Perfecting The Art of Permanent Makeup
The process of placing pigment under the skin varies according to what area is to be covered. At MPi Clinic we like to see our clients, on average, two to three times before we feel that a procedure is completed. The visits are spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart so that the tissue has time to heal and we are able to see how the underlying pigment looks. Since pigment is being placed under the skin, it is required by law to be called ‘permanent’. However, ALL pigments do fade in time. The amount of time depends on color used, exposure to elements, and body chemistry. Have you ever seen an aging sailor with a woman tattooed on his forearm? That woman used to be bright, colorful and bold but over time she has faded into a blue-green outline. The soft, natural pigments used on the face will tend to fade faster than the bright, bold colors used on the rest of the body. At MPi Clinic we understand and expect that this will happen so we offer ‘touch-up’ procedures at a fraction of the cost of the original procedure. Once a client receives an initial procedure at MPi Clinic, they are able to return for a ‘touch-up’ at any time, whether it’s one year or five years after their original procedure.
Permanent Eyebrows are our most popular procedure. Eyebrows frame the face, provide expression and define the eyes. Laura Rappoport specializes in FeatherStroke™ Brows, a technique available exclusively at MPi Clinic. FeatherStroke™ Brows are soft, subtle and natural looking. The initial visit is relatively long and much time is spent hand-drawing a pattern for the brows before any permanent mark is made. This is the most important part of the procedure. The client is involved in this process and the pigment is not placed until the client is satisfied with the pattern. The client is also involved in the color selection process and is guided through this step by our experienced artists. The second visit is much less time intensive and involves filling any small gaps that may appear between the hair-like strokes. At this time a second color may be used to add dimension to the brows. The third visit is frequently for final photographs, but may also entail adding a stroke or two to the brows if necessary.
Permanent Eyeliner is also a very popular procedure. The topical anesthetic that we use is very effective for most people. The color and thickness of the line is entirely up to the client. Dark Brown and black are the most common colors chosen and a more natural looking line is usually preferred. It is not recommended to extend the line out past the eyelid as that can tend to look unusual as the aging process pulls the areas around the eyes downward. Again, this is a multi-step process and includes up to three visits.
Permanent Lip liner and Permanent Lipstick are a wonderful way to bring out the lips and add the appearance of fullness to thin lips. The color choices are abundant and clients are asked to bring in their favorite lip color so that the desired shade can be matched as closely as possible. With a registered nurse performing ALL procedures, MPi Clinic is able to offer anesthetic that numbs the lips completely. This is something that salons and day spas cannot offer and makes the procedure utterly painless.
Permanent makeup aftercare involves application of a healing ointment twice a day for 5 days. This ointment is provided after each procedure and helps keep the treated area from becoming too dry or "crusty". There are no restrictions regarding bathing, washing or shampooing, just no scrubbing over the treated area. In most cases, the superficial scabs or flakes will have all sloughed off after about 5 days.