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Frequently Asked Questions About Micropigmentation

Am I candidate for micropigmentation?
What is micropigmentation?
When is micropigmentation usually performed?
What does a typical micropigmentation consultation entail?
How is micropigmentation performed?
What should I expect after micropigmentation?
Does micropigmentation hurt?
Will micropigmentation cover my hypopigmentations or scars?
Is there a lot of swelling involved with micropigmentation?
When can I return to work?
When will I be able to see the results?
What are the risks of micropigmentation?
Is there maintenance with micropigmentation?

1. Am I a candidate for micropigmentation?

If you are active and want to look your best 24 hours a day, if you are elderly or have poor vision and want to free yourself of the time it takes you to apply make-up every day, if you have hair loss that has affected your eyebrows or eyelashes, and if you have no history of keloid scarring in your family, you may be a candidate for micropigmentation.

2. What is micropigmentation?

Micropigmentation is also known as dermagraphics, permanent cosmetics or make up, cosmetic tattooing and transdermal pigment implantation. It is the enhancement of the face or repigmentation of hypopigmented areas of the skin with nonreactive natural pigments that are implanted into the very first layers of the skin with a tattoo gun or pen. These pigments can be very natural looking; they are also available in basic cosmetic and trendier colors. Micropigmentation can be done to create permanent eyeliner, eyebrows, and color the lips. Permanent eye shadow and cheek color can also be done. It is also done to repair a scar to the lips that has caused a pale spot or a break in the lip edge.

3. When is micropigmentation usually performed?

Almost any time, but you must be at least 18 years of age (in most states) to get any kind of tattoo.

4. What does a typical micropigmentation consultation entail?

First you must find a good technician to apply your dermagraphics, so look at lots of portfolio photos of the technician’s work and check for credentials and experience. Also check the work environment for cleanliness. This procedure is slightly invasive and you should inspect the technician’s general area for cleanliness, as well as for the presence of an autoclave for sterilizing equipment.

5. How is micropigmentation performed?

Prior the tattoo, the area is then swabbed with alcohol or sprayed with an antiseptic solution. He or she then transfers your desired design onto your skin. Some technicians may draw it on with a pen. You are asked to verify its placement and position. All tattoos are applied by using a small electric device with a needle bar that holds from one to 14 needles to implant colored pigments. The needle bar moves up and down really fast, forcing the needles into the epidermis and dermis of the skin, implanting the pigment. A single needle (sometimes a microneedle) is used to make a very fine, delicate line. A row of needles (from 4 up to 36) is used for shading and denser fill-in work. Excess pigment, blood, and other bodily fluids ooze out from tattoo and the technician wipes them off repeatedly with an absorbent disposable towel to see what he or she is doing. The level of pain depends on the individual and the tattoo site. Cosmetic tattooing can be completed per area in about an hour and a half. If you are having more than one area it may take a few hours or maybe another sitting.

6. What should I expect after micropigmentation?

When the technician is done, the tattoo is sprayed with water and antiseptic and wiped off. A layer of antibiotic ointment is applied over the tattoo. You will be told to wash it no more than twice a day with mild soap and water and apply hand cream or antibiotic ointment as needed. It takes about a week for a tattoo to heal. Until then, you should not apply cosmetics over the area and no peroxide, which could bleach the ink away. Do not peel the area, either. If it flakes, let it. Otherwise you will pull pigment right out of the tattoo, resulting in splotchiness. Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. If you do, the pigments may fade. Use sunscreen like it's going out of style.

7. Does micropigmentation hurt?

Different areas of the body are more sensitive than others, including the eye and lip area. Micropigmentation in those spots will be somewhat more uncomfortable than in an area with thicker skin. Many technicians offer some type of anesthetic, usually a topical cream or gel.

8. Will micropigmentation cover my hypopigmentations or scars?

It is very likely. Inks in flesh tones have significant camouflaging capabilities. However, you should find a technician who specializes in this more advanced procedure. Ask a plastic surgeon or their staff for a referral.

9. Is there a lot of swelling involved with a micropigmentation?

Any swelling is hardly worth mentioning. If you have extensive work – say, for example, coverage of a large area of hypopigmentation – there may be some swelling, but its generally negligible.

10. When can I return to work?

You can return to work immediately, although there will be redness that is apparent. The treated area will also be scabby for at least a week.

11. When will I be able to see the results?

Results are immediate, although the full result won't be seen for about 3 weeks. The color will have faded to the color you chose and the scabs will be almost completely gone by then.

12. What are the risks of micropigmentation?

The risks are few. Technician error is one, which could lead to dissatisfaction on your part. Infection is also a possibility, as is line asymmetry and a possible allergic reaction to the pigments.

13. Is there maintenance with micropigmentation?

Touch ups may be needed, although they are usually not as painful or tedious as the first application.