Permanent Makeup

If the legendary Cleopatra's dramatically highlighted eyes, Angelina Jolie's kissable lips or Sophia Loren's arched brows are on your wish-list, take heart. Permanent make up or micropigmentation is the latest to hit the cosmetic climes in India. Clue in to what the artistry entails and choose to style your appearance aesthetically. What exactly is permanent make-up? Similar to tattooing, it is the micro-implantation of coloring pigments into the skin. The purpose being to enhance and contour facial features.Only specialists in micro-pigmentation can perform this procedure on the face; tattoo artists cannot. "Semi-permanent make up, or, Long Lasting Contour Make-Up as it is popularly called in Europe, is a very sophisticated treatment originally from Germany. It uses plant-based pigments which are implanted in the skin on a very superficial level, with a special, precise tool. The natural colour range, approved by the authorities, also originates in Europe. Every 2 to 3 years, the manufacturers upgrade the formulations so as to improve on the quality and range of colours," says Vinu Kripalani, Specialist in Advanced Skin Care, who has engineered over 5000 treatments comprising eyebrows, eyeliner and lips contouring across Muscat (Oman), Dubai (UAE), Vancouver (Canada)and Mumbai. With the growing emphasis on being well groomed, the awareness levels regarding this treatment have spiralled in India. "I contour a minimum of 5-7 permanent eyebrows in a day, specially in menopausal women," reveals dermatologist Jamuna Pai. "People these days desire fuller, well shaped brows and more defined facial features." The numbers are on the rise as permanent make up removes time wastage involved in applying temporary make up everyday. It's a boon for those pursuing outdoor activities like hiking, athletics and swimming, and for the physically impaired. And a godsend for those with etched scars, burns and accident marks. And yet the perfect answer for those who always wanted a 'natural beatuty spot'. The method involves using a small,disposable needle, connected to a machine, to create a series of tiny 'bleeding points' along the length of the proposed contour. Then the pigment, of vegetable and mineral origin, is impregnated through these points, along the direction of the hair growth, and seeps into the deeper layers of the skin. Topical anesthetics may be used to numb the area, though you may experience a mild plucking sensation. The procedure can take anything between one to two and a half hours. But how permanent is permanent? "Long Lasting Make-Up or Semi-Permanent makeup, if done just once, can fade away completely in about 6 to 12 months. I usually do two sessions: an initial session where the outline is done. In the following session, within 3 months, I add finishing touches, or reinforce the colour in areas where it has not taken too well. After that, eyebrows and eyeliner need a fresh touch-up after 18 months to 3 years." But consider this. Though Permanent Makeup (tattooing) requires deeper penetration of the skin, unlike Long Lasting Make Up, it needs touch-ups too. " Although more often than not, permanent makeup changes colour --it turns blue or gray, in which case it needs correction," adds Kripalani. "The colour of the pigment must be an appropriate fusion of red and brown," elaborates Dr Pai. "People who choose black must remember that it will degenerate to greenish blue over a period of time." But isn't permanent makeup supposed to last forever? "Natural shedding of the upper layers takes place over 28 days, so the colour is bound to lighten. That is why a follow up touch up is required to fill in a little colour." Especially if you are used to consistent sun exposure. Remember, your face tends to exfoliate faster than your body. Considering that there are no side effects, what is the after care like? "No make up is to be applied for 24 to 36 hours after the treatment to prevent infection in the area. Sunbathing or swimming is also to be avoided for the same period. A special cream has to be applied on the area for 5 to 7 days to keep it moisturised. After that, the make-up looks natural and just perfect within a week," says Kripalani. The most important part of this entire process is the consultation. It is better to opt for the best quality rather than go for the cheapest. You will probably end up spending more later on getting the contours corrected later. And the final result can never be the same through repeated corrective action. "After all, permanent make up is not like a pedicure. It's irreversible," says Kripalani. Remember to ask, ask and ask when you go for a prelimnary consultation. The specialist must be able to address all your queries and be able to show you how your face will look post the treatment. After all, it's your money and your face. Go for it. Need to Know 1. "Permanent makeup can be quite painful. Whereas, in Long Lasting Make-Up, the discomfort level is quite low. Recovery time is also much shorter. There are no "side effects". The only side effect clients show is "addiction"!!!" says Kripalani 2. That the cosmetologist is technically qualified. There are specialists courses for training in this treatment. Generally, refresher courses need to be taken periodically for upgrading skills as far as new techniques, colours, and materials are concerned 3. Inquire about the specialist's background, how long s/he's been performing permanent cosmetics and how many clients s/he has done the treatmetnt for. It's good to speak with and see some of the clients the specialist has already worked on. 4. Ensure all natural pigments are used, the machinery to be used is sterilised and that all gloves, handles, needles, brushes, pigment cups and spatulas employed are disposable. Remember, the process involves exposure of blood and bodily fluids to the open air. And contaminants can increase your chances of contracting infection. 5. . Removal of permanent make up is a painful affair. Opt for a patch test on your skin before you undergo the actual treatment, to test for any allergic reactions. Some swelling and redness can be expected for 24 hours following the procedure. A cold compress helps to reduce any swelling around the eye area 6. Cost Crunch: Eyebrows: Rs 5000-Rs 15000 Eyeliner: Rs 3000 - Rs 12000 Lip line: upto Rs 25000, depending upon whether you choose colouring as well Beauty Spot: Rs 3000-Rs 5000