When
the word “tattoos” is brought up, many people think of ink images on the body. Perhaps
a butterfly tramp stamp comes to mind, a koi fish on the leg, or even a script
on the ribs. However, there is another kind of tattoo that is more subtle and
is growing in popularity. It is known as cosmetic tattoo or permanent make-up.
Permanent make-up is applied like a regular tattoo, and like regular tattoos, it
has its benefits and risks.
Getting a permanent make-up is much
like getting a regular tattoo in that a needle is used to penetrate the skin
and release the ink. Although, before the permanent make-up is applied, a patch
test is done on the skin of the customer to make sure that he or she is not
allergic to the ink being used. A sterile surgical pen is then used to outline
the area that will be tattooed before anesthetic gel is applied to the skin to
decrease the pain. Using a vibrating needle, the technician will apply the
pigment into the top layer of the skin; each time the needle penetrates the
skin, a droplet of pigment is released into the hole the needle makes (Permanent Makeup Information). In the beginning, the tattoo will be dark and shiny, while the
surrounding skin will be swollen and red. But after about three weeks, the skin
should settle and the color will fade to its permanent shade.
Cosmetic tattoo include tattooing
over scars; permanent eyeliner, eyebrows, and lipstick; and lip shading. It
could also be used for “areola restoration and 3D nipple tattooing following
breast cancer or breast augmentation surgeries” (Cosmetic Tattooing). Because
of these, there are benefits like defining and enhancing natural features, less
time getting ready in the morning, and even saving money not having to buy new
make-up every month. Permanent make-up is a great alternative for someone who’s
allergic to make-up. It is also a terrific solution for someone with poor
eyesight, arthritis, shaky hands, or any other kind of disability making it
hard to apply make-up on a daily basis.
Cosmetic tattoo or Permanent make-up
seems like a great idea but it also have some downsides. Permanent make-up
leaves no room for experimenting with other colors and it’s possible that the
person may not like it ten years later. There is also a risk of getting an
infection or an allergic reaction to the pigments used- “During 2003 and 2004,
the FDA became aware of more than 150 reports of adverse reactions in consumers
to certain permanent make-up ink shades” (Cosmetics). This could be
avoided by first testing the ink on a small patch of skin to see if there will
be any allergic reactions and making sure that the artist is licensed and uses
sterile equipment.
Being a girl who takes a long time
to get ready and buys make-up on the regular, I find the idea of permanent
make-up intriguing. But being someone who likes to change things up every now
and then, I’m not sure if I can commit to permanent make-up. One thing is for
sure though, if somewhere down the road I do decide to do it, I’ll be sure to
do more research and go to a licensed professional.
I think one of the biggest issues with permanent makeup is that styles and makeup change with time. I was looking at photos of myself recently when I was in college back in the early 90s (20 years ago!) and I as we would all notice, styles of clothing and hair and makeup change. Anyone who decides to do permanent makeup must determine that they like the style of their eyebrows and eyeliner (and possibly lip liner, too) for how long? forever? I know some people do get the procedure, but that seems a bit like saying you'll never change your hairstyle--ever.
ReplyDeleteBut we know people like that, don't we?
Engaging post--great opeing, nice citations and pacing throughout. You're really doing a bang-up job here!