Permanent Make-up

How Long Does Permanent Make-up Last

For the first session, the entire procedure should take about 2.5-3 hours. During this session, we will determine shape, and style that meets the client’s needs and desires. We then follow with pigment color selection.  Once the client is satisfied with the choices, we begin the procedure.

The client is to come in for a follow up visit in order to have any minor necessary touch ups. The second session takes place after 6-8 weeks of the initial session. This session will take approximately 2-2.5 hours to complete.

How long does it take to heal?

Each area of the face will heal a little differently. The skin will be slightly red after the procedure and color will appear very dark. This is normal and part of the healing process. The color will fade by up to 40% as it heals. In the following days, it will continue to be dark and you will notice slight scabbing. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the healed results. Each area will vary as far as how it will lighten as it heals. Brows and lips can fade as much as 50%, whereas eyeliner usually doesn’t lighten more than about 20-25% of initial color. No down time is required after procedure.  It takes approximately 7-14 days for the skin to heal over, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in. You’ll notice the color is very light right after the two weeks after healing; the skin will have an opaque milky looking quality to it. This is known as the milk skin and is common in tattooing. This is due to the the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. True color will reveal itself once healed.

Is the touch up session necessary?

Yes! A touch up session after 8-12 weeks is necessary as everyone heals differently and outcome will vary. Certain areas may not pick up during the first session and will need to be refilled.  Pigment color may need to be adjusted and shape may need to be tweaked. Individuals with oily skin often require a deeper shade during the touch up session as the oils tend to lighten the pigment. Most importantly, your touch up session is when we refine the shape and color to ensure the desired outcome!

Is permanent make-up painful?

The pain level for the procedure is considered mild to none. Prior to the procedure we will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area, and also reapply during the procedure. Everyone responds differently to anesthetic; depending on the client, the feeling of the procedure has been described as light cat scratches to not feeling anything. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine and epinephrine. 

After the procedure, redness and slight swelling in the area is normal. Clients describe the area feeling similar to a light sunburn. Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be taken immediately after procedure to minimize pain and swelling.

How long does permanent make-up last?

Since permanent makeup is not implanted into the skin as deeply as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade overtime and be significantly lighter in 2-5 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful/mature). Skincare routine will also affect lifespan of the pigment: patients who tan, use products with AHA or Glycolic Acid, and smokers will see an accelerated fading of the permanent makeup, powder brow and microblading. Each individual’s color retention within the skin will vary. To maintain the PMU looking fresh, a touch up is suggested every 2-3 years. Clients can let the area fade over time, but please note a slight shadow may remain.

Medical Piercing at our Austin Medsap

At SkinBar, all of our piercings are done with a gauged needle and injected lidocaine is included in price for a painless experience! The gauge of the jewelry refers to its thickness, and it is important to use the correct gauge jewelry for the piercing site. Why is using a gauged needle a better option that traditional piercing gun? They’re sharper and create a cleaner, less traumatic incision. This allows the piercing to heal more quickly and with less complications. Lobe piercings tend to take 2-3 months to heal while all cartilage piercings (upper ear and nose) can take as long as 6-9 months. We offer a large selection of implant grade titanium jewelry in several different colors and lots of style selections, as well as 14k gold in several different styles. We require jewelry to be purchased on site for all new piercings. I you are exchanging jewelry in healed piercings we can use your personal jewelry.

What are the pre care procedures?

In order to achieve the best results, it is best to follow the pre and post care instructions. 

Prior to your procedure, clients are advised of the following:

• Arrive healthy, with clean, well hydrated skin. NO irritated/injured (sunburn, cold sore, eczema or psoriasis, etc) skin or illness (cold, flu, unwell in general).
• The use of Arnica Montana (homeopathic) prior to appointment and the days following can help reduce the risk of bruising and swelling
• No tanning 4 weeks prior to appointment. 
• No Latisse/lash serums 6 weeks prior for eyeliner/lash enhancement appointments.
• Discontinue use of Retin-A/Renova/Glycolics 6 weeks prior to appointment.
• Discontinue use of Accutane for at least 6 months prior to appointment.
• 48 hours prior to your appointment, DO NOT TAKE BLOOD THINNERS (such as: Advil, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Niacin, Fish Oil /Omegas or Vitamin E) unless medically necessary.
• Botox and fillers should be done 2 weeks before or 4 weeks after the procedure.
• It is suggested to get a prescription for an antiviral (Zovirax, Valtrex, etc) from your physician if you have ever had (even 1) fever blister. Start taking 3 days prior to lip procedure & finish full dose. If you have a history of fever blisters it is suggested to increase dose to 1000mg to reduce the risk of a flare up after procedure. Always check with your physician. *Please note this is only a suggestion a not medical advice!*
• Be prepared for your skin to look red and your permanent makeup to be DARK! – Don’t worry, the color will fade 30-50%. Lips tend to be extremely dark after treatment and will heal much lighter. Liner tends to be the truest to healed color immediately after treatment. 
• Tylenol/Ibuprofen is OK to take day of procedure for pain management. 
• Be conservative with caffeine and alcohol use for 48 hours prior to appointment to reduce risk of sensitivity and excessive bleeding. 
• Area may feel slightly itchy as it heals and will start to lightly scab over. DO NOT peel or pick at the scabs as this can affect the outcome and pigmentation. 
• Do not go swimming, tanning or into saunas until scabs have shed.     
• No face scrubs or chemical peels at least 2 weeks before and after. 

What are the post care procedures?

What to expect Immediately after the Procedure. See our full description for Post Care