Permanent Makeup Pigments

Get the most "wow" from your permanent makeup

2011-01-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

What are women asking about?

How can I get the most “wow” without ending up with a “botched-job”?

During personal consultations I get many questions just like that, it’s a safe place to ask. These are the questions that they may even be discussing with their friends and just don’t know where to begin.

What are men and women wanting to achieve? They want this to look like that or these lines to go away, they don’t want to erase everything… more often than not I hear “I look mad. Friends or family say I look tired. What can I do?”

My answer is usually permanent makeup for the lip and brow.
We have been educated in the signs of aging, lines, wrinkles, sun damage, thinning skin...

Many of us have dabbled in and/or maintain a schedule of injectibles like Radiesse, BOTOX@Cosmetic, and Juvederm. Personally, I really like the results.

As an artist using cosmetic tattooing I bring about a more youthful look because I can replace color that has naturally faded. Yes, as we age we loose color, we also get color that we don’t want, like brown spots and visible capillaries from the sun. Each of which distort our facial features.

Permanent makeup can restore definition in our eyebrows because loss of hair is loss of color. Using feather-like hair strokes of color I can create a natural looking brow that frames your eyes with a “brow-lift” effect. Eyebrows make a difference!

The other big “wow” --- the mouth, another area that shows the signs of aging. I don’t just add color to lips, I can redefine and correct the shape. The mouth goes as the upper lip goes. As we age it flattens out and curls under in some cases. Have you lost your lip? It happens. Restoring the contour of your lips begins with color and shape correction.

My recommendation is to add volume and fill lines after restoring color and shape. The doctor can be more specific treating the lines and loss of volume, giving you the best result because the color will define the area to be treated. The doctor’s treatment will be precise, combined to give you the best overall result.

Original article from Sarah Oliver, Licensed Esthetician

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Permanent Cosmetics (Tattoos): Survey of Complications and Adverse Events

2010-12-25T06:34:00.000-08:00

Whitney D. Tope, MD, MPhil,1 and Frank G. Shellock, PhD2*

Purpose: To use a survey to determine the incidence of complications and adverse events in individuals with permanent cosmetics (e.g., tattooed eyeliner, eyebrows, lips, cheeks, etc.) who underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to clients of cosmetic tattoo technicians. This survey asked study subjects for demographic data, information about their tattoos, and for their experiences during MR imagingprocedures.

Results: Data obtained from 1032 surveys were tabulated. One hundred thirty-five (13.1%) study subjects underwent MR imaging after having permanent cosmetics applied. Of these, only two individuals (1.5%) experienced problems associated with MR imaging. One subject reported a sensation of “slight tingling” and the other subject reported a sensation of “burning”; both sensations were transient in
nature.

Conclusion: Based on these findings and information in the peer-reviewed literature, it appears that MR imaging may be performed in patients with permanent cosmetics without any serious soft tissue reactions or adverse events. Therefore, the presence of permanent cosmetics should not prevent a patient from undergoing MR imaging.

Key words: magnetic resonance imaging, safety; magnetic resonance imaging, bioeffects; heating; artifacts; magnetic resonance imaging

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;15:180–184. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

1 Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2 University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles,California.
Contract grant sponsor: Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals.
*Address reprint requests to: F.G.S., 7511 McConnell Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90045.
E-mail: frank.shellock@gte.net
Received July 18, 2001; Accepted October 11, 2001.

TRADITIONAL (I.E., DECORATIVE) and cosmetic tattooing have been performed for thousands of years. In the United States, cosmetic tattooing or “permanent cosmetics” are used to reshape, recolor, recreate, or modify eye shadow, eyeliner, eyebrows, lips, beauty marks, and cheek blush (1). Additionally, permanent cosmetics are often used aesthetically to enhance nipple-areola reconstruction (2).

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a frequently used imaging modality, particularly for evaluating the brain, head, neck, and other anatomic regions where cosmetic tattoos are typically applied. Unfortunately, there is much confusion regarding MR safety aspects of permanent cosmetics (3– 6). For example, based on a few reports of symptoms localized to the tattooed area during MR imaging, many radiologists have refused to perform MR procedures on individuals with permanent cosmetics, particularly tattooed eyeliner (unpublished observations, F. G. Shellock, 2000). Obviously, this undue concern for possible adverse events prevents patients with cosmetic tattoos from access to an extremely important diagnostic imaging technique.

While it is well-known that cosmetic tattoos may cause MR imaging artifacts (3–11) and that both cosmetic and decorative tattoos may cause relatively minor, short-term cutaneous reactions (3,8,11–16), the frequency and severity of soft tissue reactions or other related problems associated with MR imaging and cosmetic tattoos is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the frequency and severity of adverse events associated with MR imaging

in a population of subjects with permanent cosmetics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was developed to survey individuals with permanent cosmetics to determine the incidence and severity of complications

or adverse events associated with MR imaging. The questionnaire asked study subjects for basic demographic data, information about their cosmetic tattoos, information about their MR imagingexaminations, and their experiences with these procedures relative to the permanent cosmetics. Table 1 shows the questionnaire used in this investigation.

The questionnaire was distributed in the United States to clients of permanent cosmetic technicians who were members of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP, an international, non-profit

organization of cosmetic tattoo artists). This permitted individuals with cosmetic tattoos to be contacted confidentially through client lists of members of the SPCP. The study subjects were assured that the questionnaire would be analyzed with anonymity maintained. Thequestionnaires were returned to the primary author (W.D.T.) for tabulation, and the results were analyzed using simple descriptive data techniques.

RESULTS

Of a total of 3065 questionnaires that were distributed, 1037 (34%) were returned for analysis. Five surveys contained insufficient data for inclusion (i.e., the answers were incomplete), leaving a total of 1032 questionnaires available for tabulation. The majority (1027; 99.5%) of the study subjects with permanent cosmetics were women. The ages of these individuals ranged from 14 to 93 years old. Caucasians formed the largest racial population (961; 93%) for the respondents (14 [1%] Asian; 16 [2%] Latino; six [1%] African-American; two [0.2%] Native American; 30 [3%]data not provided).

Eight hundred ninety-seven (897/1032; 87%) study subjects with permanent cosmetics reported that they never had MR imaging examinations (Non-MRI Group), while 135 (135/1032; 13%) study subjects underwent MR imaging after application of permanent cosmetics (MRI Group). The mean age of the Non-MRI Group (50 +/- 5 years old) was significantly younger (P 0.05) than that of the MRI Group (56 +/- 5 years old). For the Non-MRI Group, five study subjects (6%) reported that the MR facility personnel or radiologists would not allow them to have MR imaging procedures due to potential complications with cosmetic tattoos.

For the MRI Group (N 135), tattoo site information was available in 131 subjects (97%). These subjects reported a total of 210 individual tattoos (i.e., 61 subjects, 45%, had more than one cosmetic tattoo). Of these, 210 permanent cosmetics were applied to the following body sites: 85 (41%) eyelid, 75 (36%) eyebrow, 34 (16%) lip, six (3%) cheek, four (2%) areola, and six (3%) trunk.

Information on tattoo pigment color was available for 112 of the 135 (83%) study subjects in the MRI Group. Notably, 91 of these study subjects (67%) reported that they had permanent cosmetics that were applied using pigment colors (e.g., brown, black, red, and flesh) thattypically contain iron oxide.

For the MRI Group (N 135), information on the cosmetic tattoos and body sites for the MR imaging examinations was available for 133 (98%) of the subjects and is shown in Table 2. Forty of these subjects had MR imaging examinations involving more than one anatomic region (i.e., for a total of 173 MR imaging examinations). Fifty-six (42%) of the subjects in the MRI Group had MR imaging examinations that involved the immediate anatomic site where the permanent cosmetic was applied (Table 2).

One hundred thirty-three (133/135, 98.5%) of the MRI Group reported that there were no complications, adverse events, or other problems associated with MR imaging. Two (2/135, 1.5%) study subjects in the MRI Group reported complications or adverse events associatedwith MR imaging. One subject experienced “slight tingling” before MR imaging began and the other subject reported a “burning” sensation that started before entering the magnet (i.e., while in the MR system room, in the MR environment) that resolved by the end of the examination. Both of these subjects were women who had blue-black pigment colors used for periorbital (i.e., eyelid/eyeliner) tattoos and underwent MR imaging of the cervical spine. Each tattoo had been applied at least nine months prior to the MR imaging examination. In neither case did the severity of symptoms warrant cessation of the MR imaging. Neither subject reported any other problem with the tattooed areas (e.g., erythema, edema, irritation, etc.) subsequent to MRimaging.

DISCUSSION

The incidence of complications or adverse reactions and severity of these problems for patients with permanent cosmetics undergoing MR imaging examinations are unknown. Unfortunately, many MR healthcare professionals do not fully understand the relative risk of performing MR imaging in patients with permanent cosmetics and, as such, may not allow these patients toundergo examinations. (For example, findings from this survey revealed that 6% of the study subjects with permanent cosmetics were not allowed to undergo MR imaging because of MR safety concerns.) Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the frequencyand severity of problems associated with MR imaging in a selected population of subjects with permanent cosmetics with the intent of providing guidance and recommendations based on the results of this study and those published in the peer-reviewed literature.

To date, only a small number of patients (estimated to be less than 10) that have undergone MR imaging have reported transient symptoms that included skin irritation, cutaneous swelling, or a heating sensation at the site of application of the permanent cosmetics (review of Medical Device Reports, 1985 to 1999). Because of these incidents, the latest MR safety recommendations and guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (Guidance for Industry Guidance for the Submission of Premarket Notifications for Magnetic Resonance Diagnostic Devices) states that the performance of an MR imaging examination requires particular caution for “patients with permanent (tattoo) eye-liner or with facial make-up” (17).

According to the findings of our study, there was an extremely low incidence (1.5%) of complications or adverse events, and the severity of these problems was relatively minor (i.e., there was no serious, permanent, or life-threatening injury). Of interest is that, for these study subjects, one individual reported a “burning sensation” that was unrelated to the actual scanning procedure (i.e., upon entering the MR environment), while the other subject’s symptom, a “tingling sensation”, has not been previously reported. Importantly, neither problem prevented completion of the MR imaging procedure.

Investigations of incidents related to patients experiencing cutaneous or other reactions in relation to the presence of both cosmetic and decorative tattoos revealed that there was a tendency for these problems to occur whenever pigments that contained iron oxide or other similar metallic substance(s) were used (3–16). The study subject that reported a “burning sensation” had her cosmetic tattoo applied by an ophthalmologist using black pigment that typically contains iron oxide. Unfortunately, the exact type of pigment that was used could not be verified and there tends to be little quality control over tattoo ink (15). Apparently, certain ferrous pigments used for the tattooing process can interact with the electromagnetic fields used for MR procedures, producing the reported problems (7–11,13,16).

Proposed mechanisms to explain tattoo-related problems encountered in the MR environment include magnetic field related interactions and/or radiofrequency (RF)-induced induction of heating. The fact that an individual in this study reported symptoms even before entering the MR system suggests that one possible causative factor is the static magnetic field. Presumably,traction or torque from interaction of the ferromagnetic tattoo particles with the static magnetic field may be partially responsible for the symptoms reported.

In a letter to the editor that described a second-degree burn that occurred on the skin of the deltoid from a decorative tattoo, the authors suggested that “the heating could have come either from oscillations of the gradients or, more likely from the RF-induced electrical currents” (15). However, the exact mechanism(s) responsible for complications or adverse events in the various cases that have occurred is unknown.

Interestingly, decorative tattoos tend to cause worse problems (including first- and second-degree burns) for patients undergoing MR imaging compared to those who have been reported for cosmetic tattoos (6–13,15,16). For example, a recent publication reported that a patient experienced a sudden burning pain at the site of a decorative tattoo while undergoing MR imaging of the lumbar spine using a 1.5-Tesla MR system (13). Swelling and erythema resolved within 12 hours, without evidence of permanent sequelae. The tattoo pigment used in this case was ferromagnetic, which possibly explains the symptoms experienced by the patient. Surprisingly, in order to permit completion of the MR examination, an excision of the tattooed skin with primary closure of the site was performed (13).

The authors of this report stated, “Theoretically, the application of a pressure dressing of the tattoo may prevent any tissue distortion due to ferromagnetic pull” (13). However, this simple, relatively benign procedure was not attempted for this patient. They also indicated that, “In some cases, removal of the tattoo may be the most practical means of allowing MRI” (13).

Kanal and Shellock (14) commented on this report in a letter to the editor, suggesting that the response to this situation was “rather aggressive”. Clearly the trauma, expense, and morbidity associated with excision of a tattoo far exceed those that may be associated with ferromagnetic tattoo interactions. A firmly applied pressure bandage may be used if there is any concernrelated to “movement” of the ferromagnetic particles in the tattoo pigment (14). Additionally, direct application of a cold compress to the site of a tattoo would also likely mitigate any heating sensation that may occur in association with MR imaging.

A comprehensive search of the peer-reviewed literature supports the results of this present investigation (8–10). That is, symptoms rarely occur, the symptoms are transient in nature, and the severity of the symptoms is relatively minor. Furthermore, when one considers the many millions of clinical MR procedures that have been conducted in patients over the past 15 yearsand that only a very small percentage of these individuals have had minor, short-term problems related to the presence of permanent cosmetics, it is apparent that this MR safety concern has an extremely low rate of occurrence and relatively insignificant consequences.

With regard to artifacts, none of the study subjects in this investigation were informed that the MR images were substandard due to the presence of tattoos and none of the examinations had to be repeated. Nevertheless, imaging artifacts associated with permanent cosmetics have been reported (7–10). These artifacts are predominantly associated with the presence of pigmentsthat use iron oxide and occur in the immediate area of the tattoo. As such, tattoo-related MR imaging artifacts should not prevent a diagnostically adequate MR imaging procedure from being performed, especially in consideration that careful selection of imaging parameters may easily minimize artifacts related to metallic objects (3,4).

The only possible exception to this is if the anatomy of interest is in the exact same position of where the tattoo was applied using an iron oxide-based pigment. For example, Weiss et al (7) reported that heavy metal particles used in the pigment base of mascara and eyelining tattoos cause alterations of the local magnetic field in adjacent tissues. These changes in normal signalmay result in distortion of the globes. In some cases, the distortion may mimic actual ocular disease, such as a ciliary body melanoma or cyst.

This investigation has possible limitations. For example, precise MR imaging details that may influence complications or adverse events in patients with cosmetic tattoos were unknown (i.e., static magnetic field strength of the MR system, imaging parameters, type of RF coil, RF power deposition, etc.). Given the limitations of MR imaging knowledge held by the respondents to this survey, this lack of information is understandable; however, we believe that it can be safely assumed that the subjects in this investigation underwent MR imaging procedures using standard, MR imaging techniques and procedures. Additionally, it would be advantageous to evaluate additional subjects with both cosmetic and decorative tattoos that undergo MR imaging.Thus, additional research that acquires specific MR imaging information in a larger group of tattooed subjects is warranted. This may help determine a mechanism responsible for the cutaneous reactions that sometime occur in the MR setting.

In consideration of the findings of this study and the available literature pertaining to MR imaging and patients with cosmetic tattoos, the following patient management guidelines are recommended:

The Pre-MR Procedure Screening Form should include a question pertaining to the presence of permanent cosmetics or decorative tattoos (3–5).
Before undergoing an MR imaging examination, the patient should be asked if he or she has a permanent coloring technique (i.e., tattooing) applied to any part of the body. This includes cosmetic applications such as eyeliner, lip-liner, lip coloring, and decorative designs.
The patient should be informed of the relatively minor risk associated with the site of the tattoo.
The patient should be advised to immediately inform the MR technologist regarding any unusual sensation felt at the site of the tattoo in association with the MR imaging procedure.
The patient should be closely monitored using visual and auditory means throughout the entire operation of the MR system to ensure safety.
As a precautionary measure, a cold compress (e.g., wet wash cloth) may be applied to the tattoo site during the MR imaging procedure.

In conclusion, because of the relatively remote possibility of having an incident occur in a patient with a permanent cosmetic and due to the relatively minor, short-term complication or adverse event that may develop (i.e., transient cutaneous redness and swelling), the patient should be permitted to undergo MR imaging. Any problem of performing an MR imaging procedure in a patient that has a cosmetic tattoo is unlikely to prevent the examination, since the importantdiagnostic information that is provided by this imaging modality is typically critical to the care and management of the patient.

REFERENCES

Halder RM, Pham HN, Hreadon JY, Johnson HA. Micropigmentation for the treatment of vitiligo. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 1989;15: 1092–1098.
Becker H. The use of intradermal tattoo to enhance the final result of nipple-areola reconstruction. [Letter] Plast Reconstr Surg 1986; 77:673.
Shellock FG. 2001. Guide to MR procedures and metallic objects: update 2001, 7th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Healthcare.
Shellock FG. 2001. Magnetic resonance procedures: health effects and safety. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC.
Shellock FG. 2001. www.MRIsafety.com.
Tattoos. FDA medical bulletin 1994;24:8.
Weiss RA, Saint-Louis LA, Haik BG, McCord CD, Taveras JL. Mascara and eyelining tattoos: MRI artifacts. Ann Ophthalmol 1989; 21:129–131.
Carr JJ. Danger in performing MR imaging on women who have tattooed eyeliner or similar types of permanent cosmetic injections. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1995;165:1546–1547.
Lund A, Nelson ID, Wirtschafter ID, Williams PA. Tattooing of eyelids: magnetic resonance imaging artifacts. Ophthalmic Surg 1986; 17:550–553.
Jackson JG, Acker H. Permanent eyeliner and MR imaging. [Letter] AJR Am J Roentgenol 1987;149:1080.
Gomey M. Tattoo pigments, patient clothing, and magnetic resonance imaging (Risk Management Bulletin 12748-8/95). Napa, CA: The Doctors’ Company; 1995.
van Buren A. Dear Abby. The Oregonian July 23, 1994 and October 22, 1994.
Kreidstein ML, Giguere D, Freiberg A. MRI interaction with tattoo pigments: case report, pathophysiology, and management. Plast Reconstr Surg 1997;99:1717–1720.
Kanal E, Shellock FG. MRI interaction with tattoo pigments. [Letter] Plast Reconstr Surg 1998;101:1150–1151.
Wagle WA, Smith M. Tattoo-induced skin burn during MR imaging. [Letter] Am J Roentgenol AJR 2000:174:1795.
Vahlensieck M. Tattoo-related cutaneous inflammation (burn grade I) in a mid-field MR scanner. [Letter] Eur Radiol 2000;10:97.
Zaremba L. 2001. FDA guidance for MR system safety and patient exposures: current status and future considerations. In: magnetic resonance procedures: health effects and safety. CRC Press, Boca Raton, p. 183–196.

Latex Reactions in the Modification Industry: Understanding Why They Occur and How Best to Prevent Them

2010-12-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

All industries that utilize latex gloves in their practices have seen a large increase in the number of practitioners who are sensitive or allergic to latex gloves. This increase in latex allergies can be attributed to two primary factors:

One of the reasons we have seen an increase in reported sensitivities or allergic reactions is due to the institution of Universal Precautions. Universal Precautions has resulted in the increase in the number of latex gloves being used. A secondary factor is the manufacturing process itself and the quality of latex that is being used in the manufacturing process.

There are several different types of reactions that can occur. It is important to understand the types of reactions in order to determine if the reaction is truly a reaction to latex, or if the reaction is due to some other unrelated factor. Determining the cause of the reaction makes it possible to determine what course of action will prove to be most beneficial. The following are the most common types of reactions:

A. Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of Irritant Contact Dermatitis are dry, flaky, irritated areas of skin, most commonly the hands.

Common Causes

This condition can be caused by frequent hand-washing and drying as well as not properly drying hands after hand-washing. In addition, exposure to powders used on latex gloves can also contribute to this type of reaction. It is important to realize that this type of reaction is not a true allergic reaction to latex gloves.

B. Allergic Contact Dermatitis (delayed hypersensitivity)

Symptoms

Symptoms for this type of reaction often resemble a reaction to poison ivy. The skin will often develop oozing skin blisters. This condition often appears 24-48 hours after exposure and may spread to areas that do not come in contact with latex.

Common causes

This condition is most commonly causes by chemicals added to the latex during harvesting, processing, or the manufacturing process. It is important to realize that some of the same chemicals used in processing natural rubber latex gloves may also be used in processing synthetic rubber gloves such as Nitrile.

C. Latex allergy (immediate hypersensitivity)

Symptoms

The types of symptoms that appear due to this kind of reaction vary depending upon the level of sensitivity.

Reactions may vary from mild (severe skin redness, development of hives and/or itching) to more severe (difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, and/or scratchy throat). In some severe cases, a life-threatening shock may develop. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions typically occur within minutes of exposure to latex.

Common Causes

This type of reaction occurs as a result of a direct allergy to latex proteins. It is often difficult to determine what level of exposure will cause this type of reaction. In addition, this type of reaction is something that often develops over time, as the individual is frequently exposed to latex.

The issue of sensitivities or allergic reactions to latex gloves in our industry has become an issue that cannot be ignored as they have the potential to affect our ability to work safely, or to work at all.

One of the most effective ways to prevent allergic reactions to latex is to minimize the use of latex products, especially gloves. One common, and very effective substitute for latex gloves, are gloves made of Nitrile. Nitrile is a synthetic rubber that contains no natural rubber latex. Nitrile provides a barrier protection equal, if not superior, to that of latex. However, Nitrile is still a form of rubber, and as such, may also be processed using some of the same chemicals used to process latex gloves.

If latex gloves are used, the following precautions can be taken to reduce the occurrence of various reactions:

	Use latex gloves that are powder-free. The powder can be absorbed into the skin, carrying with it latex proteins. While powdered-free latex gloves may be slightly more expensive, they can greatly reduce the potential for reactions. In addition, if the hands are dried thoroughly after washing, donning of powder-free latex gloves is no more difficult than donning latex gloves that are powdered.
	Wash your hands both before and after the procedure using a mild soap and drying them thoroughly. This will help remove latex proteins that become embedded in the skin.
	Keep your skin in good condition using lotions and/or creams. There are a variety of products available that are formulated specifically for the purpose of maintaining the health of the skin on the hands. Read the ingredients on products to ensure that any hand lotions used are not oil-based. Oil will break down the latex, increasing your potential for exposure to pathogens as well as increasing the amount of latex absorbed into your skin.

For further information, feel free to contact us at:

Health Educators

(216) 623-0815

www.hlthedu.com

Reproduced from SPCP.com

Tattoos and Permanent Makeup: Marketplace and Chemistry

2010-11-27T10:54:00.000-08:00

Tattoos and Permanent Makeup: Marketplace and Chemistry

This Web Seminar took place on December 16, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting was Dr. Bhakti Petigara of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this Seminar, Dr. Petigara talked about tattoos, tattoo ink, and permanent makeup, safety, effects and the role of FDA in the overview and regulation of these products.

See this Web Seminar'sArchive
PowerPoint Presentation(4.64 MB)
Presentation - PDF version (1.89 MB)
Add this Web Seminar Archive to your NSTA Learning Center Library

This is the fourth of four Web Seminars scheduled as a follow-up to the Teaching Science with Food Safety and Nutrition Science and the Food Label Symposia that took place at the NSTA Area Conference on Science Education in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. In this program, Dr. Petigara talked about the tattoos and the inks that compose them, and some of the chemistry involved with these inks. She also discussed some of the issues with tattoos such as disease, infection, and other issues.

Thirty-six (36) participants were present at the live Web Seminar in addition to the presenter and NSTA staff. Participating educators represented the states of California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. In addition, one participant joined the presentation from a country outside of the Unites States: Qatar.

Seminar participants received a one year subscription to one of NSTA’s SciGuides and a certificate of attendance was deposited into their Learning Center My Transcript for completing the evaluation form at the end of the program.

Here are some comments provided by the participants at the end of the Web Seminar:

“I teach chemistry so it’s good to know the different uses of the compounds.”
“Many of my students want tattoos, but do not have enough info to make informed decisions. I can work this information in to a class.”
“I am currently conducting a unit on the integumentary system and many students have or want tattoos.”
“I learned specific dyes/pigments (organic/inorganic) used in tattoos.”

Thanks to the participants and the presenter for the learning opportunity, the interactions, and a job well done!

Websites

FDA website for consumers and health educators:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/advice2.html
FDA Teaching Nutrition Science and the Food Label Symposium, NSTA Area Conference on Science Education, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida -
http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/
fall09/fda/nutrition/symposium_post.aspx
FDA Teaching Science with Food Safety Symposium, NSTA Area Conference on Science Education, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida -
http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/
fall09/fda/fs/symposium_post.aspx
Additional Resources available at NSTA:

For more information contact webseminars@nsta.org

Underwritten in part by FDA

Do You Tattoo? Permanent Cosmetics

2010-11-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

What are permanent cosmetics, and why are women the world over trying it out? Find out more in this article about this special type of tattoo work.

“Want to see my tattoos? asks Clara, a fifty-year-old grandmother from San Antonio, Texas. She’s standing in the supermarket aisle, dressed casually in dark slacks and a plain cotton top. With her is her neighbor, who takes Clara shopping because she has multiple sclerosis and can’t get items off the shelves.

“You’re looking at them,” she says, winking. “My makeup. My eyeliner and lip color are tattoos, permanent makeup.”

Permanent makeup–also known as cosmetic tattooing or micropigmentation—is the process of applying pigments underneath the skin. This cosmetic approach was popular in ancient times and has enjoyed a comeback in recent years, and not, perhaps, for the reason you might think.

Who Gets Permanent Makeup?

In fact, Clara is just one of a growing number of women who get cosmetic tattoos because they have a physical disability or medical challenge. Women who have arthritis, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease, for example, which make it difficult for them to steady or move their hands, are turning to permanent makeup.

Lila, a twenty-six-year-old special education teacher who is legally blind, found that cosmetic tattooing made her feel better about herself. “I don’t have to rely on anyone else to put on my makeup for me,” she said. “No smudges and no worries. It’s great.”

Cosmetic tattooing is also helping women who have other vision problems, such as macular degeneration or cataracts; or who are allergic or hypersensitive to makeup. For women who have lost their hair because of chemotherapy or a medical condition called alopecia (loss of body hair), permanent eyebrows and eyeliner can restore self-esteem.

Charles Zwerling, MD, FACS, director of the American Academy of Micropigmentation, confirms that vanity is not the only reason people undergo cosmetic tattooing. “In the last ten years, some of the biggest growth in permanent cosmetics has been in the area of medical reconstruction,” says Zwerling.

The tattooing of areolas after breast reconstruction is one example. Gina Dwyer, of Tucson, Arizona, has done professional permanent cosmetics for about 15 years, including many areola tattoos. “Getting their areolas back is more exciting for these women than the reconstruction,” she says.

People who have patches where skin pigment is lost–a condition called vitiligo–also benefit from cosmetic tattooing. Dr. Zwerling explains that it is possible to blend skin tones with the surrounding normal-pigmented skin. It is also possible to “relax” scars, blending them into the surrounding skin tone.

Naturally, there are also women who chose permanent makeup for reasons of vanity and convenience. Entertainers, models, athletes, professional women, and other busy women find that the time they save each day is well worth the minimal pain and cost.

What To Expect

If you’re considering permanent makeup, first find a professional to do the procedure (see “Choosing a Professional” below). The procedure itself, regardless of the location of the tattoo, is basically the same. After receiving a topical anesthetic, a very fine needle is used to embed organic pigment, either iron oxide or titanium dioxide, just below the skin. The practitioner may use either a hand or mechanical instrument.

Pamela Netz, owner of a permanent cosmetic salon and a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP), says hand tools seem to cause less pain and swelling. However, either type of instrument in the hands of a qualified professional can yield excellent results.

After the procedure is over, which generally takes one and one-half to two and one-half hours, here’s what you can expect, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:

* Some swelling, redness, and bruising in the treated area for two to three days and up to a week if you had your lips tattooed. Tattooing around the eyes may cause tearing for several days. Apply antibiotic cream or ice to relieve symptoms.

* In rare cases, tattooing around the eyes causes the eyelashes to fall out, or pigment can be carried from the tattooed area to another part of the body.

* The color may be darker than desired for the first few months. Over time, sunlight usually fades the color to a more natural look. If you’re worried about safety, less than one percent of people who Have had micropigmentation in the last decade have reported an allergic reaction to the pigment, says Dr. Zwerling.

If you add up the money you won’t spend on makeup and factor in time saved, micro pigmentation is a bargain. The average cost per procedure is $400 to $600, while specialized work, such as relaxing a lesion, is usually charged by the hour, typically starting at $150 to $250 per hour.

But how permanent is permanent? Both regular light and sunlight can cause the colors to lighten over time. For some women, the color lasts for more than ten years without needing touchup. Touchups, when necessary, are less costly and take less time than the original procedure.

Choosing A Professional

You should shop for a permanent makeup technician as you would for a physician: ask questions.

* Ask candidates about their background and any continuing education they have completed.

* How much experience do they have in the type of procedure you want? Special training is needed for more complex procedures, such as facial blush and areola restoration.

* Are they certified, by whom, and what are the requirements? Do they belong to a professional organization?

* Ask to see a portfolio of their work, showing the procedure you want done.

Both the American Academy of Micropigmentation and the SPCP offer certification programs, which graduate laypeople and doctors who have received careful training. However, even people who are not certified may be skillful in permanent makeup, and not all practitioners are equally skillful in all procedures.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established standards for people who do cosmetic tattooing. Check the following:

* The working environment should be clean, free of all contaminants, including dust, smoke, and odors.

* New sterile needles and new gloves should be used for each client.

* Technicians should be professional and neat with short, clean nails.

* Ask about the type of anesthetic used.

Original article: Click Here

Permanent Makeup Safety Advice for the Valued Client

2010-10-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

The following information is beneficial to share with your clients. Passing it along to your patrons will not only show you are a knowledgeable and credible technician, but it will establish that you care for the well-being of your patients; thus setting the foundation for a comfortable, trusting relationship between you and your clientele.

To Permanent Cosmetics clients:

Schedule a consultation with the technician prior to the actual appointment day. This consultation would most likely be the ideal time to go over all of these safety precautions with your technician.

Ask if the technician uses ‘disposable only’ machine parts. If they do not, make sure she/he has a functioning autoclave and uses a biological indicator test every month. (Autoclaving pressurizes steam heat to kill germ spores. At 121°C, the pressurized steam will kill all spores within 15 minutes; increased pressure and a temperature of 132°C can accomplish sterilization in 4 minutes.) Ask to see spore strip tests from an authorized lab to make sure the autoclave’s results are effective.

Most technicians use totally disposable machine parts. Make sure these ‘Single Use’ and ‘Sterile’ parts are safely disposed of immediately after your procedure.

Manual hand tools must be autoclaved prior to use for optimum sanitation. Used manual needles and/or the complete tool should be disposed of in a biohazard container. There are various hand tools that can be re-autoclaved using a new needle grouping. Technicians should check with their supply company regarding these tools.

Ask the technician if they follow all of OSHA and CDC guidelines. Ask to see their Sharps container and inquire what the proper protocol is concerning the disposal of used needles. All ‘Sharps’ or ‘Biohazard’ containers must be puncture-resistant, leak proof and color-coded or labeled "BIOHAZARD".

Make sure your technician washes their hands vigorously with soap and water and uses a clean pair of disposable gloves before setting up your sterile needle set.

If you have any allergies to latex or any other products, be sure to tell your technician at your consultation.

Insist on observing your technician as she or he removes a new needle and machine setup from a sealed pouch immediately before starting your procedure. You should also watch the technician set up a clean cap of pigment, poured directly from the bottle for each of your procedures. Be sure to ask the technician about their use of sterile procedures and isolation techniques. It is the responsibility of the client to observe the technician at work, inquiring about their experience and qualifications.

Be wary of the technician’s office during your consultation visit. If their areas are disorderly and cluttered, you may consider using another technician.

Question the technician on their use of barrier film. This is a clear or blue heavy-duty sheet of plastic that is sticky on one side and will adhere to light fixtures, the tattoo machine, telephone, door handles, or any other article the technician may come in contact with. If the technician does not practice using this product, there could be a transfer of contaminated blood-borne pathogens. All cords and machines should be covered as well.

The technician should never touch their hair, glasses, or other items with a gloved hand. If you observe this happening, you should ask the technician to replace their gloves to prevent any chance of contamination.

Used needles and pigment should NEVER be kept for a client’s future appointment. Pigment contains bodily fluids and bacteria, and it should be disposed of immediately after the procedure is completed.

Clients must sign all of the proper consent forms, as well as forms to confirm that any needles have been properly disposed of in a bio-hazard container immediately following each procedure.

Technicians working in open area beauty salons run the risk of airborne pathogens from acrylic nails, hair products and so on… Remember: permanent cosmetic makeup creates an open wound. Contaminants from the air should be kept to a minimum to ensure a healthy, clean procedure.

All surfaces should be wiped down with a hospital grade disinfectant (ex.Discide) prior to, and immediately following, any procedure application.

Ask the technician to see their current Health Department and Business License.

Ask to see a current certificate from a certified Blood Borne Pathogen and Exposure Control Class or from OHSA.

Ask your technician to see their current portfolio with photos of other clients who underwent the same procedure that you are requesting.

If you are having your permanent eyebrows applied, ask for an ‘Eyebrow Design’ appointment. This appointment should be separate from your consultation. The technician will go over various shapes and colors and what the best eyebrow design for your face will be. At this time, the technician may also wax your brows. If you are not in total agreement with how the permanent makeup procedure looks while drawn on, keep working with the technician until you are satisfied with the design.

On your procedure day, if you are not happy with the drawn on shape of your eyes, lips or brows, do not have the procedure completed. Your technician is there to work with you and give you a great looking procedure. If you do not like how something looks, tell them prior to starting, do not wait until they have started your application and change your mind.

If the technician is a qualified professional, they will have no problems complying with standards above and beyond these simple guidelines. If the technician, or their place of business, does not appear up to these standards, or if they become evasive when questioned, seek out a qualified professional technician.

Permanent Makeup is just that…….. PERMANENT!

Remember the old adage: “You get what you pay for.” If your procedure is less than desirable, you cannot cover your face. Choose your technician wisely, based on their training, professionalism and your judgment of their character.

Original Source: International Institute of Permanent Cosmetics

Additional Information on Permanent Cosmetics

2010-10-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

Pigments

The terms "ink" and "pigment" are both used in reference to tattoos and permanent cosmetics. Although some tattoo artist use inks, they should never be used for Permanent Cosmetics. Colors used by reputable permanent cosmetic technicians are composed of pigments that are suspended in a carrier solution. The pigment provides the color of the tattoo. The purpose of the carrier is to disinfect the pigment suspension, keep it evenly mixed, and provide for ease of application.

A permanent cosmetic technician has the choice of mixing his or her own pigment (mixing dry dispersed pigment and a carrier solution) or purchasing what are called predispersed pigments. With predispersed pigments, the manufacturer is required to supply a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any pigment or carrier. The MSDS won't be able to identify all chemical reactions or risks associated with chemical interactions within the pigment or the skin, but it will give some basic information about each component of the pigment. The MSDS may not be available if the technician is mixing their own pigments. And, by the way, like vitamins, pigments and tattoo inks are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Patch Test

Performing a patch test, it would seem, should accurately predict which individuals would have allergic reactions to permanent cosmetic pigments. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Due to the late onset of tattoo reactions, the lack of predictability of these patch tests and the rarity of reactions as a whole, leads to the conclusion that patch tests for permanent cosmetics are impractical and not effective. Patch tests do not allow us to accurately predict whether or not a person will have a reaction to a given pigment. While someone may have a positive patch test, there are well-documented cases of tattoo reactions after negative patch tests.

In the most common occurrence of reaction, the tattoo has been in place for several years and the person has an onset reaction correlating sometimes with sun exposure or a latent sensitivity that becomes apparent upon re-exposure of the same element from another source.

Also, it should be considered that tattoos have been performed for thousands of years (think Cleopatra) and there are only a small number of reports of tattoo reactions in the medical literature. One must conclude that reactions are rare.

Your specialist/technician will perform a patch test, if requested. But clients should now that allergic reactions are rare and the patch test has a low predictability rate because of late onset.

MRI Safety

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is frequently used for evaluating the brain, head, neck and chest - regions where cosmetic tattoos are typically applied. Because the pigments contain iron oxides there has been some questions raised over the safety aspects of getting an MRI if you have permanent cosmetics. Studies have been conducted with MRI patients to determine what reactions, if any, will occur.

The most problematic reactions have been reported with traditional, graphic design, art tattoos with fewer than 10 documented cases from permanent cosmetics. The reactions reported during an MR Imaging scan have been limited to a "slight tingling" and the sensation of "burning" by the patients. These "reactions" were temporary with no lasting effect or damage. Certainly, if the MRI is conducted on the exact area of the permanent cosmetics, the radiologist may not be able to get a good read. Always inform your radiologist that you have permanent cosmetics before a scan is completed. This will ensure the best possible results.

Source: http://www.imrser.org/PDF/Shellock.Tattoo.JMRI.pdf

United States FDA and Statement on Tattoos

"The risks of avoiding an MRI when your doctor has recommended one are likely to be much greater than the risks of complications from an interaction between the MRI and tattoo or permanent makeup. Instead of avoiding an MRI, individuals who have tattoos or permanent makeup should inform the radiologist or technician of this fact in order to take appropriate precautions, avoid complications, and assure the best results."

Source: http://www.mrisafety.com/safety_article.asp?subject=145

Original source: http://alturl.com/ffund

An Eyebrow Tattoo Procedure Guide

2010-10-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

We found this excellent guide and would like to share it with you.

It's from the website Eyebrow-Tattoo.com

When you enter a clinic to have a cosmetic eyebrow tattoo procedure, naturally you will have researched information to know what an eyebrow tattoo is all about and what benefits it will bring to you and what the potential risks may be.

You will naturally expect that a trained aesthetician or cosmetic permanent makeup specialist will offer you their eyebrow tattooing expertise in a professional and hygienic manner during the tattoo eyebrows operation and that the equipment used will be modern and the best available in your area.

So after you have had an initial consultation with your cosmetician and have been shown pictures of tattoo eyebrows and have selected what shape and color you want, you will probably leave the procedure in the hands of the experts. But eyebrow tattoo pictures and a "Questions and Answers" during a brief consultation may not provide all you need to know.

Since you are about to have ink permanently injected under your skin that will last at least 5 years, and will be visible to everyone you encounter for a long time, and will be the first impression you give to the world, I suggest that you delve a little deeper below the surface of eyebrow tattoos.

An eyebrow tattoo is a delicate procedure that requires skill to do correctly and also requires the correct instruments, needles and equipment. It also demands the application of anesthetic to keep you comfortable before and during the operation, be it a topical cream or spray or some kind of anesthesia to dull the pain. Then, once you have received your permanent eyebrow tattoo you will need to be sure that your care provider has given you what you need to heal properly and that the brow region will not become needlessly infected.

Newly tattooed eyebrows need to be cared for and guarded from infection and it is also imperative that you return to visit your cosmetician at least once for a post-operation assessment of healing and perhaps even some touch-ups.

Permanent Eyebrow Tattoos – General Overview

I want to go through some of the procedures that involve this specialized field of tattoos for women and the types of products specific to the permanent eyebrows industry that are used so that you can be sure you are receiving the best cosmetic tattoo eyebrows that are possible. Don’t make the mistake of walking into a shop and saying, ‘tattoo my eyebrows, please’ and not know what you can have or what it will be like and then end up looking for a very expensive eyebrow tattoo removal clinic.

An eyebrow tattooing procedure can be very comfortable and trouble free if you know what to look for, what to ask, and have selected a clinic, tattoo shop or aesthetician wisely. Before I decided who would tattoo my eyebrows, I read as much information as possible and went to several clinics for consultations, first to have questions answered, and second, to view the facilities before scheduling an appointment.

A good clinic will give you a local or topical anesthetic that will numb the region where the tattooed eyebrow will be. This is essential because the micropigmentation needles will rapidly penetrate and puncture your skin in a very small area during an hour or so and this can be very shocking to that delicate area of the face and very painful without anything to numb the sensations. If a good anesthesia has been properly applied, you can expect to feel nothing more than a tickle, a slight bit of pressure or a little tug like plucking your brows, but without any sharp pain at all.

Cosmetic tattoos are different from artistic permanent tattoo treatments because your facial procedures will be done in a clinical environment and not in some dingy tattoo shop. The comfort level you should be offered (and must demand) should equal that which is offered at a dentist or a doctor’s office or with a plastic surgeon. Anything less is unacceptable.

Having a successful eyebrows tattooing procedure requires these 10 basic things:

a well trained and experienced permanent makeup specialist or aesthetician
a good sketch drawn onto your brow with the final shape YOU want
the right pigments or ink color that will match your skin tone and hair color
receiving proper anesthesia before the procedure begins
the use of a modern rotary machine
the right selection of needles for the right style of cosmetic tattoo
numbing creams or anesthesia during the procedure to ensure your comfort
proper application of aftercare products immediately following the procedure
the right aftercare products at home to avoid swelling and infection
a follow-up visit with your tattooing specialist a week or two after the procedure

The Anesthesia or Numbing Agent

Cosmetic tattooing and permanent makeup is not only for the brow. Many people schedule several sessions to have tattooed eyebrow procedures as well as to have eyes lined and lips enhanced with liner or completely filled in with color. Each procedure takes about 1 hour, however if a brow must be reconstructed after an illness or due to burns or if there are any other issues that complicate a tattooing procedure it will take longer.

In all cases a numbing agent will be applied to the area. This is how:

The area will be cleaned and disinfected.
Then a numbing agent will be applied using a sterilized cotton swab.
It will take 15 to 20 minutes for the anesthesia to take effect.
Then the anesthesia, if it is a cream, will be wiped away and the area cleaned and dried.
After that, the eyebrow guide line will be drawn onto the brow area to be tattooed. This must be done quickly so the anesthetic does not wear off.

It is also possible that the aesthetician may draw the brow first, then apply a numbing agent. After waiting the same 20 minutes, it may be blotted and the micropigmentation may begin.

Lidocaine

Most numbing agents are safe for eyes, eyebrows and lips and some creams are very smooth and effective especially those that contain about 4% Lidocaine made especially for eyebrow permanent makeup applications and other delicate facial procedures. There are also anesthetic ointments that numb instantly without the 20 minute wait. These ointments are also good to have applied during the procedure because in my experience one application for the entire hour is never enough.

Soothing and Numbing

Your aesthetician or eyebrow micropigmentation specialist may also use such things as tea tree oil or even just some aloe mixed with a sterile gel and some anesthesia containing Lidocain or some other numbing agent. The tea tree or aloe will help sooth and avoid excessive redness or irritation while the Lidocain will eliminate the pain.

Extra Anesthesia During the Procedure

During the tattoo procedure there is no reason to grit your teeth and endure if sensation begins to return to the area. I had one aesthetician who said it was normal that the area would become a little more sensitive 45 minutes into tattooing, but there is no reason to suffer. All that’s needed is a quick word or gesture to your specialist and she/he will apply an instant numbing cream or ointment.

It shouldn’t matter if the micropigmentation tattoo procedure is well underway, all good cosmetic tattooing centers will offer an instant numbing agent to help keep you comfortable and to allow the skin to relax and not get dehydrated as your aesthetician creates your permanent makeup eyebrows. The creams or ointments used should be water-resistant so it won’t matter if a little blood needs to be washed away midway through the operation, the anesthetic should still remain.

Anesthesia Spray – Lidocaine and Epinephrine

There is also a topical anesthesia spray that is very effective for after the skin has been broken with the needles. It’s especially great because it contains an agent that reduces swelling and it feels cool and gives relief midway through any procedure. If it’s not offered, and you begin to feel uncomfortable, ask for a spray to be applied. Make a note that you want Lidocaine and Epinephrine and any trained permanent makeup cosmetician will understand.

Avoiding Bleeding

If you tend to bleed, this may not only be uncomfortable and unhealthy but it may get in the way of the area where the eyebrow or permanent tattoo is being created. It is difficult to make fine details and use feathering techniques if there is blood. The artist or cosmetician also needs to follow the guide line that has been drawn onto the brow and too much blood or swelling or irritation may make this difficult. There is a special gel that can eliminate most of this. It is a coagulating gel that stops bleeding and swelling (specific for use during the creation of permanent tattoos) and can also be combined safely with any numbing cream or instant painkilling ointment. It also contains Epinephrine. Don’t forget to tell your cosmetician beforehand if you already know that you tend to bleed more than average so she/he can have the right products prepared.

Eyebrow Tattoo Needles

You may not need to know what tattoo equipment or what exact needle your cosmetic permanent makeup specialist has chosen, it may suffice to see her/him remove it from a sealed wrap and insert it into a rotating machine and know that it is sterile and disposable. However if you’re like me and like to know every detail of what is being done to your body and how everything works you may find the needle selection interesting and may even want to discuss with your aesthetician which needles will be used to achieve the desired effect on your new eyebrow tattoos.

One and Two Prong Needles

There are prong needles that are round and are used for adding filler to brows and for creating thick eyeliners and for lips. (Just a note: A lip tattoo is different from a lipliner or a full lip filling tattoo in that a lip tattoo is usually thought of as a decorative mark inside the lip and is done in an artistic tattoo shop, whereas a cosmetic tattoo for adding color to your entire lip is done in a clinic with special needles for tattoo makeup that are round and eliminate scaring on very delicate areas such as lip liner.

There are also 2 prong round needles which ensure that ink or pigments are injected more quickly and evenly. The angle of the needle is also important and it is imperative that there is not a back suction of pigment and blood. Needles should all meet the standard of cosmetology and medical needles and be made of medical grade stainless steel, come in sterilized individual packs and be disposable. Any other kind of needles and you should seek a new eyebrow tattoo clinic. Modern eyebrow tattoo equipment should be sterile and/or disposable with no exceptions.

Three Prong Needles

There are also 3 prong needles which help skin to heal better because they have something to protect the sharp point and not bend or cause excessive bleeding and are also better for leaving fewer scars in delicate areas. These flat needles have a space for ink or pigments and this makes for smoother color and have a finer point, and therefore are best for eyeliner (and not tattooed eyebrows) because it can deposit more color in a finer line and therefore avoid some of the future fading problems. These specific needles (that are used in rotary machines other styles of modern tattoo equipment) are used to create the initial outline of a brow or for feathering techniques that make an eyebrow tattoo appear a little more natural as if it were hair.

Four to Seven Prong Needles

Yes, there are also 4 prong flat needles that function much the same as a 3 prong except they insert pigment even smoother and faster, however the ones most frequently used to fill in the eyebrow tatoo area (after having been outlined) are the 5 prong round needles. 6 prong needles are flat and again are better lipliner and feathering or creating the look of fine hairs. 7 prong round needles work in rotary machines to give strong lines and fill very quickly. This will depend on the size of the bow being tattooed and how fine or delicate the skin is and how the skin reacts to the pigmentation.

For all of these needles a small handheld rotary machine is required. There are also some small disposable sleeves that you may see attached to these machines to help the aesthetician grip better and to also avoid ink, pigment or blood splatter. If these sleeves are not disposable then you should make sure that you see the metal sleeve of the rotary machine having come directly from a sterilizer.

Eyebrow Shape with Stencils

Although the shape will have been decided before the procedure commences, it must be drawn or somehow applied to the brow area and remain as a guide for the eyebrow tattoo expert to use as she/he forms the brow with ink. Sometimes a pencil or brow marker may wear off or become less visible. You do not want your aesthetician guessing halfway through the procedure where to form the brow. One way to ensure that this does not happen is to ask if an eyebrow stencil is available. There are usually a dozen or more shapes that you can choose from and will be placed on your brow to ensure a perfect design. Sometimes an aesthetician will design one just for you if you discuss this in advance.

I can’t stress the need to do this pre-shape consultation with an aesthetician or to do some shaping through trial and error on your own brows with a pencil or with plucking technique, prior to anything else. Consult eyebrow shaping books and look at pictures and make a stencil yourself…anything…but get it right the first time so that you will never need to have eyebrow tattoo removal done because the shape was off. Your face is the canvas, the stencil or shape is the basis for the art that will take shape and it’s permanent and it’s on your face!

Eyebrow Tattoo Aftercare

Once the eyebrow tattooing procedure is complete it is imperative that your permanent makeup cosmetician apply a soothing and healing protective cream or gel to the newly tattooed area. Tattoo care is important right from the start. Remember that the region has had a needle inserted into the skin hundred of times and requires help repairing. It also needs something to calm the swelling that will occur but can be slightly minimized with a soothing cream, ointment or gel. You also want to protect the color which can begin to scab and crack and fall away taking the color with it. You do not want your new brows to flake away. So, your professional cosmetic tattooing specialist will apply a small amount of cream or ointment or gel using a soft cotton swab to the eyebrow or tattooed lips or eyes.

Now all that is left to do is to take a little cream home with you, listen to your homecare instructions carefully and wait.

Tattoo Care at Home

Don’t panic if your brows begin to itch and have scabs. Just don’t pick them off and don’t rub the region. It is best not to wash them and certainly don’t scrub them unless you want to repeat the entire procedure. If your permanent make up tattoo appears too dark, don’t worry too much. Eyebrow tattoos often look darker than expected for a few weeks, but they should fade. If you are unhappy with the shape or there has been a mistake or they are getting infected or the swelling isn’t going away after about 48 hours, you must call your aesthetician and also see if you may need an antibiotic. Also if the shape is a little off, you can get advice on how to pick off the scabs to eliminate some bad areas and have these retouched. Do not just go home and sulk if everything is not what you expected. Return quickly to the clinic where you had the permanent cosmetic make up done and immediately plan how to fix anything that is not to liking. It is best done early than late.

Give Your Brows a Month

In normal cases, the brows will heal in two weeks or so. Give it a month for them to be faded a little and totally lovely. That is why you should never have this procedure done anytime near an event where you must be in public for a wedding r special occasion. Plan your eyebrow tattooing procedure for an off season in your year.

Making the Decision

If you are reading this and have not yet made the decision as to weather you are going to go ahead with a cosmetic eyebrow tattoo or any kind of permanent cosmetic tattoo on your face, then here are some benefits you may want to consider. If you wear eyeglasses and your eyes are hidden from view and they are a light color and have little or no hair on your brows, then you might consider enhancing your brows to give your eyes some shape and zest from above the glasses. If you feel that your face looks dull or lifeless when you have little or no makeup then perhaps a little pick me up is in order.

Eyebrows can be enhanced with your own natural hair, eyeliner can be drawn on permanently with a tattoo around your eyes and your lips can be made full and splashed with color without having to spend hours a day or worry about waking up without your face. However the most common and popular procedure is the permanent eyebrow tattoo, which to set your mind a little more at ease, has been used successfully for centuries in Asia and only more recently has spread to Europe and the Americas. But don’t be frightened by thinking it is a new fandangle fad that is not a tried and true beauty technique that is well founded. The history of tattoos is part of the ancient oriental arts from China, Egypt, India and the middle east.

Many of the beautiful oriental women that western women admire for having delicate eyebrows and wispy long lashes and liner that extends away from the corner of the lashes have been enhanced by some cosmetic tattoo procedure. It is by no means a new art and will continue to beautify women’s features for a long time to come.

Temporary Eyebrow Tattoos

If you want to test what shapes may best suit your face shape and brow structure, it is a good idea to try temporary tattoo brows that are smudge proof and waterproof and will give you a good idea what to expect prior to a formal permanent tattoo procedure. Temporary tattoo eyebrows come in many styles and colors and are very cheap and can even be ordered online.

Temporary eyebrow tattoos are easy to apply and can cost as little as $10. there is also a pen available for #18 from Sephora that is waterproof and creates a temporary eyebrow tattoo or eyeliner that will give you an idea of what you can expect from a cosmetic tattoo eyebrows. However keep in mind that brows drawn on with a pen or a temporary tattoos are much inferior to those that are custom designed for you and are created with an eyebrow tattoo machine that will make eyebrows tattoos that mimic hair through feathering and fine hair mimicking techniques. If you like the results of what an inferior semi permanent eyebrow tattoo looks like then you likely be delighted with a the real tattoo.

Since eyebrow tattoo cost can be quite high (eyebrow tattoo price ranging from $400 to over $1,000 per procedure), having a sneak peek at eyebrow tattoos that stick on or can be drawn on in advance for a few dollars is well worth the time and effort. The eyebrows tattooing information that you may get from looking at pictures of tattoo eyebrows and seeing before and after shots and asking specialist how to tattoo eyebrows so you understand the procedure is not something you COULD do or MIGHT do if you have the time, it is a MUST do for anyone contemplating a tattoo. Please try some temporary tattoos and read the books available (I recommend some on this site). Please look at lots of eyebrow tattoo photos and watch some videos and search for tattoo eyebrows pictures online. Please ask the tattoo professionals as many questions as you can. You can also send me your questions or post them at the bottom of this article and will try to help, but it is best to discuss your specific concerns with someone in your area. I will soon try to include a list of professional permanent makeup experts and tattoo websites.

Permanent Makeup for Active Lifestyles

If you are like me and lead an active life where swimming and traveling are a part of your lifestyle, permanent make up and cosmetic tattooing can really make a difference. Also if you find that your eyes get watery in the wind or are very sensitive to the elements and make wearing makeup difficult, then permanent eyebrows and liner may be just the thing.

Many women are also very busy professionals and need to wear make up in their everyday life but are not adept at such things nor do they have an interest in drawing beautiful eyes and lips on every morning.

More Reasons For Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing

Other women have found that due to eyesight problems they simply forego makeup because they can’t see what they are doing or have shaky hands. These ladies need not worry if they have eyeliner and eyebrows permanently tattooed on and all they need is a touch of lip-gloss or a little powder on their nose and they’re good to go.

Another reason women opt to have permanent facial tattooing is because of allergies to commercial cosmetic products. Other ladies have had chemotherapy or have hair loss illnesses that have made them feel less feminine. These issues can be altered with cosmetic tattooing and can give ladies a whole new sense of self esteem.

You may just be sick of drawing eyebrows and eyeliner on each day and you want to treat yourself to a little something just for YOU. Try getting some liner done and then a lipliner and last a brow. Eyebrows are the most dramatic and therefore you can start slowly with a few other cosmetic tattooing procedures first to get your feet wet.

Selecting the Clinic or Tattoo Specialist

When you seek a clinic look for professionals who have experience with permanent makeup, cosmetic tattooing and micropigmentation or micro pigment implantation and derma graphics. There are pens, coils, rotary machines, and hand tattooing methods that all work well, but the best would be a rotary machine for eyebrow tattoos.

You can have your eyebrows enhanced a little or totally reshaped, you can have top and bottom eyeliner or just top or just bottom. You can have a little color deposited into your lash line just for a slight natural enhancement of color around the eyes and you can have a light lip line tattooed around your lips or have them totally filled in with pigment. You can also have scars made less obvious if they are in the eyebrow region and also have other cosmetic facial enhancements depending on what specialist are in your area.

Make sure that your professional aesthetician or tattoo artist is trained in their craft and have at least 40 hours of practice – more if possible. In the US there is a Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals. In other countries there are organizations that monitor the quality of these procedures by making sure the technicians or tattoo specialists are qualified and that the equipment is hygienic and modern.

Facilities can be tattoo shops in conjunction with piercing but must also have an eyebrow studio and/or a certified permanent makeup specialist who meets a standard and operates with international medical standards.

Hygienic, Sanitary Permanent Cosmetic Clinics

When you go to the aesthetic shop or clinic for an initial consultation make sure that the place is clean and that bedding or sheets are changed frequently and that in general the air is like a hospital or clinic and not like an underground tattoo shop where you would go to get a dragon tattooed onto your back. It is up to you to choose who will do this procedure. For you to be even better informed, take a look to some of the permanent make up and cosmetic tattooing books that soon will be available for sale through our website.

Which celebrity would you say has perfect lips?

2010-09-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

By Tracy Fensome

For me it is Angelina Jolie and this sexy beautiful photo typifies true beauty, however. It’s a question I get asked every week, usually followed by a request to have lips like their favourite celebrity.

I can wave my magic hands and certainly give you as near to with permanent makeup by blushing in a lip colour to enhance lost pigment, refresh your definition to give you more youthful lips and if your lips allow it a full lip colour blushed throughout -24/7 lip colour, no smudged lip colour, just permanently beautiful. But there are many other factors involved in having perfect lips – genetics being one and a great aesthetic doctor.

Firstly let’s have a look at who really has the most perfect lips and what is defines perfect. So let me ask the question – whose lips would you like to have? Scarlett Johannson, Halle Berry, Beyonce Knowles, Monica Belluci or my favourite again Angelina Jolie?

Like I said, I thought Angelina’s lips would top the list without a doubt, but the question has finally been answered with the help of scientific precision, and the answer I found was surprising.

An American biometrics specialist has developed lip-reading software, which uses a scientific formula to rate lips on a 10-point attractiveness scale called the Baileys Lip Attractiveness Software is the brainchild of ‘Lipologist’ Dr Kendra Schmid.

The formula analyses lip proportion, size, fullness, texture, colour and shape. The entire key points I analysis when enhancing your lips with permanent makeup.

Although, both Jolie and Johansson scored high on the global top lips list, the winner is Italian actress and fashion model Belluci, who took away the first spot.

Bellucci achieved a 10 for lips that are full, smooth and ideally proportioned so that the height of her lips is two-thirds the width. Johannson scored second with 9.66, Halle Berry third with 9.61, Beyonce Knowles scored a 8.65, and Angelina Jolie rounded out the top 5 with 7.89.

“This is a world first in biometrics; using formulas to objectively score lips according to the characteristics of size, shape, texture and colour,” News.com.au quoted Schmid, as saying.

The top five are:

1. Monica Bellucci

2. Scarlett Johansson

3. Halle Berry

4. Beyonce Knowles

5. Angelina Jolie

Here we are then ladies with the facts as to who has the perfect lips. Whether you agree or not they are all beautiful, stunning women. These women inspire me to excel in my own beauty and health but it must not be forgotten that being healthy and happy is your wealth and inner beauty.

If you aspire to having just one feature on your face that is perfect [contact a specialist or technician] with expertise in permanent makeup and wealth of knowledge in aesthetics and cosmetic surgery to guide you in the safe direction to achieve this.

Original post @ http://www.tracyfensome.co.uk/

Permanent Makeup History

2010-09-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

From MicroPigmentationCentre.com

Color History

Color for cosmetic use has been around for centuries, both for use on the surface of the skin as well as sub-surface. Archaeologists have evidence that Egyptian women used green ore of copper as an eye shadow as early as 5000 B.C. They also used henna to dye their hair, carmine to redden their lips and kohl to blacken their eyebrows, lids and lashes. Thousands of years ago it was common place for Indians to use saffron to tint their faces yellow and also to dye their feet, their cheeks and the tips of their tongues. In Asia Minor, women and men, smeared their faces with litmus and marshmallow and the Babylonians shaded their lips with red in the belief that the color would prevent demons from entering their bodies.

Mummies with tattoos intact, dating back thousands of years have been discovered not only in Egypt but throughout Europe, Siberia and other places, showing that not only has the practice been around for a long time but that it has been a world wide occurrence.

Until the middle of the nineteenth century all the colorants used in foods, drugs and cosmetics were obtained from natural sources which included animals, vegetables and minerals. It wasn't until 1856 when the first synthetic organic dyestuff was discovered which unleashed a host of new and different colorants which were available in a wider variety of shades, were stronger and more permanent and considered safer for use in foods and drugs. It was the Food & Drug Act of 1906 that finally placed controls on colors used in foods, drugs and cosmetics.

The Micro-Pigmentation Centre's pigment line, which is formulated in house from FDA approved ingredients, boasts 56 colors for cosmetic and medical tattooing. Specialized colors such as the Signature Series for Camouflage and for Areola colors are widely used in hospitals and by plastic surgeons post breast reconstruction. A large number of patients that are referred to the company are looking for assistance to correct colors that have changed in the skin, a fairly common occurrence. The Correction Series of pigments such as Grey Gone, Blue Buster for Lips, Red Out and Blue Brow Corrector have been specifically designed to neutralize and correct these changes.

As an international guest speaker at Esthetic Trade Shows and Permanent Make-up Conferences, and as an invited visitor to Plastic Surgeons meetings, Pat Gauthier has put aside many of the myths associated with pigment colors; what is approved for use and what is not approved. The information she shares provides an understanding on the cause and effect of how pigments interact with different skin types, why they fade and who are not candidates for tattooing.

Color theory and mixing formulation are covered in the company's standard training courses and discusses many color related issues such as the effects of melanin, the body's most important natural pigment, which influences skin tone and the final appearance of the procedure.

The company's widely successful advanced color management training course, "Color

through the Skin" was original designed for the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) in the United States. The society contracted the Micro-Pigmentation Centre to develop a program that would enlighten their membership on cosmetic tattoo pigments and present it to them at their annual conference. They wanted the record set straight on Iron Oxides, Organics and Inorganic pigments and dispel any other misinformation that was being promoted throughout the industry.

What resulted was an educational forum that took on the structure of an interactive workshop and Power Point presentation designed and orchestrated to impress and educate even the most knowledgeable of technicians, tutor the newer members and in general ensure that everyone left with not simply new or different theories but with new, practical, hands on working knowledge and expertise.

The program was so well received and praised that it has since been integrated into the company's one day continued education training workshops and to date have been held in Las Vegas, Nevada, Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Equipment Evolution

Prior to electricity, the manual method to tattoo was used and in fairness, is still in use by many diehards to this day. The process lends itself more towards body art than cosmetic tattooing although some have made the transition. It uses a needle attached to a stick, generally bamboo, and it is tapped into the area either freehand or by being struck with another stick.

In the 1800's an electric machine was invented utilizing wrapped coils of copper which when energized allowed two contact points to move a bar holding a needle which oscillated the needle into the skin. For the most part the machine has not changed that drastically over the years and until recently it has been the preferred method for performing for both body and cosmetic tattooing.

The benefit of this style of machine when married with a proper power supply gave it all the muscle needed to successfully implant pigment to the correct depth with sufficient needle speed to be moderately comfortable on the client or patient. The negatives to this style of machine is the weight in that it is a relatively heavy unit to manipulate over a period. It is also very noisy having a high decibel rating which requires additional client management and third its antiquated design does not endear itself to the refined look of the Medical field or high tech Spas or Salons.

Enter the pen style machine in the early seventies which as history dictates owes its success more to its design than as an efficient tool. Originating in Taiwan it was brought to North America and sold into the aesthetic market allowing many people to enter the permanent make-up business. Considering what was available at the time its popularity is attributed to its physical design, lightness and quite operation, in effect, the total opposite of the two coil tattoo machine. Small and pristine, easily fitting into the small delicate hand of the majority of technicians it became the machine of choice to the unknowing. The downside speaks to the original comment in that it was the total opposite of the two coil unit. Whereas the two coil machine had the power to deposit the pigment to the correct depth, the pen does not. What results is a procedure that requires many touch-ups and a cosmetic tattoo that fades away.

For the conscientious technicians who attempt to make it work, they literally try to force the pigment into place, pushing down heavily on the machine which in turn causes trauma to the skin, abnormal bleeding and unneeded client pain and discomfort.

The original machine has been cloned by many manufacturers with different styles but unfortunately all with the same results. Some have promoted their product as a "semi-permanent make-up machine" which is a good marketing ploy to cover the shortcomings but not too comforting to the person without eyebrows who finally gets them only to loose them again, or the lady who underwent breast reconstruction with new areolas tattooed and then they fade away.

The world is controlled by computers for everything from a hand held BlackberryTM to the guidance systems on the Shuttle's Space Program. They are fast, accurate and they are reliable so it was only a matter of time that this industry would join the future.

The European market had digital tattoo machines for several years and the newest and latest to enter North America is the Nouveau Contour digitally controlled computerized tattoo machines. Made in Germany and sold and marketed through the Micro-Pigmentation Centre, these state of the art products bring together all of the power and qualities of the two coil tattoo machine plus the aesthetics of the pen style machine. Its appealing high tech design, light weight control and virtually noiseless operation is enhanced by the user's capability to control not only the speed of the needle but to maintain that speed and consistency under all types of skin conditions through the use of the onboard digitally controlled micro-processor.

Two models are available, the Digital 700 in medical white and the stainless steel "Intelligent" which is a more advanced design encompassing pre-set needle frequency selection buttons such as the "Medical" button for areola procedures, "Brow" button for eyebrows and so on. Both boast a patented needle design that comes in sterilized pouches, a design that prevents cross contamination and a needle that automatically retracts into the tube when the control is turned off. Pricing is commensurate with its performance, and the speed of operation cuts most procedures by 40% of the time which allows for a greater number of operations in a given day. Patient management is reduced considerably, the machine's speed of operations lessens the client's discomfort level and the professionally presented package ensures repeat business for other procedures.

Original Article Here

Tattoos & Permanent Makeup

2010-08-05T01:30:00.000-07:00

November 29, 2000; Updated June 23, 2008

FDA considers the inks used in intradermal tattoos, including permanent makeup, to be cosmetics and considers the pigments used in the inks to be color additives requiring premarket approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. However, because of other public health priorities and a previous lack of evidence of safety concerns, FDA traditionally has not exercised its regulatory authority over tattoo inks or the pigments used in them. The actual practice of tattooing is regulated by local jurisdictions.

FDA is aware of more than 150 reports of adverse reactions in consumers to certain permanent make-up ink shades, and it is possible that the actual number of women affected was greater. In addition, concerns raised by the scientific community regarding the pigments used in these inks have prompted FDA to investigate the safe use of tattoo inks. FDA continues to evaluate the extent and severity of adverse events associated with tattooing and is conducting research on inks. As new information is assessed, the agency will consider whether additional actions are necessary to protect public health.

In addition to the reported adverse reactions, areas of concern include tattoo removal, infections that result from tattooing, and the increasing variety of pigments and diluents being used in tattooing. More than fifty different pigments and shades are in use, and the list continues to grow. Although a number of color additives are approved for use in cosmetics, none is approved for injection into the skin. Using an unapproved color additive in a tattoo ink makes the ink adulterated. Many pigments used in tattoo inks are not approved for skin contact at all. Some are industrial grade colors that are suitable for printers' ink or automobile paint.

Nevertheless, many individuals choose to undergo tattooing in its various forms. For some, it is an aesthetic choice or an initiation rite. Some choose permanent makeup as a time saver or because they have physical difficulty applying regular, temporary makeup. For others, tattooing is an adjunct to reconstructive surgery, particularly of the face or breast, to simulate natural pigmentation. People who have lost their eyebrows due to alopecia (a form of hair loss) may choose to have "eyebrows" tattooed on, while people with vitiligo (a lack of pigmentation in areas of the skin) may try tattooing to help camouflage the condition.
Whatever their reason, consumers should be aware of the risks involved in order to make an informed decision.

What Risks Are Involved in Tattooing?

The following are the primary complications that can result from tattooing:

Infection. Unsterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit infectious diseases, such as hepatitis and skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus ("staph") bacteria^*. Tattoos received at facilities not regulated by your state or at facilities that use unsterile equipment (or re-use ink) may prevent you from being accepted as a blood or plasma donor for twelve months.
Removal problems. Despite advances in laser technology, removing a tattoo is a painstaking process, usually involving several treatments and considerable expense. Complete removal without scarring may be impossible.
Allergic reactions. Although FDA has received reports of numerous adverse ractions associated with certain shades of ink in permanent makeup, marketed by a particular manufacturer, reports of allergic reactions to tattoo pigments have been rare. However, when they happen they may be particularly troublesome because the pigments can be hard to remove. Occasionally, people may develop an allergic reaction to tattoos they have had for years.
Granulomas.These are nodules that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.
Keloid formation. If you are prone to developing keloids -- scars that grow beyond normal boundaries -- you are at risk of keloid formation from a tattoo. Keloids may form any time you injure or traumatize your skin. Micropigmentation: State of the Art, a book written by Charles Zwerling, M.D., Annette Walker, R.N., and Norman Goldstein, M.D., states that keloids occur more frequently as a consequence of tattoo removal.
MRI complications. There have been reports of people with tattoos or permanent makeup who experienced swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This seems to occur only rarely and apparently without lasting effects.

There also have been reports of tattoo pigments interfering with the quality of the image. This seems to occur mainly when a person with permanent eyeliner undergoes MRI of the eyes. Mascara may produce a similar effect. The difference is that mascara is easily removable.

The cause of these complications is uncertain. Some have theorized that they result from an interaction with the metallic components of some pigments.

However, the risks of avoiding an MRI when your doctor has recommended one are likely to be much greater than the risks of complications from an interaction between the MRI and tattoo or permanent makeup. Instead of avoiding an MRI, individuals who have tattoos or permanent makeup should inform the radiologist or technician of this fact in order to take appropriate precautions and avoid complications.

A Common Problem: Dissatisfaction

A common problem that may develop with tattoos is the desire to remove them. Removing tattoos and permanent makeup can be very difficult.

Although tattoos may be satisfactory at first, they sometimes fade. Also, if the tattooist injects the pigments too deeply into the skin, the pigments may migrate beyond the original sites, resulting in a blurred appearance.

Another cause of dissatisfaction is that the human body changes over time, and styles change with the season. The permanent makeup that may have looked flattering when first injected may later clash with changing skin tones and facial or body contours. People who plan to have facial cosmetic surgery are advised that the appearance of their permanent makeup may become distorted. The tattoo that seemed stylish at first may become dated and embarrassing. And changing tattoos or permanent makeup is not as easy as changing your mind.

Consult your healthcare provider about the best removal techniques for you.

What About Temporary Tattoos?

Temporary tattoos, such as those applied to the skin with a moistened wad of cotton, fade several days after application. Most contain color additives approved for cosmetic use on the skin. However, the agency has issued an import alert for certain foreign-made temporary tattoos¹.

The temporary tattoos subject to the import alert are not allowed into the United States because they don't carry the FDA-mandated ingredient labels or they contain colors not permitted by FDA for use in cosmetics applied to the skin. FDA has received reports of allergic reactions to temporary tattoos.

In a similar action, FDA has issued an import alert for henna intended for use on the skin². Henna is approved only for use as a hair dye, not for direct application to the skin. Also, henna typically produces a reddish brown tint, raising questions about what ingredients are added to produce the varieties of colors labeled as "henna," such as "black henna" and "blue henna." FDA has also received reports of allergic reactions to products applied to the skin that contain henna.

Reporting Adverse Reactions

FDA urges consumers and healthcare providers to report adverse reactions to tattoos and permanent makeup, problems with removal, or adverse reactions to temporary tattoos. Consumers and healthcare providers can register complaints using the contact information in Your Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA³.
For more information, see Tattoos and Permanent Makeup⁴.

^* For related information on infections from tattooing, see the following documents from the Centers for Disease Control: Viral Hepatitis B Fact Sheet⁵ and "Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infections Among Tattoo Recipients --- Ohio, Kentucky, and Vermont, 2004-2005"⁶ (published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, June 23, 2006)