This page contains questions and answers to some of the most commonly asked questions relating to the process of applying Semi Permanent Make Up. If you have additional questions please ask me using the Contact page.
Semi Permanent Make Up is an art form of implanting hypoallergenic colour into the skin. You may have heard many names 'Cosmetic Tattooing', 'Derma Graphics' or 'Micro Pigmentation'. It is similar to a tattoo but with significant differences. We use a single use, sterile needle to 'scratch' a pigment into the shallow layers of the skin. We use the most up to date digital technology to ensure a safe and precise treatment.
The treatment takes around 1½ hours
We use a topical anaesthetic on your skin before we begin. The next part is crucial... Aniela draws on your eyebrows/eyeliner/lips before she begins so you can see the exact shape that you want. This part is not rushed and is viewed as the most important aspect of the treatment. We then pick out your colour. If you have a favourite pencil/shadow/lipstick that you like, please feel free to bring it with you. We absolutely cannot guarantee to match it exactly but it gives Aniela a great insight into the desired colour you want, Once we have decided on your colour the tattooing part is easy! This part normally takes only 30 minutes.
There is no charge for your initial consultation. The consultation is a great place to put you at ease. Aniela will discuss in depth shape, style, colour that can be achieved. She will often draw on a guideline to what can be achieved to give you a better idea of the possible transformation.
We would love to swear to you that it doesn't... unfortunately everyone does have different tolerance levels. On average though 90% of clients barely even feel it! Eyebrows would be the easiest, often we hear "It’s just like they are being tweezed!". Eyeliner, the most common description we get is "It feels tickly!!!!!" or "just itchy". The lip colour would be the most sensitive area as unfortunately the lips are so vascular.
This is a hard one to answer. A great number of clients do not take anytime off, go straight into work the next day and no one notices. Generally the colour is much darker during its first week of healing, you can loose 50-70% of the colour after this week. Here’s a break down...
If you have any other questions please contact Aniela direct
Semi Permanent Make Up is considered permanent in the sense that pigment particles are implanted into the skin and will never leave. These pigments however will fade over time and the color will need to be topped up. Different areas on the face will fade at different rates simply due to the natural skins exfoliation process. Each individual client will also respond differently due to their own individual lifestyle. As a rough guide, Semi Permanent Make Up will last 1-3 years.
Yes, the strictest hygiene and sterilisation standards are followed and pre-packed, sterile cartridges are used for each client. Clients can be offered an allergy test prior to treatment. As with any procedure that is breaking the skin, there will always be a risk of infection post procedure. Although the treatment room is considered sterile, the world we live in is not.
Semi Permanent Make Up is there to replace the time you are spending filling in eyebrows, applying eyeliner in the morning or constantly topping up lipstick during the day.
There are many people who can especially benefit from the treatment.
There is no difference, it is described as Semi Permanent as natural pigments are used which may fade with time, but the pigment will remain permanently within the skin whether or not it is visible to the naked eye. Pigments should always be used not traditional tattoo inks for safety and aesthetic purposes. The same technique is used to create medical tattoo procedures.
Once the treatment is carried out by a fully qualified and experienced professional, risks are negilgible. The main risk is infection post procedure, allergic reaction is rare but must be taken into account before undergoing Semi Permanent make up. Keeping the area as clean as possible after the treatment rules out most cases of infection but it is always a possibility as we do not live in a sterile world. If there is any sign of infection post procedure a visit to your GP is always recommended.
Risks are lowered by going to a trained professional with links to a professional body. Aniela is a member of the BSDA (British School of Dermagraphic Art).
The most common concern of clients out there is simply the worry of ending up with an unsatisfactory result. You have to feel comfortable with your therapist and comfortable enough to discuss the exact look you are wanting to achieve. Aniela prides herself on her approachability and creating a comfortable atmosphere for you to talk in depth about your needs.
More importantly a detailed portfolio of work is the best judge of looks that can be achieved.
The pigments used are pharmaceutical grade pigments that are EU regulated, they do however contain iron oxide which is detectable on an MRI scan, simply inform the radiologist before as with traditional tattoos.