B EAUTY |
The only difference between traditional and cosmetic tattooing,
Just How Permanent is Permanent Makeup?
Griffin says, is for cosmetic tattooing “the patient normally has the area numbed before the procedure starts.” In addition to topical anesthetics, the pigments and tools Griffin uses are specifically made for the art of permanent makeup. Each session starts with a 30-minute consultation to discuss the patient’s medical background before beginning the tattooing process.
BEFORE
“Knowing your medical background is essential to knowing if something like a skin condition would affect the area requested,” Griffin says. “Clients that are nursing or pregnant should not get a procedure done until after nursing or the pregnancy is over” and
AFTER
clients who are insulin-dependent or on certain medications may require more sessions and added caution, she notes. The procedure itself can vary in time, depending on the type of cosmetic tattoo requested and the needs of the client. To ensure proper time and care for each patient, Griffin allocates a full two hours for every session. After the consultation, the cosmetic tattooist will draw and confirm the design with the client before choosing the pigments needed to create a custom blend for each specific procedure.
Before (top) and after (bottom) photos: Microbladed hairstrokes create the illusion of a full and natural brow.
“We like to match the skin tone rather than the hair color as the hair color on one’s head can be ever changing,” Griffin says. To do this, especially for areas with sparse hair growth, Griffin uses several colors “to create the 3D appearance of highlights and lowlights.” Once a client has completed the procedure, Griffin says “the color should always be there” though it can fade over time. “Just like a regular tattoo, sun is the number one factor of tattoo fading,” so clients should not neglect to put sunscreen over any permanent makeup. Clients should also notify their dermatologists and any spa staff so they know to avoid the areas with permanent makeup when having any aggressive facial treatments done. With proper care, clients will only have to touch up color every 5 to 10 years. That’s much easier than hitting up the powder room every few hours! EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR Jennifer Griffin, owner of Beyond the Surface Permanent Makeup in Lynchburg.
Photos above: Both photos show lower eyeliner immediately after her first visit.
ON THE WEB
More at ourhealthlbss.com
READ THIS EDITION OF
OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside ON YOUR TABLET OR SMARTPHONE www.OurHealthlbss.com
79