FAQS

Permanent cosmetics, also known as cosmetic tattooing, micro pigmentation and permanent makeup has been done for many years and is growing in popularity across the world. Baby Boomers and older adults are the target market for these services which include permanent eyeliner, eyebrows, lip liner, scar coverage, camouflage and areola pigmentation to name a few. Mostly women get these services but more and more men are using permanent cosmetics to enhance their eyebrows, cover scars, camouflage and enhance lash lines and lips.

Choosing a Certified Technician- Be sure to look for the following qualifications;

•   Has attended a training facility where the trainer is certified by the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals and/or the American Academy of Micro pigmentation.
•     Has been certified in Blood Borne Pathogens training from OSHA
•     Attends continuing education in the field of permanent cosmetics
•     Has background in color theory, beauty services or medical field is helpful
•     Has a portfolio of before and after photos of clients procedures
•     Works in a clean, sanitized room where there is no dust in a spa, medical facility, salon or their own business. At home procedures and home parties are frowned upon and you are cautioned to stay away from receiving services in a home
•     The Technician should also be wearing permanent cosmetics!
•     Certificates of trainings should be visible to all clients to see
•     Technicians should be in full compliance with their state laws for Permanent Cosmetics
  

Are procedures safe?

• Yes, if performed by a trained professional who follows proper disinfection and sterilization requirements set forth by OSHA. At Permanent Cosmetics of NY all needles are sterile, prepackaged and disposed of immediately after a service into a Sharps biohazard container.

What restrictions are there for having permanent cosmetic procedures?

•     You must be 18 years of age or older
•     If you take an antibiotic prior to dental services you must do the same before permanent cosmetic procedures
•     Those with herpes simplex or cold sores/fever blisters are advised to get an anti viral medication from their physician and take before a procedure to minimize the occurrence of a breakout
•     No pregnant or nursing women can get procedures
•     Insulin dependent diabetic will be asked to get a medical release
•     Those who have had a procedure with another technician the fee will be a first time fee.

Considerations before booking an appointment for permanent cosmetic procedures

•     Most people get some swelling with any and all of the procedures so do not schedule appointment prior to special meetings or events where you want to look your best.
•     It will take a few days for the swelling to go down.
•     Procedures heal at different rates of speed depending on your skin type, lifestyle, general health and post care. This is why your followup appointment is made 6 weeks after your initial procedure appointment.
•     Some people do not share with friends and coworkers that they are having a procedure. People will notice you look better, younger or different but may not realize you had a permanent cosmetic procedures. I recommend you tell them once you are completely healed in about 4-6 weeks.
•     Eyebrows, eyeliner and lips will all appear darker than they ultimately will be when completely healed-do not be alarmed- expect it.
  

Who can benefit from permanent cosmetics?

•     Women who have little time, shaky hands or poor eyesight and still want to have the look of makeup
•     Athletes who want to workout without their makeup smudging
•     Alopecia (loss of hair) patients and pre-chemotherapy patients who want eyebrows, eyeliner or lip liner
•     Those with small facial scars and want to camouflage them
•     Those with sparse or over tweezed eyebrows
•     Mastecomy patients who have had breast re-construction
•     Those allergic to traditional makeup
•     Those who have thin lips and want to make them appear fuller and more defined
•     Those who wear contacts and don't want their eyeliner to get under their lenses
  

Do the procedures hurt like getting a tattoo?

• There may be some discomfort. Everyone has a different threshold for pain. Topical anesthetic (lidocaine) is applied during your consultation. Then after 10-30 minutes we begin the service and more topical anesthetics are applied frequently during the procedure. If you feel some pain, it will all be worth it! If you take an antihistamine prior to eyeliner service your eyes will not water as much.
  

Do you do areola pigmentation?

• Yes and I currently get referrals from 3 doctors in the Binghamton area. See medical services tab for more information.
  

Can I bring a friend with me to my procedure?

• Yes,  Yes Yes you are encouraged to bring a friend to observe the procedure or wait in the lobby.
  

Can I get my eyebrows, eyeliner and lip liner done in the same appointment?

• YES and there is a combination discount to take advantage of combining services in one appointment at Permanent Cosmetics of NY. Just remember, it will be a long day as each service will take about 2 hours.
  

Do you freehand draw on my procedure or use a template?

• After our consultation and decision for a a design style I will freehand draw on your eyebrows, eyeliner or lip liner with a cosmetic pencil. I will measure and show you the designs in the mirror. If you want them thinner, thicker, higher, lower, more arched etc I will change them.This part of the appointment can take a long time as we shoot for a natural look. The final design becomes my template for the procedure.
  

• When designing your brows, eyeliner or lip liner our goal should be to have a natural look. A client may choose to do only a top eyeliner or just a bottom eyeliner and if they do so costs are discounted.

• A lip liner procedure will always include blending of the line into the lip so there is not a "clown" look to the lips. The very center of the lip looks best when left natural and not pigmented.

Should I wax my eyebrows prior to my procedure?

• Yes, but 2 days in advance of an eyebrow service is recommended so the skin has healed from the waxing process. Once you have had permanent cosmetics you should wait at least 2 weeks before waxing . Wait until the procedure has healed before doing electrolysis.
  

What causes the procedures to fade?

•     Exposure to the sun (you should wear sunscreen each day)
•     Effects of medication (especially medicine for depression and thyroid)
  
•     Hormonal changes
•     Skin exfoliation products on the procedure area
•     Scrubbing the area with a facecloth
•     Inadequate post procedure care

When you pick up an eye pencil to fill in your brows or eyeliner then it is time to book a retouch appointment!