Additional Information
Hand Tool vs. Machine
The difference between the two is one tool has a motor and
the other doesn't. Both methods implant pigment, but it's
the technician's technique that determines the outcome. The
hand method takes a little longer than a machine, but that
should not be a reason to choose the machine instead. Your
technician will know which one to use based on her evaluation
of your skin condition, etc. Softap™ is one of the hand tool
brands.
The Pain Factor
We all have different tolerances to pain. Very good topical
cream anesthetics are now available, which greatly reduces
much sensation. The area gets quite numb and clients typically
experience minimal discomfort.
Why Are Several Applications Required?
As previously mentioned, even if the permanent makeup looks
like it "faded away", it is still there, but went
in rather as a "primer" coat that will be brought
to the surface with a second and sometimes a third application.
This occurs because of certain qualities in an individual's
skin; it usually has nothing to do with the type of pigment
used or the way it was applied.
In techno jargon: when a foreign substance such as a pigment
molecule enters the skin, the body's immune system tries to
engulf and remove it using the bloodstream, sweat glands and/or
lymph system. (The average size of a pigment molecule is 6
microns.) The cells that govern this foreign body reaction
are unable to completely surround the molecule because it
is too large, therefore they cannot expel it. That is what
makes the color permanent and usually still visible after
10 years or more.
Using the analogy of painting a house or car, you wouldn't
think to purchase a car that had only one coat of paint, would
you? Your house and car require numerous coats of paint to
prolong their color. Permanent makeup is similar - it needs
multiple layers of pigment to achieve the desired outcome
and to retain longevity.
Aftercare
The technician likely will provide you with an ointment to
use for a week. Apply with a clean Q-Tip, not your fingers.
Use only what the technician gives you. Leave the tattooed
area exposed to the air so that it can begin to heal but keep
the area moist with the ointment given you until the healing
is complete. It takes about a week (usually seven to ten days)
for a tattoo to heal on the surface. Healing is still occurring
an additional 2-3 weeks beneath the skin. For at least 7-10
days, you should not apply cosmetics over the area and NO
PEROXIDE, or other creams!!! The lips will get chapped and
the brows may develop a little scab, but be sure that you
do not peel off the area! If it flakes, let it flake off by
itself. If you peel it off, the pigment comes off with it.
Is There Anything I Can Do To Help Make This Procedure
Successful?
The client can help minimize pain by following these guidelines:
Avoid alcoholic beverages, aspirin products, garlic and Vitamin
E, three to five days prior to any procedure. On the day of
treatment, avoid caffeine. Alcoholic beverages and aspirin
products are blood thinners, which will increase sensitivity
and promote bleeding. (*If your doctor has you on aspirin
or blood thinning medication, you will be advised to talk
to him or her and get a written consent). Following the
"After Care" instructions will greatly improve the
success and longevity of your permanent makeup procedure.
In the long term, sun exposure and anti-aging creams will
be what causes your permanent makeup to fade. Most clients
like to "refresh" their permanent makeup in a couple
of years to brighten the color.
Do NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for at least
two weeks. If you do, you may get sunburned or the color may
fade pre-maturely. Use sunscreen religiously. Do NOT swim,
Jacuzzi or swim in the ocean during this healing time. This
could cause pigment to fade as well. You should always apply
sunscreen if you expose your tattoo to sunlight (this means
"artificial light", too). Be advised that
indoor tanning beds will also fade your tattoo.
Copyright © 1999-2008 Nancy LaTouche
All Rights Reserved.
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