyroid conditions
Diabetes
Immuno-compromised
Being on blood thinners and/or antibiotics
Keloid scarring
Organ transplant patients
Botox and/or other injectables administered within the last 3 weeks
Under the age of 18