"Who'd have guessed it?" exclaim many of the women who have had their eyebrows, eyeliner or other permanent makeup done in the last four years. "Who would have ever thought I would have a tattoo! This is the best thing I have done for myself. I wish someone would have thought of this sooner!"

Thanks to the art of tattooing, many women, and some men, in all stages of life are having their eyebrows, eyeliner and lips colored permanently, and loving it!

The earliest evidence of tattooing dates back to the ice age. While some cosmetic tattooing was done thousands of years ago, it really came into its own as an industry in the late 1970's. At that time, various tattoo artists around the country began offering permanent makeup-cosmetic tattooing and reconstructive pigmentation. In the 1980's aestheticians, electrologists, nurses and cosmetologists became interested in performing these procedures. Training programs were established throughout the country and the industry has grown rapidly since then.

Tattooing and applying permanent cosmetics should be considered thoughtfully before going ahead with the permanent color work.

Due to increased negative media attention, more and more people are asking "How safe is cosmetic tattooing?" Cosmetic tattooing is safe. Very safe, according to the Centers for Disease Control as there has not been an incidence of HIV attributable to cosmetic tattooing. Nor has there been any increase of Hepatitis B in the last 10 years according to the National Center for Disease Control. When the permanent cosmetic work is done under proper conditions, there is no opportunity for disease transmission. If the technician is using new, sterile instruments, not reusing needles and has a clean sanitary environment, the chances of developing any type of communicable disease are remote if not impossible.

The media opened the issue of allergic reactions. The chances of developing an allergic reaction to pigments are extremely remote. Less than .1% in over 100,000 estimated permanent cosmetic procedures performed nationwide over the last 10 years resulted in an allergic reaction.

As is true on many issues in this industry, the question of MRI safety has also been incorrectly reported. According to Dr. Frank Shellock of Tower Imaging in Los Angeles, CA, a top expert in MRI scanning safety, only a handful of people have reported minor problems around the eye area and no problems around brow or lip areas. In those rare instances when redness and edema in the eye area occurred, it did not cause any permanent damage. Test studies have confirmed that the "iron" particles in pigments are too microscopic to react as true metal pieces but rather are more accurately compared with "metals" which already exist microscopically in the body.

Because the industry is fairly new, you must do your research on the technician. We feel the important issues are: the skills and experience of the technician and the sterilization and sanitation exemplified at the location where you go to have the procedures done. Look to see if the location is clean and sterile. Check to see if there is hot and cold running water on the premises. The technician should wear gloves.

According to Susan Preston, whose company has been insuring the Permanent Cosmetic industry longer than anyone else in America, the vast majority of insurance claims are due to the inexperience of the technician. Look for all the certificates of training the technician has received. Ask to see pictures of the work she has done. Camouflage is a more advanced procedure, so the technician should be in the field for many years before you consider asking her to do reconstructive work. Men who feel their scars flaw their appearance may choose to camouflage those areas.

Like any professional industry, it is important that the technician remain current on training. Ask if she is a member of any association and look for certificates of continuing education. Any laser skin treatments, laser hair removal, plastic surgery or other skin altering procedures, may result in adverse changes to permanent cosmetics.

Because the cosmetic tattoo work is permanent, you must be comfortable with the technician. Go in for a consultation.

The majority of women who have permanent cosmetics love it. There is a wonderful freedom waking up in the morning looking as good as you did the night before. Active women can be free of worry about their makeup smudging. Women with unsteady hands or allergies can have makeup is without the problems associated with applying it day after day. Do your research, and enjoy the benefits. Discover what many thousands of women already know - Permanent Makeup makes them look so natural!

For further information, Call Madeline Stengel at (303) 343-3808.

Send email to Madeline
mdspmt@msn.com

(303) 343-3808