Permanent Makeup in San Carlos, CA
The manual technique of permanent make-up tattooing closely matches the ancient art of tattooing. In recent years, this creative and inventive art form has penetrated the beauty industry and medical field.
Today, with technology and our ability to use this ancient art, the application of eyebrows, eyeliner, and lip color enhances your total look. The technique is done by hand, not a machine, using an etching motion which deposits color approximately .08mm below the surface of the skin. The sensation of permanent make-up tattooing can be compared to that of electrolysis or to tweezing the eyebrows. A topical agent is used to make the procedure more comfortable and for the lips a dental block is given.
Who is a candidate for permanent make-up?
People who:
- Want to save time each day
- Have sparse lashes
- Wear contact lenses
- Have visual limitations
- Are allergic to cosmetics
- Often engage in strenuous activities
- Have to look their best in the professional world
- Want to always look naturally beautiful
Services
Our Myers Cocktail ingredients are sourced from a local compounding pharmacy and contain Normal Saline, Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Gluconate, B4 (Pyridoxine), B6 (Dexpanthenol), B12 (hydroxocobalamin or methylcobalamin), B Complex, and Vitamin C.
Glutathione, Zinc, and other antioxidants/minerals/amino acids can be added to your treatment based on your individual needs and goals.
High Dose Vitamin C IV treatments are available as well.
Faqs
People who:
• Want to save time each day
• Have sparse lashes
• Wear contact lenses
• Have visual limitations
• Are allergic to cosmetics
• Often engage in strenuous activities
• Have to look their best in the professional world
• Want to always look naturally beautiful
Brows are 30 to 40 minutes and lips are 1 hour. All procedures require two appointments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. This ensures longevity and perfection.
The beauty of having it done by hand, rather than machine, is that you walk out of the office looking great. About 25% of patients experience a bit of swelling around the eyelids when they wake up in the morning following their procedure but they say it subsides within an hour or two. The brows will be about 40% darker than you wish them to be for about 5 to 7 days. After the first 24 hours, you may lighten them with powder. Due to their vascularity, your lips will be swollen for a full 24 hours, so plan your social calendar accordingly. You can reduce the swelling by applying ice around the area. With the
exception of having to put some lightening powder on the area for a few days, you will be able to return to your daily activities almost immediately.
The longevity of permanent make-up varies by the color chosen and your natural skin color. Some factors that may affect the longevity of your permanent make -up are: ultraviolet exposure from the sun or tanning beds, excessively dry skin and smoking. In order to maximize your permanent make-up you must avoid putting alpha hydroxy, retin-a or glycolic acid on the treated areas of your skin. Using sunblock on your brows, sunglasses for your eyelids and SPF protection on your lips will all greatly prolong the color. Touch up fee is $200 to $300 for the lifetime of your tattoo. Most make-up artists start charging you all over again.
Properly applied make-up has no effect on cosmetic surgery.
I can do a patch test if there is a concern that you might be allergic to the pigment; however, there has not been any reported allergic reactions to the iron oxides developed for cosmetic pigmentation. It has been found that more people have an allergic reaction to organic pigments and products due to the vegetable dyes and food allergies.
There has been quite a bit of controversy about having MRIs done after permanent make-up tattooing. The Magnetic Resonance institute of Indiana indicated that they had not experienced any problems related to imaging patients who have permanent cosmetics. According to Frank Shellock of UCLA School of Medicine, a top expert in MRI safety, only a handful of people have reported minor problems around the eyelid area and no problems have been reported around the brow or lip areas. In those rare instances when redness and edema in the eyelid area occurs, it does recede and does not cause permanent damage. It is important that the public be informed that these procedures are safe and not a contradiction to having an MRI.
Treatment Plan
-Schedule your appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event.
-Please discontinue the use of Aspirin, NSAIDS, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E or any other essential fatty acids at least 3 days to 1 week before your treatment to minimize bruising or bleeding. Please consult with your primary physician prior to discontinuing any medications.
– Arnica supplements may help decrease the risk of bruising if taken for 2-3 days before treatment (can be purchased at Whole Foods or Amazon).
– Please let your provider know if you have a history of cold sores. An antiviral may be prescribed.
-You may not have an active rash in the area being treated.
-You may not be pregnant or breastfeeding.
-Please come to your appointment makeup-free if possible.
-We will apply ice to area before and after treatment to make sure that you are comfortable.
-A very small/thin needle is used during the treatment and the injections only take a few minutes.
– Redness or sensitivity might be present (and last up to a few hours).
– Use Tylenol only as needed for any soreness.
– It can take approximately 12 weeks for results to be seen. If the desired result is not seen after 12 weeks of your treatment, you may need additional injections. You will be charged for product used at subsequent appointments.
– Sleep face up and slightly elevated. This will also help with swelling.
– Do NOT, touch, press, rub, massage or manipulate the treatment area.
– Ice the treated areas for the next 24 hours. Place the icepack on the area for 20 minutes and remove the ice pack for 20 minutes. Continue this pattern for 24 hours.
– Apply (over the counter) Arnica gel to the treatment area to help decrease the bruising, swelling and discomfort.
– Drink plenty of water and fluids after treatment.
– Avoid vigorous exercise, sun and heat exposure for 3-5 days after treatment.
– Avoid Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E or any other essential fatty acids, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDS at least 3 days to 1 week after treatment. These items may increase bleeding and bruising.
– Avoid alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods and cigarettes 24-48 hours after your treatment. These items may contribute to increased swelling or irritation.
– Avoid cosmetic treatments such as injectables, laser, ultrasound, peels, facials or micro-dermabrasion to the Kybella treatment area.
– Please report to your provider immediately if you develop an asymmetric smile or facial muscle weakness, skin ulceration in the treatment area, difficulty swallowing or if any existing symptom worsens.
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