Permanent make-up, also known as micro-pigmentation, is when tiny droplets of custom-blended pigments are skillfully deposited into the dermal layer of skin to stimulate natural looking or well-applied make-up. This process is a form of tattooing, however when applied with a specialty handheld tool (rather than the traditional machine method of tattooing) the process is more gentle and precise so your natural features are enhanced and defined for perfect eyebrows, eyeliner, and full lip color. The results are beautiful, immediate and permanent!

Any woman who wants to eliminate daily make-up application or is tired of her cosmetics smudging will enjoy this treatment. So, busy moms, career women, athletic gals, those with allergies or alopecia, and anyone whose eyesight has declined or whose hands have become unsteady will gain confidence from having perfectly applied make-up all day, every day!

The hand method of permanent makeup application that Vickie offers, called SofTap, is gentler and more controlled than other methods. While everyone’s tolerance level is different most clients feel just a slight tweezing sensation at first but she uses a combination of the most effective topical ointments to numb the skin, providing nearly total numbing of the area involved as the process continues. Her technique and ointments also keep swelling and bleeding away. Most clients report afterward that it was much easier than they’d anticipated, some even falling asleep!

This procedure is called “permanent” because it does not wash away or smear, although it will soften over the years as the skin naturally exfoliates. Color retention is also affected by different factors including the shade of the pigment, the person’s age and metabolism, skin type and condition, exposure to sun and tanning booths, smoking, certain medications, and skin peeling treatments such as Retin-A or microdermabrasion. In general, blonde or extra light brown colors usually fade sooner than darker colors. It is typical to refresh color every three to five years, at a lower fee when performed by the original artist.

Generally, two applications are required and the second session is included in the cost of all Vickie’s new treatments. The second session, typically scheduled 2-3 weeks after the first, allows us to perfect the shape and color of your make-up as well as provide you with more longevity. In the case of corrections, sun damage, or auto immune disorders a third session may be required.

Most of the pigments used for cosmetic tattooing are made to be hypoallergenic. Studies have shown that immediate allergic reactions to these products are extremely rare and delayed onset reactions are also uncommon. Medical professionals believe that most “allergic reactions” are actually not caused by the pigments but by a bacterial infection or reaction to a topical after care product.

2 hours is scheduled for the initial appointment so that ample time is given to answering questions, determining the best design, color selection, numbing, the actual procedure, photos, and after care instructions. The follow-up visits usually require 90 minutes.

Most people are amazed at how “normal” they look immediately after having permanent make-up applied in this way and do not feel it necessary to take time off work or social activities since there is typically no swelling or bleeding for eyebrows and eyeliner and minimal for lips. Just please be aware that for the first three days after the application of permanent make-up the color will look darker than our planned outcome color. During those days, A&D ointment must be applied to keep the area sealed and moist and traditional cosmetics should not be used in that area for optimum healing. The color will lighten typically on the 4th or 5th day.

Since all color choices are selected to harmonize with your skin tone and natural coloring, changing your hair color will not affect the look of properly applied permanent make-up. As for aging, it is true that as we age our skin and elasticity changes however women who look good wearing conventional make-up would look just as good with correctly applied permanent make-up.

Yes. Through very careful assessment and planning, permanent make-up mistakes with color and shape can be corrected. Vickie is known for her skilled expertise in correcting unpleasant aesthetics that may have been achieved elsewhere.

People are always afraid of the “Sharpie marker” looking eyebrows. Rest assured, during a procedure with Vickie you will have approval of everything so there are no surprises when it is finished. The shape of eyebrows and lips will be drawn on prior to beginning the treatment so you can be sure you are satisfied with the look. In addition, pigment colors will be custom-mixed and small amounts placed on the skin with a Q-tip to select the one that looks best with your skin tone and hair color. Shapes and colors may be selected to achieve either a subtle or a more dramatic look. In either case, the pigment Vickie uses is high quality so the color will stay true and not turn blue or orange over time.

Yes. Numerous studies have shown that even for people who have large body tattoos there is little to no discomfort and according to MRI safety experts, the iron particles in most cosmetic tattooing pigments are too microscopic to react as metal pieces.