Permanent makeup is risky business

by Rigel Celeste (Subscribe to Rigel Celeste's posts)
Jul 1st 2007 8:46AM

Categories: Diet & Weight Loss, Reviews & Products, Alternative & Green Health

Cosmetic medical procedures are becoming more and more commonplace everyday as technology advances, but there are still serious risks associated with even the simplest of procedures. Permanent makeup, which is basically just tattoos, is one that can easily have serious and devastating side effects. Studies have shown that certain shades of the tattoo ink used for permanent makeup cause allergic reactions in a significant number of patients, with redness, swelling, and even permanent bumps in the skin called granulomas resulting. The especially scary part is that it's possible to develop an allergy to the pigment at any time -- even in a tattoo you've had for years!

I for one would never want something permanent like this on my face, with or without the chance for nasty side effects, but for those who like the idea -- is it worth the risk?

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Comments (5)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Pat 7-01-2007 @ 6:04PM

I'm glad to read this. I like the look of permanent makeup but have been a bit leery. I asked two dermatologists and both said "stay away from it!" One said that just like any tatoo, over time it can get less defined....now who wants that on the eyelids?

donna lincks 7-02-2007 @ 4:09PM

I have been doing permanent cosmetics for 8 years and with the exception of one manufacturer whose pigments were found to cause reactions (and whose pigment I do not use), I have never had a problem. I use the hand method because it causes less trauma to the skin and has far less chance for error. I would venture to say I have probably 1,000 happy clients from age 18 to 96, many of whom have now come back to me for touch ups. Don't let reported problems that can't be verified keep you from taking advantage of a wonderful time-saving and uplifting cosmetic procedure that is safe and inexpensive. Just be sure you check out the technician in person and be sure to ask for their portfolio and their sanitation, sterilization and disease control procedures.

MARJORIE 8-07-2007 @ 11:46AM

I have had permanent eyeliner for the latt 6 years. One original and one redo after 4.5 years. I love the effect and have had no problems. It is not a pain- free procedure. A local is used, but did not take all pain for me.

Because of that, I probably will not have this done again.

Kathryn 8-07-2007 @ 4:35PM

I had the permanent eyeliner procedure over five years ago and have been extremely pleased. The procedure was a little uncomfortable but I was given a medication that relaxed me and then a local. This saves me so much time and never having to worry about eyeliner coming off and smearing is a blessing. I had no complications and would do it again.

Cindy 8-07-2007 @ 5:02PM

My best friend had her eyeliner tattooed on and loved it. It looked great! I was seriously considering having the procedure done when she had to have an MRI for persistant headaches. She was told by her physician that they might not be able to do a MRI because of ingredients in the tattoo ink that could burn her eyelids and eyes. She was given a bell to ring if her eyes started to burn during the procedure and they would immediately remove her. A prominent plastic surgeon tattooed her eyelids. If you have this done be very careful who you go to. This is not a job for the tattoo artist down the street. The iingredients in the ink must be carefully examined when used on the eyelids.