Permanent Makeup, also known as Micropigmentation, is a specialized method of implantation of hypo-allergenic pigments into the upper layer of the dermis through microscopic injections with an extremely fine needle or cluster of needles.

No, different techniques, equipment, and pigments are used. Permanent makeup implant pigment into upper layer of the dermis, tattoo pigment is implanted much deeper into the skin. The main difference between permanent make-up and an ordinary tattoo is the type of pigment used. Permanent make-up uses oxide-based minerals which provide more natural color shades. Tattoo pigments are typically made up of organic compounds that contribute to more intense colors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Permanent Makeup is safe when technician maintains Blood Borne Pathogens and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines. Stringent hygiene protocols are implemented to to minimize the risk of infection. All needles are single-use disposable cartridges. Your health and safety are our priority!

Tattooing equipment should have parts that are completely disposable or can be autoclaved. If an autoclave is used, it must be functioning properly at the correct temperature with periodic testing. All needles should be individually wrapped, sterile, disposable, and be single use only. All pigments and anesthetics should be dispensed from the manufacturers' original containers. The procedure area should be sanitary with hand washing capabilities (running hot and cold water, soap, paper towels). Any products used during the procedure should be discarded afterward every time. We work with digital permanent makeup machine that utilizes needles that are completely disposable. No autoclave is required because of the 'one procedure' standard built into the digital machine and supplies.

Procedure time varies depending on the area of application and how much work needs to be done. The average procedure will take anywhere from 1-2 hours. A touch-up procedure lasts about 1 hour.

Normally two appointments are needed per procedure; initial procedure and one touch-up. A 4-8 week touch-up appointment will be made for a final result. Eyebrows and lips are procedures that typically require additional touch-ups.

Yes, a full-face procedure will take 4-6 hours. Your aftercare for all the areas can be done at once.

You have choices! There is big variety of gorgeous colors. Meticulous design is applied to your face with pencil to fit your needs and get your approval before beginning the procedure. Permanent makeup colors are chosen to compliment person's skin tone, hair, and eye color.

We utilize variety of high quality of American and European pigments that are designed for safe use application in cosmetics, colorants and micropigmentation of the face and body.

The Patch Test is always provided during the consultation appointment in order to identify any possible allergies to the pigments used during the permanent makeup/tattoo procedure.

"The average cost per procedure varies but usually averages between $400-$800. Advanced work may be charged at $150 to $250 per hour which covers high cost of the equipment required to perform this intricate service.. Many of these procedures are commonly referred to as para-medical procedures. The cost of the procedure should not be the most concerning issue when consulting a potential permanent cosmetic professional. More importantly, one should pay attention to the qualifications and skills of the professional performing the procedure that requires high level of training and talent.

See also: "What Does Permanent Makeup Cost?"

While eyebrows may show little after effect, eyeliner and lips may show slight to moderate swelling. In addition, some people swell more than others from minor skin infractions. During the procedure there may be some minor bleeding. This again is client specific. Bruising is rare but if a person is on blood thinners, bruising could occur. If bruising occurs, typically it is minor and subsides in a few days. There is usually some tenderness for a few days.

Immediately following a procedure, there will be mild swelling, redness, or tenderness that lasts a few hours to a few days (eyebrows swell less than eyes and lips). There may also be slight bruising. The color looks much darker immediately afterward for any procedure. It will lighten 30-50% after the healing is complete. The final result can be seen no sooner than 4-6 weeks.

The touch up appointment is considered to be the second visit for the same procedure only. Usually it is performed 4-8 weeks after the original procedure. Touch-up is necessary for perfecting the result in case if any minor color or shape imperfection takes place.

Yes, after the treated area is completely healed!

If you are pregnant or nursing a child, everything that goes into your body also affects the baby. Everything from spicy food to drugs ends up in the placenta and your milk. When you get a tattoo (or a permanent makeup) you are taking the risk of possible allergic reactions that could potentially be passed on to your child. To protect unborn children and nursing infants, most studios have made it a policy not to perform tattoos or piercings on anyone pregnant or breastfeeding women.

During pregnancy your immune system is suppressed by autoregulating mechanism that supports a new life. Trauma created by tattoo can be enough to cause complications. Not to mention that if this is your first tattoo, you are unaware of the side effects that may occur for your specific situation. You may already be noticing how pregnancy changes your skin which becomes sensitive to new irritants. If your skin becomes irritated from a scented lotion how much more discomfort will you experience from dyes being injected into your dermis?

There are other factors that can negatively affect the outcome of a cosmetic tattoo for a pregnant or nursing mother. Hormones affect the growth and appearance of the skin, hair and nails, hormonal changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period which can bring out noticeable, sometimes permanent changes in appearance for some women. As far as the skin and tattooing goes, it may be more susceptible to pigment darkening (especially for those who experience melasma, the "mask of pregnancy") or perhaps more resistant to accepting the tattoo pigment. Some, of course, will be unaffected by their hormones just as they might have been spared all the other commons symptoms of pregnancy. You just never know.

Accutane is an agressive treatment of acne and potentially can cause delayed wound healing. As the result it is recommended to wait at least 6-12 months prior to any skin procedures including chemical peel, microdermabrasion, lasers as well as permanent make up. Please consult your doctor prior to you procedure.