These are the main questions that our clients ask us about micro-pigmentation when they come to visit us for the first time. Therefore, we provide you with all the information about it so that you can get the necessary basic knowledge before any treatment.
What is micro-pigmentation?
You have read or heard someone talking about micro-pigmentation for sure. But do you know what it is? Not really? Well, we assure you that as soon as you finish reading this article you will know everything there is to know. We are here to help you.
If we look at the word, we see how the term “micro-pigmentation” gives us some clues, since it is composed of the prefix “micro” and the concept “pigment”. So, to start, we can deduce that micro-pigmentation has something to do with small pigments…
“And what is done with those pigments?”, you can think. Well, you see, micro-pigmentation serves to make a semi-permanent makeup. That is, it is a technique that allows you to forget for a long time about your makeup to be made every day before going to work or going out for dinner or a party.
What is micro-pigmentation for?
Micro-pigmentation serves to beautify, balance, and correct facial features, especially eyebrows, lips, or eyelids. It is also used to correct damage caused by very aggressive medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, or genetic aesthetic defects. That is to say, micro-pigmentation can help you to camouflage baldness, pubic alopecia, scars, and burns, while it can help to reconstruct the mammary aureoles or to put freckles and moles. As you can see, it is a revolutionary technique that helps many women to feel better concerning their looks.
How is micro-pigmentation made?
Taking into account that micro-pigmentation is a derma pigmentation (a pigmentation of the skin), pigments are deposited in the area that one wishes to pigment with the help of a needle, only at the epidermal level.
While it is true that the process causes a certain discomfort, it is not painful at all. So do not pay attention to the urban legends that have emerged to discredit this technique. Obviously, everything depends on the sensitivity of each person and the area to micro-pigment (eyes and lips, for example, are more sensitive than eyebrows), but we guarantee that it will be the least annoying possible because one hour before the treatment we protect the areas to be treated with an anesthetic cream that will reduce the discomfort as much as possible.
Besides before even starting to apply the micro-pigment, we make a detailed study of the characteristics of our clients. First, we subject them to an allergic test, we study their face, then we select the color that best suits the skin of the person and we do a test with a non-permanent makeup. After all this, we are ready to micro pigment the chosen area with the most suitable colors.
What are the areas that can be micro-pigmented?
For aesthetic reasons, the zones to micro-pigment or to make up permanently or semi-permanently are the lips, the eyes, and the eyebrows. It is also used for the masking of moles, freckles, and scars on the face or body, in addition to capillary defects on the head. Frequently, micro-pigmentation is used to solve problems such as the optical reconstruction of mammary areolae.
Regarding the eyebrows, taking into account that they are the frame of the face, we must consider the option of micro-pigmentation as an alternative to enhance our look. This is achieved by filling micro-pigments with small gaps between hair and hair. Of course, this is carried out in a tenuous and natural way, since the objective of eyebrow micro-pigmentation is not that you notice the work done, but simply that you look much better. If the clients are 40 to 65 years old, a “lifting effect” is used when remodeling the optical structure of the eyelids by redesigning the shape of the eyebrows.
Is it true that I will look strange some days after the treatment?
This is often asked and the fact is that any change, however minimal, that affects our appearance requires a period of adaptation. In this case, in addition, we have to take into account that during the first days after treatment the micro-pigmented skin will look a little darker. But it is normal: as we are applying small particles to the skin. It has to be noticed. But as soon as that reaction period passes, the leftover pigments come off and the micro pigmented area will look perfect.
During micro-pigmentation, some inflammation of the tissues occurs as a result of the wound produced by the needle. The skin, as a response of the organism, will send to the micro-pigmented area leukocytes and macrophages. After the procedure, a crust will form that will last between 4 or 5 days. The crust makes the eyebrow color look much more intense than the desired shade. In a week approximately it will disappear.
Until the following 30 days, the process of fixing the pigment will not be completed producing a loss of color from 10% to 15% or even more in some types of skin with greater sebum secretion that eliminates more pigment.
Care and evolution of Micro-pigmentation
Between day 1 and 4 — Slight inflammation:
You can experience a slight inflammation in the treated area, especially when we perform a micro-pigmentation treatment on the lips or eyes since the skin in these areas is very fine and delicate. This is a common occurrence and is due to the invasion caused by the pigments in the skin since they are substances introduced into the human body. Throughout this period you should apply the healing cream at least 5 times a day and in a short time, you will see how the inflammation subsides. Also, we strongly recommend you not touching the area to avoid possible infections.
Care period during the 1st day and until 7th till 10th day after treatment:
During these days it is important to follow some guidelines so that the healing process and the result of the treatment become optimal:
- Apply the healing cream 5 times a day with the help of a swab
- Not to expose to sun radiation
- Do not bath on the beach or pool
- Avoid saunas
- Avoid practicing sports not to lose color through sweating
- Do not make up the area that has been micro-pigmented
Cicatrization period during the 7th until the 15th day after treatment:
The healing time can vary between 7 and 15 days depending on the person. At this time an increase in pigmentation is experienced and a micro crust is created. This is usually because the color undergoes different variations before finally stabilizing.
Although micro-pigmentation is a technique that is applied very superficially it also produces a small opening in our skin. This causes a light protective layer to form over the lesion. It is important not to alter the natural healing cycle by removing that skin or you could modify the result. You have to continue applying the specific cream a minimum of 5 times a day to reduce the sensation of itching or tightness in the area.
Partial repair period during the 15th until the 21st day after treatment:
It is common to observe a drastic reduction in color during the partial repair phase. This is due to the renewal of the collagen in the skin because the small pigment grains that remained scattered in the most superficial area have been detached due to cell renewal.
Total repair period during the 21st until the 40th day after treatment:
This stage comes when the pigment has just been fixed in the treated area and mixed with the skin’s own collagen. The treatment is finished and you can already perceive the real result.
Frequently asked questions about micro-pigmentation
Are the pigments safe? Can they cause any type of allergy?
They are totally compatible with the organism, but before the treatment, a tolerance test is carried out on the patient with the pigment that is going to be implanted later to make sure that there is no possibility of suffering from any allergy.
Is micro-pigmentation permanent? How long does it last?
Micro-pigmentation is also known as permanent makeup but it does not mean that since it has been done once it lasts forever. It is not a tattoo if it is what you think about it. Micro-pigmentation has a limited duration and requires certain adjustments. Generally, micro-pigmentation remains intact for 2 to 5 years. It always depends on the technique used, the pigment, the age, and the skin type of the patient. On the aged and dry skin it usually lasts for 4 to 5 years, and on the young skin for 2 to 3 years. It also depends on the used tones as the dark tones disappear in a longer time, however, the color gradually loses its intensity while the time passes due to the cell renewal.
Generally, we recommend making the revisions in less than two years to make an evaluation. So we can see the state of the pigments and, if they are too light, we can retouch them and make new applications to return intensity to the color, in this case, the retouching will be made in one session.
What is the difference between it and the tattoo?
The biggest difference between tattooing and micro-pigmentation is the depth of pigment insertion. Micro-pigmentation is applied in the most superficial layer of the skin, on the epidermis, while the tattoo reaches the dermis. Besides the pigments used for the micro-pigmentation are different with more natural colors, the technique is different, the equipment is heavier, etc. That is why the tattoo is permanent and micro-pigmentation is not.
Does micro-pigmentation replace usual makeup?
It does not replace conventional makeup but it does help the person who makes it look fine and natural throughout the day without using any other product. In addition, the colors we use in micro-pigmentation are very discreet that facilitates the makeup.
Does it require any kind of maintenance?
No. But it is recommended as mentioned above to revise 12 months after the treatment, micro-pigmentation does not require specific maintenance. However, it helps to prolong the effect of the treatment by applying the sunscreen cream before an intense and/or prolonged sunbeam exposure.
Who is micro-pigmentation indicated for?
It can be done to any person, depending on its purpose:
Embellishing purpose: for men and women who want to give more expressiveness and balance to their face mostly to the lips, eyebrows, or eyeliner.
Corrective purpose: it is the most rewarding part of micro-pigmentation since you can make areola zone reconstructions after a mastectomy, disguise the periareolar scars after a breast augmentation or reduction, darken or enlarge areola zones, etc.
Does micro-pigmentation hurt?
In general, micro-pigmentation does not hurt. It is possible that during the procedure you will notice some uncomfortable or annoying feeling. Although it depends mostly on the degree of sensitivity of the person, these sensations are bearable and are considered to be normal, because you should remember that it is dealt with a treatment with a certain invasive nature.
Are there any risks to my health?
Before the treatment, the micro-pigmentation technician will ask you a series of questions in order to verify if you are eligible to receive the treatment. Your answers will be registered in the document known as the Technical File. Most of these issues are related to the limitations due to certain contraindicated diseases (HIV, hepatitis, chiasm, etc.). You should answer them honestly, and the treatment will be applied to you only if your health conditions permit it. Otherwise, the treatment cannot be applied.
Besides the professional will inform you both orally and in writing of the care and precautions to be followed after the service. By signing the Informed Consent document you will confirm that you have understood this information.
Finally, the Allergy Test will be performed, which will determine with total certainty if the pigments to be implanted could cause any type of allergy in your body. Although we use the inorganic pigments with hypoallergenic properties, it will be necessary to verify that there is no negative interaction. Your safety comes first.
With all these conditions we will be able to guarantee you that there is no risk to your health.
How many sessions are needed?
The treatment is carried out in two sessions:
- During the first one, all necessary explanations are to be given, the choice of color is to be made, and the treatment is to be carried out.
- In the second session, the color and the shape are to be controlled. A small review is made in the areas where the pigment has not been completely fixed. It offers the possibility of darkening the color in case it is necessary.
How is the micro-pigmentation removed?
The pigments are removed naturally through our immune system. It should be taken into consideration that the color suppression is neither sudden nor uniform.
In the remote case, if the client decides to eliminate micro-pigmentation immediately, it would be necessary to appeal for specialized treatment. In this case, you can contact us for more information.
Is micro-pigmentation expensive?
Permanent makeup means a daily saving of time and money. The average price ranges at €150. If we divide this sum into the usual number of days the treatment lasts (720 approx.), the result is lower than €0.20/day. Moreover, taking into account savings in money and time in your daily makeup, its resulting cost is practically zero. In addition, there is no treatment maintenance. It does not require any special care.
Remember that we offer very competitive rates without sacrificing quality a bit.
