Are you tired of getting up every morning and putting on make-up? Have you ever wondered how great it would be to have beautiful eyebrows and lips that would never fade even if you sweat or get wet in the rain? Then you have probably heard of 'permanent makeup'. In medical terms, we call this method Micropigmentation. This is a topic that is being discussed by many people in our country. So let's learn everything about it today.
Simply put, what is Micropigmentation?
Micropigmentation is, strictly speaking, a cosmetic tattooing technique. It involves inserting a special pigment into your skin to enhance your skin tone, restore lost color, or even enhance certain areas.
This is most commonly used on the face. For example:
- Make your eyebrows beautiful and full.
- Make it look like you have a lot of eyelashes .
- Wear it around your eyes permanently , like eyeliner .
- Give your lips a beautiful color and shape.
Also, this method is used not only on the face, but also to cover scars on other parts of the body, to even out skin discoloration, or to restore skin color lost due to certain medical conditions.
Who is this really suitable for?
Micropigmentation is actually something that can be done by both women and men. It is done for various reasons. Let's take a look at what they are.
For those who have difficulty applying make-up
Some people have difficulty applying makeup on their own due to various health issues. Imagine how difficult it would be to apply eyeliner if your hands were shaking? This could be a good solution for those people.
- People with conditions that cause hand tremors, for example , severe arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease .
- For those with poor eyesight, for example due to conditions such as cataracts or macular degeneration .
As a solution to some diseases
Sometimes this is more of a medical necessity than a cosmetic one.
- While recovering from facial reconstructive surgery.
- If your eyebrows are thinning due to aging or another medical condition, get them reshaped.
- Restore color to areas of skin that have lost color due to a condition called vitiligo .
- Recreate the dark area around the nipple ( areola ) after breast surgery.
- As a permanent solution for those who are allergic to regular, temporary make-up.
Purely due to personal preference
Many people do this for their own pleasure and to look beautiful, without any of the above reasons.
- Because I'm too lazy to put on make-up every day.
- Get fuller, more defined eyebrows or eyelashes.
- Give your lips a more defined shape or a darker color.
- If you have blemishes, use these pigments to make them less visible.
A special note to young people: If you are young, you should think very carefully before making such a permanent decision. Because a fashion trend that is "hot" today may be outdated tomorrow. Also, as we age, our facial features change. So think carefully before making a decision that you will regret later.
How is this Micropigmentation done?
This is not a major surgery. It is usually performed in an office setting by a qualified physician.
First, a topical anesthetic is applied to the area to numb it, so you won't feel much pain.
Then, using a pen-like device or a regular tattoo gun, a very fine needle is used to inject the iron oxide pigment into the middle layer of your skin, the dermis , a few millimeters deep. The specialist who does this will definitely wear medical gloves.
Depending on the complexity of what is being done, this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. After the treatment, you will be given an antiseptic to keep the area clean and an ointment to keep the skin soft and help it heal.
What are the risks? Is it really safe?
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved, which is why it's important to have it done by a qualified, experienced doctor .
| Risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Infection | Using unsterilized needles or dirty pigments can lead to infections. Even serious diseases like Hepatitis and HIV can be transmitted. Therefore, it is very important to have this done at a qualified doctor's place rather than in unregulated places. |
| Allergic Reaction | Your body may be allergic to the pigment used. A good doctor will do a scratch test on a small area of your skin before treatment to check for an allergic reaction. |
| Possible eye complications | When performed on the eye, it can cause the eyelid to fall out, severe damage to the eyelid, or an eyelid that turns outward (ectropion). |
| Nodules and Scars | Sometimes the body treats the injected pigment as a "foreign object" and can form lumps (Granulomas) around it. Some people develop large, raised scars (Keloids) when their skin is injured. People like that can also develop this condition after this. |
| Problems during MRI examinations | Very rarely, these dyes can affect the quality of an MRI scan. Some people have reported feeling a burning sensation at the tattooed area during the scan. |
In addition to these serious risks, minor bleeding, swelling, and crusting can usually be expected after treatment. These will heal within a few days.
What should I do at home after treatment?
You can go home the same day as your treatment. You can usually go back to work the next day.
The treated area may be slightly swollen and red. This is normal. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to ice the area and what type of ointment to apply. It is very important to follow those instructions exactly.
When to contact your doctor immediately
- If the swelling, pain, or redness is much more than normal .
- If you develop a fever or skin rash .
- If the treated area feels very hot or burning .
Is Micropigmentation really permanent?
Yes... but there is a slight difference. The pigment used in this cannot be washed off with soap. However, since our skin cells are constantly renewing themselves, this pigment gradually fades over time. This means that you may need to get touch-ups every few years to maintain the look.
But the most important thing is to think of this as permanent. Because removing it is a very difficult, painful, expensive, and multi-step process. And it may not be possible to completely remove the pigment.
How do you find a good, experienced person?
This is the most important step. It is essential to find a cosmetic specialist or plastic surgeon who has experience with the treatment you are interested in. First, schedule a consultation. During this time, you can ask these questions:
- What are your qualifications? How long have you been doing this treatment?
- Is this treatment a good candidate for me? Are my expectations realistic?
- Can I see "before and after" photos of previous people?
- What type of anesthesia is used? (Is it a numbing cream or something else?)
- What are the risks and complications of this treatment? How are they managed if they occur?
- What should I expect during recovery?
A good specialist should clearly answer all your questions. They will also ask about your medical history, allergies, medications you are taking, and thoroughly examine your skin to determine if it is suitable for treatment.
Is this covered by insurance?
Generally not. Because micropigmentation is an elective cosmetic procedure, insurance companies do not cover it. The cost varies depending on the treatment and the experience of the specialist performing it.
Take-Home Message
- Micropigmentation is a cosmetic tattooing technique, also known as permanent makeup.
- Before doing this, make sure to choose a qualified, experienced doctor or specialist . Avoid going to cheap, unqualified places.
- Be aware of the risks such as infection, allergies, and scarring.
- This is a medical solution for cosmetic purposes, as well as for conditions such as vitiligo, and even after surgery.
- Since this is a 'permanent' thing, think twice before making a decision, especially if you are young.
- Follow the doctor's instructions exactly after treatment, and contact him or her immediately if any problems arise.
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