SeaChelle's Permanent Makeup

Freguently Asked Questions
What is Permanent Make-up?
Permanent cosmetic make-up is the art and science of implanting color into your skin. It is putting the right color in the right place so you can look better naturally. Specialized instruments allow your practitioner to place color into the layer of skin known as the dermis. The outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, is always shedding and renewing itself, you are looking at the color through a thin veil of skin. When your procedure is completed, the color will first appear darker than the final result and fade slightly after you have healed. This is because the color is in BOTH in the epidermis and the dermis. The color in the top layer will flake off during the healing process.

Is Permanent Makeup safe?
Your health and safety are my priority! I am a Blood-borne Pathogens Certified technician. This type of education enables me to keep you safe and healthy from the spread of disease like: HIV, Hepatitis and Herpes. All procedures are performed using disposable supplies that follow strict sanitation and sterilization guidelines as required by the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and OSHA regulations. I will provide you a clean, safe, and sterilized environment that has been inspected and permitted by the county Health Department.

Will I look like myself after the procedure?
Permanent cosmetic make-up helps replenish what time has taken away and gives back precious time you normally would spend by "putting on your face". You can save up to 100 hours in a single year that were formerly spent struggling to draw eyebrows evenly or eyeliner half-way straight. That's two and one-half weeks of free time plus the money you'll save buying new and expensive cosmetics that rub off, smear, smudge and disappear during the day. Permanent make-up is not intended to replace cosmetics completely. Because the color is placed "in" your skin and not "on" your skin a more natural, softer look results. When you're ready to kick up your heels and go out for a night-on-the-town, you can apply as much additional make-up as you wish.

What should I do before my treatment/appointment?
The following recommendations apply: 1-2 weeks prior to your appointment stop using any and all supplements that can cause your blood to thin. Do not take Aspirin products, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Alcohol etc. Take the recommended dose of Benadryl 30 minutes before your appointment. It is an antihistamine that will help minimize tearing all the ink away during eyeliner procedures as-well-as by keeping any swelling to a minimum, and in some cases help to relax you a bit! Remember, your adrenalin will be pumping through your system during the procedure and for approximately one hour after, you most likely will not feel any drowsiness and will be fine to drive home. As always, please check with your doctor if you are under medical care or have questions.

What information is important to tell my technician?
Let your technician know if you are a Diabetic, have an autoimmune disease, or your discoloration is due to scars or Vitiligo. It takes special advance training courses and certifications to work with these cases. Most unskilled permanent makeup technicians don’t know how and will not work on you. We are experts in the permanent makeup industry and are highly trained, qualified, certified, and skilled to work on you.

I’m afraid of pain….Does permanent make-up hurt a lot?
New topical anesthetics have been developed especially for all permanent make-up procedures. These creams and gels are applied to the desired area before and during the procedure to assure you of the most comfortable experience possible. Some people describe the sensation as a "tingling" feeling. Most people experience some discomfort, especially for lip color procedures. It is common to hear that there was not as much pain as was expected, it was very tolerable, or they barely felt anything at all. Cool packs are used and recommended after the anesthetic has worn off to help soothe the skin.
**Keep in mind that if you do permanent make-up one week before or during your menstrual cycle, your body is typically more sensitive.

How long will the procedure take?
Procedure times may vary depending on the area of application, the individual's case, how much work needs to be done, and their sensitivity level. Most procedure will take up to 2 hours. A touch-up session should be done four to six weeks later and can take up to an hour.

How long will it take to recover?
You'll look like you've had a good cry for several hours following eyeliner. It is advised to apply ice for10 minutes at a time during these first few hours. Also, it is important to wear sunglasses as your eyes may be temporarily sensitive to light. Eyebrow procedures have the least swelling. Lip color often involves temporary swelling. You must let your technician know if you have a history of fever blisters so your doctor can prescribe medication.

How long will my permanent make-up last?
Permanent make-up is long-lasting. However, as you become accustomed to your new makeup it's not uncommon to want more. Your permanent make-up can last for several years depending on your skin. The enhancement will gradually fade over a number of years leaving a "barely-there" haze of color in the skin. Most people opt to refresh their permanent make-up enhancements every 12 months in order to refresh their look, referring to their enhancement as ‘low maintenance make-up. There are many factors that can influence the longevity of permanent make-up such as: the sun, hormones, skincare products, chlorine pools, medications and hydration of the skin.

Can I remove my permanent make-up if I change my mind?
Because it's easy to add color and difficult to take it away, your technician will be conservative in the initial application of your new color. Take advantage of the consultation to discuss your wants and needs. It's also a time where you and your technician choose the right colors and discuss any special requests you may have. Your cooperation will largely determine the end result of your procedures. Remember it is a team effort.

What if I want plastic or laser surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is desirable for many reasons as we age. It's best to complete your surgery before having your make-up applied. Laser surgery or resurfacing may result in color loss or darkening of your makeup depending on the laser and the colors in your skin. Advise your laser surgeon that you have permanent cosmetics so that he or she can perform a "spot test" before they proceed. If either cosmetic surgery or laser causes color loss, then it is a simple matter to have the color replaced. Your technician can explain more about complications of cosmetic tattoos.

What should I expect during the permanent make-up procedure?
Prior to the permanent make-up procedure you will receive a comprehensive consultation during which you will have the opportunity to discuss the results you wish to achieve and how permanent make-up can enhance your appearance. If there is a specific look you want, wear your make-up in the desired style of your choice or bring pictures; this will help communicate your preferences to the semi-permanent make-up artist. As an expert in the field of color analysis and makeovers, your permanent make-up artists will identify the micro-pigmentation shades that work with your hair, skin, and eye color. Using cosmetics, your permanent makeup artists will create your unique look visually so that you can approve the enhancement before the pigment inks are infused into your skin. This ensures the finished result is exactly what you want. Immediately after the infusion process your permanent make-up enhancement will display mild redness and swelling that lasts no longer than 24-72 hours. The enhancement will also appear a darker shade than the desired result for approximately 1 week.
The follow up session usually is four weeks later. This will allow your permanent makeup artist to refine the enhancement by paying particular attention to fine detail.

What can I expect after the procedure?
Colors appear darker, brighter, thicker and unnatural looking in the beginning, and then lighten up 30%-50% over the week to a more soft and natural look. In approximately 7 to 10 days, depending on the area, you may have swelling and redness anywhere from 24-72 hours. Most clients are capable to drive after eyeliner procedure, and in most cases you will look like you’ve been crying. The thicker the permanent makeup is the more swelling you may have. The first 72 hours is at the peak of reaction for eyebrows, and 24 hours for eyeliner. Depending on the intensity of the procedure and your own bodies healing ability, you may have drainage of lymph and/or blood anywhere from 24-72 hours. We will give you after care instructions to take home.

What are my aftercare instructions?
Keep the area tattooed moist with no direct water for 5 days for eyes, and 10 days for eyebrows, lips and camouflaging procedures. Lightly apply aquafor 3-4 times a day and in the evening, never allowing your tattoo to dry. If you do not follow proper aftercare or by taking the scab off without letting it sloth of naturally, it will take the color out of your skin, leaving remnants of undesirable base color. Resulting in an uneven in size and shape due to the color not staying the skin. For eyeliner procedures, you can use Aquafor or a Lubricated Eye Ointment P.M. from any eye care aisle.