The Nitrogen Family Elements at a Glance

Author: Terry Lively
Source: isnare.com

Permanent makeup, a form of cosmetic tattooing, can increase self esteem for the elderly or visually impaired client seeking a solution to many of the problems that can come with aging or blindness. However, many people are either unaware of the technique or are afraid of it, and continue to rely on others to help them look presentable each day. This is a needless fear, and many women have been delighted with the results that have given them more independence and confidence in their appearance. Frequently referred to as micropigmentation or dermagraphics, this type of tattooing is used by many different people for a number of reasons. These can range from a desire to generally look better without having to continually apply make-up, to a need to hide unsightly scars. The pigmentation is applied to the upper layers of the dermis, and can be applied using a traditional tattoo machine, or by a simple hand technique where color is gently tapped into the skin. A topical anesthetic cream is applied first, resulting is less discomfort during the procedure. Most clients comment that the tattooing was very tolerable.

One procedure that is commonly done is the eyebrow enhancement. Eyebrow pencils are normally used for this, but many older people find them difficult to use, and time consuming having to draw their brows on each day. Many women have over-tweezed their eyebrows through the years, so much so that they have all but disappeared. Thyroid and hormonal conditions can also lead to loss of eyebrow hair. A less common condition called Alopecia, causes the hair to completely fall out in areas such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, and can even result in complete baldness. Permanent cosmetic makeup can provide the perfect solution for these clients who have to draw their brows on every day.

Permanent makeup, in some cases can camouflage Vitiligo, a skin condition in which the skin loses its pigmentation in patches, leaving visible blotchy areas of skin. This can be very upsetting to the sufferer since it can start in early adulthood at an age where visual appearance is very important. In some cases, these conditions can be effectively and permanently hidden with a natural skin colored pigmentation. Not all severe discoloration can be treated in this way, however some conditions such as light colored scars can be tattooed to make the area less obvious. A client seeking scar camouflage would want to interview the technician firs. This is considered advanced work and should only be done by those who have been in the industry many years and are experienced in “para-medical” tattooing.

It is also difficult for visually impaired and elderly clients to use an eyebrow pencil while wearing eye glasses! Permanently applied eyebrows are the perfect answer in such cases. The technique can be done either to simulate natural hair in the brow, or achieve a result such as a soft penciled-in look. The same is true of eye liner. Many elderly women find it difficult to apply eye liner without smearing, and this is again the ideal answer to their problems. They no longer have to struggle to get their eyes looking presentable before leaving the house. Permanent lip color can also be applied, and can benefit clients who have lost their natural lip line and youthful color due to aging or smoking. Again, lipstick is sometimes difficult for elderly clients to apply themselves for a number of reasons. Not only poor eyesight, but also shaking hands or palsy can render it very difficult for them. Permanent makeup applied to their lips would be a blessing for them.

Yes, aging brings conditions such as shaking hands, Parkinson’s disease, strokes, arthritis and many more conditions that can prevent people from looking after themselves properly.Some simple permanent cosmetic work can give them back a little bit of their independence, and render them a little less reliant on others to apply their makeup for them. Many elderly women have found that it has made a tremendous difference in their lives; to be able to walk out the door feeling confident about their looks without having to ask for help. It is also useful in the case of people of all ages who suffer with allergies, and find it impossible to wear certain types of cosmetics. Permanent cosmetic makeup resolves this problem forever. There are many such people with hypersensitive skin for whom this is a godsend.

There are many conditions where permanent cosmetic makeup may not have been considered by old and young alike. A lack of awareness of the possibility of this treatment is frequently a problem, as is a fear of the procedures themselves.

However modern equipment, topical anesthetics, and safety methods have rendered the techniques simple, safe, and for most people, very tolerable during the procedure. Yes, permanent makeup for the elderly or visually impaired client is ideal and can give them the self esteem and confidence to enjoy themselves every day.

Author: Nancy LaTouche
Source: articleage.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Cosmetics
Q2) What is the recovery time for permanent makeup?

A2) Everyone is different, but a general rule would be 3-7 days on the surface, and another 10-14 days below the surface. It is common for a person to return to work the same day. Lips will have some residual swelling and will chap. There may be slight swelling after the eyeliner; brows may look darker than usual – all of which softens in a few days.
Q5) Can I still wear traditional makeup over the tattooed area?

A5) Yes, after the area has healed. Permanent makeup is designed to be only an enhancement to your natural features. Wearing additional cosmetics is a
personal choice that enhances your permanent makeup.
Q6) What if I decide to have cosmetic surgery?

A6) Plastic surgery has no affect on properly placed permanent makeup. However, if you’re contemplating plastic surgery, you may opt for the surgery before the permanent makeup.
Q7) What reaction is common regarding permanent makeup?

A7) Women are usually amazed at how awesome, natural and subtle permanent makeup is. They wish they had done it a decade ago. No more smudged makeup, daily hassle, etc. Life has become simpler!
Q8) Who would benefit?

A8) Active women and men … those needing feature correction; people with allergies to make-up … athletes … the vision impaired … alopecia sufferers … those looking for a natural look – or those looking for something more dramatic.
Q9) How is it done?

A9) A sterilized, disposable needle is used to implant hundreds of tiny dots of colored pigment beneath the basal (top) layer of the skin enhancing natural features.
Q10) Does it hurt?

A10) The topical numbing anesthetic creams used today are much stronger than in years past. If you follow the simple rules beforehand of: no alcohol, aspirin, blood-thinning medications, Vitamin E, garlic or herbal supplements 3, preferably 5 days prior to your appt. will greatly reduce any discomfort associated with the procedure. Also, have no caffeine the day of the procedure. Following these guidelines greatly increases your comfort level during your permanent makeup procedure.
Q11) How long will it take?

A11) Most of the procedures require approximately 2-3 hours. The most important part of all the procedures is the artwork and choosing colors, both of which require approval by the client.
Q12) How soon will the results be visible?

A12) Within seven days you will notice a visible difference. We require all of our clients to come in for verification 30 days after creation at which time any adjustments will be made (if necessary).
Q13) How long will it last?

A13) Normally one to five years maybe longer. Re-enhancements otherwise known as “touchups’ or “refresher color boosts” are recommended for maintenance. You must remember that permanent makeup is a “low”, not a “no” maintenance procedure. You eventually will need a color touchup when your color fades. Once the color lightens you will know that you are ready for your refresher color boost! You cannot avoid this fact – everything fades with time, especially anything out in the sun.
Q14) What about allergies?

A14) Those with allergies are particularly good candidates to permanent makeup. If you are prone to allergies, you may ask the technician about an allergy test. The allergy test will be done using a red pigment. The red pigment is usually the one that will cause the most noticeable allergic reaction if there will be a reaction at all. Reactions are rare.
Q15) What does it cost?

A15) Fees vary according to the creation required and will be determined at a free consultation. But remember, you get what you pay for. You can expect to pay anywhere from $300-$600 per procedure, depending on your technician and your location. The smart thing to do is to for sure not to choose the cheapest artist, but you need not choose the most expensive artist either.
Q16) What if the shape isn’t what I want?

A16) The eyebrows are drawn on with semi-permanent marker prior to the start of any procedure, so you will see exactly what is going to be done before anything permanent is applied.
Q17) What about removal of pigment?

A17) We call removal “pigment lifting” which is available and works very well if the technician is trained in the process. Typically only small areas should be attempted to be lifted with either a salt/saline mixture or a similar “lifting” product, used for this purpose only- trying to removal larger areas of permanent makeup pigments will require more extensive treatment, such as a laser. Under these circumstances, contact a dermatologist.
Nancy is Board Certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation and remains active in the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals. See her website:http://www.alwayslookyourbest.com