The Health Advantages of Permanent Makeup

The art and science of permanent makeup goes by many differentnames: micropigmentation, permanent cosmetics, dermapigmentation, intradermal cosmetics, dermagraphics and cosmetictattoos. As the procedures associated with permanent makeupbecome more main stream the public becomes more aware of thebenefits, especially for individuals that suffer from illness,disease, injury or scarring. In my recent article "Building aBridge: Cosmetic Surgery and Micropigmentation" I explored therelationship between cosmetic surgery and permanent makeup. Iwould now like to discuss how permanent makeup can work as partof the solution for a variety of medical conditions. Physicians as Partners According to the Third Edition of "Medical Issues for PermanentCosmetic Technicians" published by the Society of PermanentCosmetic Professionals "permanent cosmetic professionals arepart of a new and exciting trend in the aesthetic medicalarena". It goes on to say that plastic surgery and dermatologycenters are now offering permanent makeup procedures in order toattract new patients. At times physicians recommend permanentmakeup to compliment other cosmetic procedures, such as Botox ora face lift, but it also helps the patient feel better aboutthemselves and the way they look during or after a difficultillness or injury. The artistic eye of a trained permanentmakeup practitioner can analyze color and form to achieve thebest look when the doctor has exhausted medical and surgicaloptions. Know Your Medical History It is important that the permanent cosmetic professionalinquire into a client's medical history. For specific medicalrelated issues the physician should approve the procedure.Healing time and the strength of the immune system areincredibly important. Some of the most common medical conditionsthat warrant permanent makeup are cancer patients experiencinghair loss due to chemotherapy and areola repigmentation afterbreast reconstruction. It is preferable to have permanent makeupapplied before chemotherapy or in the early stages of treatmentto reduce stress and promote healing. A Doctor's release shouldbe provided. Permanent makeup can also be used to assistpatients that suffer from Vitiligo-the absence of pigmentationin the skin, Trichotillomania-a condition that causes compulsiveplucking of hair or Alopecia-a condition that leads to completeor partial hair loss. Permanent makeup can also help Hypothyroidpatients who have thinning eyebrows. Individuals who haverecently had a facelift or plastic surgery should wait untiltheir physician has determined they are healed, this can takesix months or more, but patience will guard against infection.Anyone with medical issues that create a higher risk forinfection, such as an artificial hip, mitral vale prolapse orautoimmune disorders should be on an antibiotic. If you are onmedication consult your doctor, it is essential that you do yourhomework. Toxicity Issues and Camouflaging Scars Permanent makeup is also a viable alternative for individualsthat suffer from allergies or toxicity issues. Patients shouldtalk with their doctors about potential side effects related topigments then consult a trained permanent makeup practitioner.In many situations the pigments are less toxic than applyingconventional cosmetics every day. Individuals that suffer fromarthritis, loss of vision or neurological problems that causepainful or unsteady movement of the hands can also enjoy thefreedom achieved through permanent makeup. In her book "TheEssence of Beauty" Dr. Adrianna Scheibner, M.D. says in Chapter9 "the applications of the procedure [derma pigmentation] withinthe realm of medicine are numerous". "In the past few years,"Scheibner continues, "corrective camouflaging has emerged as auseful service to dermatologists and plastic surgeons when theycan no longer medically improve a patient's appearance".Camouflage, applied by an experienced permanent makeupprofessional, is a tricky procedure. In the "Procedures ofMacro-Theory Dermagraphics" printed by the American Institute ofPermanent Color Technology it states that "the application ofcamouflage is unlike any other procedure...when applyingcamouflage you actually are taking something away, ordiminishing something that already exists, from the skin.Because of this, camouflaging is an imperfect procedure".Camouflaging is difficult and the results never exact.Camouflaging strives to recreate the skin's natural appearance;realistic expectations are essential with this type ofprocedure. Also, when seeking assistance with scar camouflagethe procedure should be done when scars are a pale white color,not red or pink. There are many potential issues when a candidate for permanentmakeup suffers from illness or injury. The permanent makeupprofessional you choose should have experience and provide youwith referrals from previous clients and a portfolio. Anexperienced permanent makeup professional will know the rightquestions to ask during your initial consultation and will guideyou through the safest and healthiest way to looking your best.To learn more about permanent makeup visit my web sitewww.DawnColors.com.