- Is it expensive? [+]Not if you look at the long-term cost and effect. When you consider how much money you spend each year on cosmetics and compare that with the convenience of not having to apply makeup every morning, it’s worth every penny. For about the same cost as some Botox or filler, which may last only 3-4 months, you will get permanent makeup that lasts for years and saves you time every day. However, the truth is that most people do not choose permanent makeup to save money. They do it for convenience and to know that they will always look their best.
- Does it hurt? [+]A topical anesthesia is used if needed to help numb the areas to be treated. This helps to alleviate any minor discomfort you may experience during the procedure.
- How long does a procedure typically take? [+]In general, each individual new procedure is one and a half to two hours. The majority of the time is spent in selecting the appropriate color for your skin and in measuring and artistically drawing on the planned procedure prior to implanting color.
- Can I get eyeliner, lips, and eyebrows all done at once? [+]Yes, a full face procedure will take 4-5 hours. In fact, one advantage is that your aftercare for all the areas is all done at once.
- Is permanent makeup a tattoo? [+]It is a form of tattoo, although different techniques and pigments are used.
- Are the procedures safe? [+]Yes. Everything that comes into contact with a client is disposed of immediately following a procedure. New, pre-packaged and sterilized instruments are used on every client. This insures everyone's safety.
- Are there other health concerns? [+]Cold sores (HSV-1) may be set off by the lip procedure, in which case anti-viral medication (Acyclovir) should be taken 3 days in advance. Diabetics may have slower healing times.
- How will I look immediately afterwards? [+]You may experience minor swelling and redness on procedure day. You may resume normal activities immediately except that you will be advised to wear no makeup in and around the procedure for about one week. There is some minor redness, healing and peeling during the first week.
- When will I see the final result? [+]At first the makeup will appear too dark and thick. The final result will not "appear" for about 1-3 weeks. Then, at around four weeks, you will have a follow-up visit to review the results. If you find that you would like to have more color or shape changes, I can do that for you at this time.
- Is it really permanent? How long does it last? [+]All color fades and that is just a fact. The color a hairstylist uses for highlights fades, the paint on our cars fade, even the industrial paint used on our homes fades over time. Everything has a life span, therefore, nothing lasts forever. The expensive fillers millions of people are using like Botox, Restylane, and Juvederm, although wonderful at getting rid of lines and creases, wears off and must be re-applied every three to six months on average. You even see your manicurist every two to four weeks. Everything fades or degrades with time. Permanent makeup, on the other hand, lasts longer than most other beauty/cosmetic procedures. Permanent makeup will last years for some and others will need to refresh their color annually. It is my experience that although some will need to refresh their color annually it will last much longer for most. All permanent makeup fades due to the natural exfoliation process of the epidermis continually shedding and regenerating itself. Permanent makeup will last longer for some and not as long for others due to lifestyle, health, and skin type. Some contributing factors that will accelerate fading are: sun exposure, using products that promote cell regeneration (Retin-A, Renova, Glycolics and Alpha Hydroxy Acids), extra oily skin which regenerates more rapidly, unhealthy skin, medications, and smoking.
- Why do I need a touch-up appointment? [+]Your optional, complimentary touch up is for peace of mind. It allows the freedom to add more, change the color and/or shape, and to come back for any reason you or I feel necessary.
- I am planning a cosmetic facial procedure. Should I wait until after that for my permanent makeup? [+]People planning injection procedures, face lift, or other facial procedures need to allow adequate healing time but otherwise should not have a conflict.
- Can I have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) after having permanent makeup? [+]Much of the ignorance surrounding this issue stems from an infamous "Dear Abby" letter written in the 80's warning clients not to have permanent makeup if planning on having an MRI.
There have indeed been a very small number of reported cases of discomfort around the eyes from those wearing permanent makeup while undergoing an MRI. Since many brands of permanent makeup pigment are iron oxide based, it was long assumed that the iron particles in the pigment were to blame. However, test studies have confirmed that the iron particles in pigment were too microscopic to react as true metals. Moreover, the iron oxide found in pigments is more accurately compared to "metals" which already exist microscopically in the human body.
According to Dr. Frank Shellock of Tower Imaging in Los Angeles, a top expert in MRI safety, only a handful of people have reported minor problems around the eye area. In those rare instances when redness and edema in the eye area occurred, it did not cause any permanent damage. Refer to www.mrisafety.com for more information.
My speculation is that the problem does not lie in the iron oxide based pigments but rather in the misalignment of a particular practitioners permanent makeup machine. A tattoo machine that is not in proper alignment is quite capable of producing metal shavings as a result of metal grinding on metal. These shavings are then deposited in the open skin as the needle places the pigment.
- I am nervous about the fact that it is permanent. How can I know what to expect before I have it done? [+]I can use a makeup pencil or brush to draw on your brow shape, eyeliner, or lips in advance for your approval. Less is always more: I am always cautious to keep on the side of light and natural, we can always fine tune shape and/or add more color later during your follow-up visit.
- Can you give me some more information on pigments (colors)? [+]A. Pigments are usually comprised of oxides or lakes, alcohol and distilled or sterile water.
Dyes - Chemical compounds that exhibit their coloring powder strength when dissolved in a solvent.
Pigments - Insoluble colored materials which color by dispersion. Example: An FD&C Lake is a pigment.
Lakes - Are pigments formed by precipitation and absorption of a dye on an insoluble (alumina hydrate) or substrate. The FDA describes Lakes as: “Extensions on a substratum of alumina, of a salt prepared from one of the water soluble straight colors by combing such color with the basic radical aluminum or calcium.” - Can I have lip liner only and not color the lips themselves? [+]Absolutely. Lip liner by itself can look amazing. Another option is to have the lip liner and lip fill-in color be the same.
- Are you licensed? [+]Yes. I am licensed/permitted with both the Oregon Health Licensing Agency and the City of Portland Business Licensing. My room is also approved and permitted by Oregon Health Licensing Agency. I am subject to unannounced inspections by OHLA and I take great pride in having received an A on every inspection dating back to the inception of Erik Berntsen at Studio One.
I also have achieved numerous certificates in blood born pathogens and cross-contamination prevention, as well as artistry, technique, color and design.
I am also a member in good standing of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP). The SPCP is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting safety, excellence, and professional standards by providing education, certification, and industry guidelines. As a member I have hours of training and certifications that must be met yearly.
Please note: As of June 1, 2010 Washington State requires licensing for permanent cosmetics, but there is no established coursework or training required. In other words, anyone can apply for a license regardless of experience. California does not require licensing in permanent cosmetics. - Do you do corrective work? [+]Yes. Unfortunately, approximately 35% of my work is corrections. This is why it is so important to choose a talented, skilled, and experienced artist. Permanent makeup should go on beautifully the first time, every time. No exceptions, no excuses. I have trained diligently under the masters of corrective work and have gained the knowledge and experience needed to correct any color and shape. If you have had permanent makeup in the past that you are now dissatisfied with, please call me for a free consultation.