![What are the risks of permanent makeup?](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/permanent-makeup-tattoo-eyebrows-cosmetologist.jpg?output-quality=75)
Permanent makeup or cosmetic tattooing is a procedure, called micropigmentation, done to avoid the hassles of daily makeup and makeup removal. Additionally, it can replace or improve the lost coloring of the skin.
People who want to look their best while avoiding the physical challenges of applying makeup often opt to undergo this procedure. The face is the most common treatment area involved, especially the eyebrows, eyelashes, eyelids, and lip region.
Though there are considerations about the number of treatments needed, complications, and out-of-pocket costs, this procedure has now been appreciated because it can effectively improve scars, even out skin color, and restore the lost color of the skin.
6 risks of permanent makeup
- Infection: There is always a chance of infection if sterilized needles are not used or if the ink is contaminated. Unsterile needles can transmit diseases, such as hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus, and staph infections.
- Allergic reaction: An allergic reaction to tattoo ink color (the pigments used) can happen. So, a scratch test must be performed behind the ear or on the finger to see if a reaction happens.
- Eye complications: Loss of eyelashes, severe eyelid injury, crusting, and ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid).
- Nodules and scar tissue formation: The body may consider the tattoo ink as a “foreign substance” and react to it by forming nodules (called granulomas) around particles of pigment.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) complications: A few people have reported swelling or burning in the tattooed area who have undergone an MRI of their heads.
- Other reactions: Little bleeding, swelling, and some crusting can occur.
Who can get permanent makeup?
Permanent makeup is appropriate for anyone who wants to look their best while avoiding the physical challenges of applying makeup.
This treatment is considered on personal choice and for people who:
- Do not like applying makeup every day.
- Like to have more defined eyebrows or eyelashes.
- Like better-defined or richer colored lips.
- Like to improve scars with tattoo pigment.
What medical conditions make applying makeup a challenge?
- Conditions that result in unsteady hands
- Severe arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Conditions that result in poor eyesight
5 other conditions treated using permanent makeup
Micropigmentation or permanent makeup can be used:
- As a follow-up to plastic surgery on the face.
- To replace thinning of eyebrows due to age or underlying medical conditions.
- To conceal the lack of color to the skin due to vitiligo.
- To recreate an areola after breast surgery.
- As a permanent solution for people with allergies to traditional, temporary makeup.
How is the procedure done?
Most procedures only require a topical anesthetic to numb the skin.
A pen-like instrument or a standard tattoo gun is used to inject the pigment into the skin. The needle will penetrate a few millimeters into the dermis layer of the skin and an iron oxide pigment is injected.
The procedures take from 30 minutes to several hours to perform. Once the procedure completes, an antiseptic will be administered to keep the treated region clean. An ointment will be applied to keep the area soft and promote healing.
Is micropigmentation permanent?
The tattoo ink never washes off but because the skin cells are constantly being replaced, it fades away over the years. The procedure is permanent because it can be very difficult to remove. It is a long, painful, and expensive process.
Some people may need more treatment to achieve the desired result. As the pigment fades over a period, there will be a need for additional treatments to maintain the look.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/cosmetic_surgery_before_after_s1_woman_face_pulled_back.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Plastic Surgery: Before and After Photos of Cosmetic Surgeries See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
De Cuyper C. Permanent makeup: indications and complications. Clin Dermatol. 2008 Jan-Feb;26(1):30-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18280902/
Koh CW, Kang K(S). A medical perspective of the practice of semi-permanent makeup in South Korea. J Cosmet Med. 2021; 5(1): 16-23. https://www.jcosmetmed.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.25056/JCM.2021.5.1.16
Top What Are the Risks of Permanent Makeup Related Articles
Skin & Makeup Quiz
Are you doing right by your skin? Take the Skin and Makeup Quiz to learn how to make the most of your beauty regimen.Health and Beauty: Skin Care Products That May Not Work
We're all looking for products to help our skin. Here are some things you may want to stay away from.Can You Completely Remove a Tattoo?
Tattoos may be lightened but cannot be completely removed. Faint scars remain for life.Makeup Allergy
Fragrances and preservatives in cosmetics may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms include redness, itching, and swelling after the product comes in contact with the person's skin. Treatment typically involves the use of over-the-counter cortisone creams.Facelift
A face lift is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess facial skin to promote a more youthful appearance. Potential complications of the procedure include- bleeding,
- infection,
- asymmetry, and
- loss of muscle function or sensation.
Health and Beauty: The Worst Things You Can Put on Your Face
People put lots of unusual stuff on their faces in pursuit of beautiful skin. Here are some popular items that simply don't work or may even do harm.Is Micropigmentation Better Than Microblading?
Micropigmentation and microblading are both popular semi-permanent makeup treatments performed by a professional. Micropigmentation delivers pigment deeper into the skin compared to microblading. The results of micropigmentation last twice as long as microblading.Is Tattoo Removal Painful?
Yes, tattoo removal is painful and may cause a certain amount of irritation to the area being treated. The intensity of pain may not be the same for everyone because each person has their own pain threshold. Tattoo removal treatments can also vary in pain depending on the area being treated.Skin & Beauty: Anti-Aging Tips & Secrets to Look Younger
Look younger, fight aging, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and skin aging by practicing good skin care. Use of moisturizing cream daily can help women and men maintain a more youthful appearance. Fillers and laser treatments can help you look young, too.Before You Tattoo: Types, Safety, and Removal
Get the scoop on tattoo safety, tattoo risks, tattoo care, and what to expect from tattoo removal.Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal has minimal side effects. Lasers break up the pigment of the tattoo with a high-intensity light beam. During the procedure, the patient wears protective eye shields and may be giving anesthesia. The pulse of the laser feels like the snapping of a rubber band against the skin. Possible side effects include a risk of infection, hypopigmentation, and hyperpigmentation.What Are the Types of Cosmetics?
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines cosmetics as products "intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or functions."What Can I Use to Remove Tattoos?
Temporary tattoos usually fade in a few days to a few weeks. Permanent tattoos do not go away on their own; however, there are ways to remove them. There are no home remedies or tattoo removal creams available in the market that can help remove permanent tattoos, although you can hide them temporarily by covering with makeup.What does microblading for eyebrows cost?
Your eyebrows play a major role in defining and enhancing your facial features. Microblading is a kind of semi-permanent tattooing for your eyebrows. Microblading is an expensive procedure that costs between $500 and $2,000 per session.What Is Microblading and How Long Does It Last?
Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo technique that creates the illusion of fuller brows. In this process, mineral-based pigments such as iron oxide and titanium dioxide are deposited underneath the first two layers of the patient’s skin.