FAQ
What exactly is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup is a state-of-the-art form of cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as micro-pigmentation. The cosmetic implantation technique deposits previously mixed pigment into the dermal layer of the skin using a tattooing technique.
How are Permanent Makeup procedures done?
There exists on the market various machines and methods, including the traditional coil machines, the rotary machine, and the bamboo stick and needle technique. At Nectar, we exclusively use computerized-digital equipment which is by far the most sophisticated Permanent Makeup delivery system available, as well as the most precise, known as Nouveau Contour. A sterile needle located at the working end of the pen-style handle is used to draw on the skin surface leaving previously mixed tattoo pigment behind.
Who can benefit from Permanent Makeup?
- Adult women/men, who wish to enhance their existing facial features.
- Visually impaired people who have difficulty seeing up close without their glasses.
- Women who want to look their best at all times.
- Women who don’t usually wear makeup for various reasons such as “never could apply it correctly” or “can’t be bothered with applying it “.
- Men who want to have a natural subtle look without looking “made-up”.
- Mothers and other busy professionals who don’t have time to apply makeup.
- People with allergies or sensitivities to over the counter cosmetics.
- Physically active people who want to look their best throughout activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, or aerobics without worrying about “sweating it off”.
- People with motor impairments, including those with arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke victims, and those with unsteady hands etc…
- Media workers, entertainers, actresses, and models.
- Alopecia areata or alopecia universalis sufferers who have lost some or all of their facial hair, including eyebrows and/or eyelashes.
- Post-surgical/injury patients, including those seeking repigmentation ofthe areola-nipple complex after reconstructive surgery, camouflaging of scars from burns, surgery, accidents or injuries.
- Chemotherapy recipients with full or partial hair loss.
What types of Permanent Makeup enhancements can be done?
- Eyebrows
- Eyeliner, upper and lower
- Lip Contour
- Lip Shading
- Scar camouflage
- Areola-Nipple complex repigmentation
- Beauty marks
How long does Permanent Makeup last?
Technically, Permanent Cosmetic Procedures are considered permanent because the colored pigment is implanted into the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo, fading can and will occur, requiring periodic touch-ups As a rule, count on it lasting approximately 6-7 years.
How much does Permanent Makeup cost?
The average cost per procedure is competitive with the other Permanent Makeup businesses in the Ottawa region. Remember, this is your face! The cost of the procedure should not be the most important issue when consulting a potential Permanent Makeup Artist or Micro-Pigmentologist. Most important is the training and skill of the person performing the procedure.
How long does each procedure take?
The initial procedure will generally take approximately 2-2.5 hours. The 6 week touch-up procedure (if required) takes considerably less time.
What if I don't like it?
Although the procedure is considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing color and shape to some extent, depending on the expertise of your technician. Remember that, initially the color will appear darker immediately following the procedure, but will soften and lighten during the healing process, which takes approximately a week or longer; the healing time is different for each individual and for different procedures. That is because initially the pigment sits on top of the skin as well as through the skin. After one week or so, you will only see the color that is through the skin. It can take up to 6 weeks for the final color to stabilize.
Is Permanent Makeup painful?
Permanent Makeup Procedures are of a skin-invasive nature (as they are a form of tattoo) and therefore you may experience some discomfort. This varies according to each individual’s pain threshold and the skills of the technician performing the service. However, keep in mind that there are different methods available to help with pain management, including various topical anesthetic agents.
What should I expect when I arrive for my Permanent Makeup consultation appointment?
Although a telephone consultation can answer most of your questions and concerns, some may wish to meet me in person first. Time wise, expect that it will take approximately 30 minutes. During this preliminary assessment appointment, you will be asked to complete a medical history form and a consent form. A discussion will follow to establish accurately what you expect from a Permanent Makeup procedure. Your concerns and questions such as shape, color, after-care, anesthetics, and fee, will be addressed at this time. Then we will determine the perfect color. In Canada, the pigments used are made up of ingredients which are approved by FDA and Health Canada. Once the perfect color formula is achieved it will be subsequently recorded in your chart for future touch-ups. Lastly, a sensitivity test will be performed to ensure that you do not experience any allergic reaction to the pigments.
Could I have an allergic reaction?
Documented allergic reactions to permanent makeup procedures are extremely rare. Skin testing may be done by the technician, either routinely or upon request. Regardless, it should be understood that an allergic reaction could occur at any time.
Is Permanent Makeup safe?
As previously mentioned, Micro-Pigmentation is a skin-invasive procedure. It is a tattoo, and it is your right to be informed. Health Canada has set standards for a clean and sanitary working environment and sterile equipment. Things to look for:
- Most Important: Needles used should be new and sterile for each procedure and disposed of properly after each patient.
- Gloves should be used for each client and changed during the procedure when needed.
If you have any doubts regarding your medical history, you should consult your family physician prior to doing this.
How do I choose a Permanent Makeup artist?
Firstly, one must choose a technician carefully by considering her/his training,skills and experience. At Nectar, we believe that there be an open frank communication between the client and the technician at all stages of the procedure, that is from the time of consultation, throughout the actual procedure as well as at the touch-up appointment. Listen to your body’s response while in her presence…are you at ease, are you comfortable , or do you feel a sense of restlessness or doubt? Request to see her portfolio and if you have any doubt, request references of her/his previous work.