New study by dermatologists highlights what to look for when
considering permanent makeup
ROSEMONT, Ill., June 18,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Permanent makeup, also called
cosmetic tattooing, is a popular form of tattooing that can be used
to replace or enhance a person's makeup application or help them
camouflage certain medical conditions. The popularity of this
cosmetic procedure continues to soar, with more and more
individuals opting for long-lasting cosmetic enhancements. A new
article published in the Journal of the American Academy of
Dermatology highlights the many ways that permanent makeup can
be an option for people with certain skin and hair conditions to
help restore their confidence by making their conditions less
noticeable.
Permanent makeup may be applied with the same technique as
traditional tattoos but differ in that they are primarily applied
to the face as opposed to images across the body like traditional
tattoos. While the most popular procedures include eyeliner, lip
liner, and eyebrow coloring, permanent makeup can also be used to
camouflage surgical scars, birthmarks, and alopecia (hair loss).
Nipple-areola reconstruction is also a popular procedure, usually
performed after breast cancer or breast reduction surgery.
"We often think about permanent makeup being used to enhance a
person's lips or eyebrows," said Walter
Liszewski, MD, FAAD, assistant professor of dermatology and
preventative medicine at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
and co-author of the study. "However, for people with conditions
like vitiligo or alopecia, permanent makeup can be transformative.
It can be used as a tool to restore confidence and empowers these
patients to find a sense of renewed self-assurance with cosmetic
results that current medications can't deliver."
Permanent makeup may also prove particularly useful for
individuals with arthritis, tremors, or other medical conditions
that make it difficult to apply conventional makeup.
"Before undergoing the procedure, it is important to consult
with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss the types of
results you wish to achieve and whether there may be potential
complications due to skin allergens," said Dr. Liszewski.
While permanent makeup can provide a wide array of benefits for
those suffering from skin and hair conditions, it is important to
choose the right professional in an effort to stay as safe as
possible and understand realistic results.
"What most people don't realize is that some board-certified
dermatologists offer permanent makeup," noted Dr. Liszewski. "If
your dermatologist does not offer this service, we often know of
permanent makeup artists who do good work and are able to recommend
them to patients."
Researching your options and consulting with a board-certified
dermatologist prior to any cosmetic tattooing could potentially
lessen your risk of complication.
"The most common complication of permanent makeup is being
unhappy with the results of the procedure, regretting the procedure
due to unrealistic expectations of what it might look like, and the
incorrect application of ink to the skin," said Dr. Liszewski.
"Among my patients, I have seen an increase in complications
relating to infectious and allergic reactions as the demand for
procedures have also increased during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Those who are considering or have undergone other cosmetic
procedures such as fillers or botulinum toxin injections should be
aware that these cosmetic procedures can distort the appearance of
permanent makeup. Other potential complications include bacterial
and fungal infections, blood-borne infectious diseases, and
allergic reactions to tattoo ink. In instances when the procedures
have been performed in a non-sterile environment, there have been
reports of syphilis, hepatitis B, and other infectious
diseases.
During the tattooing process, there is also the risk for
transmission of other infectious diseases, such as HIV and
hepatitis C. Additionally, the ink used in eyeliner tattoos can be
affected when undergoing an MRI, which may result in burning,
tingling, or swelling.
Some complications may be more common if proper hygiene and
aftercare are not followed.
"Since there are no uniform training or regulatory guidelines
for permanent makeup artists in the
United States and regulations can vary at state and local
levels, it is important for people to do their research before
considering the procedure," Dr. Liszewski noted. "Some states
require coursework and apprenticeships while others do not, with
formal training courses being as short as four hours and
apprenticeships lasting as long as 24 months."
Seven states (Arizona,
California, Utah, New
York, Nevada, Idaho, and Wyoming) do not have state regulations for
permanent makeup or cosmetic tattooing and defer to local county
and city health department regulations. In South Carolina, permanent makeup is regulated
by the state's medical board. Health and infection control
regulations also vary, with five states not requiring permanent
makeup artists to receive training in hygiene and blood-borne
pathogens (Idaho, North Carolina, North Dakota, West
Virginia, and Wisconsin).
Because there are no uniformed federal regulations and
requirements, the AAD recommends that people consider the following
when selecting a permanent makeup professional:
- Tattoo artists, both traditional and cosmetic, should receive
adequate training to pass written and practical examinations on
sanitation, sterilization, the anatomy of the skin, common skin
conditions and infections, universal body fluid precautions, proper
medical waste disposal, and wound care.
- Tattoo artists should record the color, manufacturer, and lot
number of pigments used in each tattoo. Adverse reactions should be
reported to the local health department and the Food and Drug
Administration.
- Tattoo facilities should be subject to initial and periodic
inspections by the state health agency and be required to obtain an
operating permit.
- Tattoo artists must use medical-grade protection gloves, employ
appropriate instrument sterilization techniques and practice
universal precautions against blood-borne infections as recommended
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Tattoo artists must provide those receiving tattoos with skin
care instructions including the signs and symptoms of complications
and where to go for medical care.
- Tattoo personnel should be required to adhere to the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations,
and particularly those related to blood-borne pathogens.
"The guidance I offer for those who choose to get permanent
makeup is to always wash their hands before they touch a healing
tattoo; only use fragrance-free products; and if signs or symptoms
of an infection occur, they should contact the artist and a
board-certified dermatologist," said Dr. Liszewski.
To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit
aad.org/findaderm.
More Information
Caring for tattooed skin
Tattoos: 7 unexpected skin reactions and what to do about them
AAD B-Roll Library
About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill.,
the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the
largest, most influential and most representative of all
dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 21,000
physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the
diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the
skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical
practice, education and research in dermatology; and supporting and
enhancing patient care because skin, hair, and nail conditions can
have a serious impact on your health and well-being. For more
information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376)
or aad.org. Follow @AADskin
on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube and
@AADskin1 on Instagram.
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SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology