Semi-permanent make-up is a kind of cosmetic tattooing. We implant coloured pigment into the skin using a sterile needle, creating a look that’ll last for several years. It is suitable if you’d like more permanent definition in areas like the eyebrows and lips. It is also used to disguise self-inflicted scars, and to create the appearance of a nipple following breast reconstruction surgery.
We perform a patch test to check you don’t have an allergic reaction to the type of pigment being used, usually 48 hours before treatment. At the same time we’ll discuss everything during your comprehensive consultation, and we’ll choose the perfect colour match together.
On the day of your treatment we’ll apply a local anaesthetic to work on your skin for a couple of minutes before introducing the pigment. You’ll need a second visit approximately four to six weeks later to perfect make-up and boost the colour, but if we’re treating scars or need to create a very natural pigment, it’ll take multiple visits. We’ll talk this through with you during your initial assessment.
Eyebrows – This can involve adding colour and definition to the eyebrows as well as adding hair stroke effects for natural-looking results.
Eyeliner – We apply basic eyeliner to form thin line or create a thicker, more defined look. However we don’t tattoo flicks or tails because fashions change, and a flick might leave you looking very out of date when the trend dies down.
Lip liner – We use this to help define the natural contours of the lips and help reduce the appearance of fine lines around your lips.
We can use semi-permanent natural pigment make-up on any area of the body. It’s used to reconstruct the areola and nipple, to camouflage scars, stretch marks and burns, to disguise the hair loss caused by alopecia, and more. If you’re not sure it’s suitable for your purposes, please feel free to contact us and we’ll be pleased to advise you.
After your procedure the treated area will be darker and the colour more intense. This will last approximately three to five days then the area naturally exfoliates, the old skin disappears, and the new skin underneath reveals the true colour. You may see some swelling but it usually disappears within 24 hours. You can wear mineral based make-up to help reduce any redness, and numb the area with a topical numbing cream to control minor discomfort.
During the initial healing phase, which lasts approximately one week, it’s wise to wear a waterproof broad spectrum sunblock to prevent the sun from fading the colour.
