San Diego Micropigmentation FAQ
What is micropigmentation?
At Moradi M.D. in San Diego, micropigmentation is also known as "permanent makeup." In this process, color is put into your deep skin layer (the dermis) to allow you to have permanent coloration of the places where you normally apply makeup. Although the outer layer of your skin wears off, the dermis remains, and the color along with it.
What are the advantages of micropigmentation?
Micropigmentation has many advantages that have made it an increasingly popular option:
- Time saving vs. applying makeup every day
- Makeup that won't smear or wear away
- Professionally-applied makeup every day
- A good option for people with makeup allergies or sensitive skin
- Helps people with difficulty applying makeup
- Is in place first thing in the morning, so you can wake up looking great
For anyone seeking time-saving convenience without sacrificing appearance, micropigmentation is a great option.
Is micropigmentation a tattoo?
Micropigmentation is very similar to a tattoo in its technique, but it is a completely different philosophy and result. Whereas tattoos are designed to call attention to themselves, micropigmentation's goal is to be subtle, to mimic a natural, everyday appearance. Lip coloration, blush, eyeliner, and eyebrow procedures are all available, and all of them are designed to give you the appearance of having slightly rosier lips and cheeks, slightly darker, better defined eyebrows, and subtle lines around the eyes.
Tattoos are painful. Is micropigmentation painful?
Many people who get tattoos think that the pain is an important part of the procedure, but this is another area where micropigmentation is very different. In micropigmentation, a local anesthetic is utilized to prevent discomfort.
If I have micropigmentation, will I never need to apply makeup?
Because it is permanent, micropigmentation is intentionally applied in a conservative fashion, representing only the makeup that you know you will want every day. If you are going out to a special occasion, such as a wedding or even a night on the town, you may want to apply more makeup. But your daily routine of "putting on your face" will be a thing of the past.
How permanent is micropigmentation?
Very. In deciding on the level of micropigmentation you desire, make sure to take its permanence into account. Be conservative, because you can always add more makeup. On the other hand, the goal of being makeup-free in the morning is destroyed if you don't get enough. Sometimes, subtler shades can diminish with age, and you may wish to have them refreshed. With a thorough consultation, you can make sure that you are happy with the permanence of your micropigmentation and never have occasion to want to remove it.
Why not go to a tattoo parlor for my micropigmentation?
As we discussed above, the philosophy of tattoos and micropigmentation are very different. Tattoo artists are very good at making exciting, dramatic designs, but may not have experience with the kind of subtle techniques and colors desirable in micropigmentation. In addition, they may not have experience working on the areas where micropigmentation is performed, the eyelid. We have over 25 years experience working with micropigmentation and will be happy to share our excellent results.
How long is the recovery period for micropigmentation?
The permanent makeup recovery period is very short. you do not need to take any time off for micropigmentation. You will have some minor discomfort and swelling for several minutes or hours depending on the treated area. The most sensitive areas are the eyelids, whereas the eyebrows are the least and will have the least amount of swelling. You may experience light sensitivity following eyeliner application.
Are there any complications associated with micropigmentation?
Other than a small chance of infection, there are no commonly-reported complications of the procedure.
Will micropigmentation interfere with other cosmetic procedures?
In general, most cosmetic procedures harmonize nicely with micropigmentation. A Brow Lift and eyelid surgery both complement micropigmentation. Some procedures can be affected negatively however. In addition, laser treatments and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment can both damage permanent makeup and permanent makeup can make these procedures more painful, so you should make sure and let us know if you have had micropigmentation before we perform these other procedures.
Will micropigmentation interfere with medical procedures?
Some people report tingling, redness, and swelling in the area of the micropigmentation following an MRI. Let your doctor know before your MRI that you have permanent makeup, and they will take appropriate precautions.
To learn more about the benefits of micropigmentation, please contact our San Diego Cosmetic Surgery Office today for a free micro-pigmentation consultation with Dr. Moradi or Dr. Antle. At this appointment, you can tour our office, meet our cosmetic surgery staff, and see before and after cosmetic surgery patient photos.
