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MEDICAL MICROPIGMENTATION AND PERMANENT MAKEUP

Micropigmentation, also known as dermopigmentation or permanent makeup, is a treatment that involves the introduction of inorganic pigments into the skin using stertile needles.  It is indicated as cosmetic therapy or as complementary therapy in restorative surgery.

What does it consist of?

The technique consists in the introduction of pigments in the dermis, 1-2 mm deep by means of small needles. The thickness of the different layers of the skin (epidermis and dermis) is irregular and, even introducing the pigment to the same depth, a touch-up may be necessary, sometimes, after a month, for its total fixation.

The implementation of micropigmentation has three phases:

  • Design in which color and shape are decided.
  • Application of the pigment with a healing period of one week.
  • Pigment review that can be done from the month of the first application.

The choice of pigment color and shape (design of areolas, eyebrow shape, lips or eye line) is carried out after studying the color of the skin and the anatomy of the patient and it will be she who will decide the color and shape that He likes it more.

This technique is performed with topical local anesthesia or also with infiltrated local anesthesia. Medical micropigmentation does not need hospitalization. It is an outpatient treatment lasting approximately two hours, after which the patient can go home.

Does it produce allergies?

The pigments we use are natural, of mineral origin, are constituted by inert ingredients (iron oxide and titanium) and are sterile and biocompatible; special to be introduced into the body without rejection.

When using inorganic pigments, the possibility of allergies is practically nil. However, we always practice an allergy test behind the ear on the first visit.

Is the treatment painful?

The treatment is not very painful, however, if the patient is very sensitive, topical or cold anesthesia can be applied to the area. In our case, being a doctor who performs the treatment, you can apply local anesthesia injected into the area to eliminate all pain.

Risks and complications
  • Risks and complications common to any treatment such as bruises, edema or inflammation that will usually remit in a short time without being treated.
  • Risks and specific complications of this treatment:
    • Erythema (redness) or inflammation that disappears in 24 to 48 hours.
    • Possible appearance of scabs in the healing period.
    • The appearance of bruises is rare, which will resolve in a short period of time. Rare appearance of bruises, which will resolve spontaneously in a short period.
    • Reappearance of herpes in rare cases.
    • The lesion of the prosthesis is highly unlikely in the case of breast areolas since the pigment is placed superficially.
  • The lesion of the prosthesis is highly unlikely in the case of breast areolas since the pigment is placed superficially.
Contraindications
  • Active dermatoses
  • History or evidence of keloids
  • Pregnancy
  • Psychiatric disorders
  • Blood dyscrasias
How long does micropigmentation last?

Keep in mind that  the pigment is more striking at the beginning and gradually fades, lasting an average of 3 to 5 years. The duration of the pigment varies according to the color of the pigment used, the patient’s age, skin type and other external factors. After this time can be reviewed, if desired, so that the color retains the same initial intensity.

Post-micropigmentation information

After the treatment is carried out, inflammation occurs secondary to trauma caused by repeated penetration of the needles to deposit the pigment. The surrounding area may appear flushed and the color of the pigmented area is very intense but usually does not cause pain. If you feel discomfort you can take regular analgesia with ibuprofen or paracetamol.

After two or three days the healing process begins with the formation of a scab that lasts about 4-5 days. It gives the impression that the color has darkened, this appreciation disappears when the scab falls. About 7-10 days after treatment the superficial layers of the skin are removed. It is now when a decrease in color intensity is seen for two reasons: for the loss of the scab and for the removal of the pigment from the most superficial layers of the epidermis by cell renewal. This is the reason why retouching is not recommended before one month after treatment.

In the 1st week there is an increase in the chosen tone.

In the 2nd week there is a decrease.

In the 3rd week the color stabilizes.

 

Recommendations for the patient after treatment:

  1. After treatment there may be some inflammation or redness that will last a few hours. It is important to take into account that there is a small skin lesion that you must take care of correctly, for this purpose the ointment recommended by the doctor will be applied daily for a week so that the micropigmented area is always hydrated taking care not to scratch or rub sharply. At this time the color tone will be darker (excess pigment that falls in approximately five or six days). During this time, you should not expose the treated area to the sun or take UVA rays as it could suffer significant injuries or irregularly hyperpigment.
  2. So that the color does not change during the healing process, the following recommendations will be followed for a week:
    It will not do sauna or bathe in beach or pool.
    For eyes, lips and eyebrows: do not make up the pigmented area, do not sunbathe, do not use facial cleanser or cleaning wipes (it will be washed with water and neutral soap) do not use cream in the area except the indicated one. Nor can you shave your lips or perform very aggressive treatments. In the case of the eyelids, you cannot curl or apply dye on eyelashes or eyebrows.
    For lips: avoid eating acids (salads with vinegar or lemon) and drink juices (orange, grapefruit) with straw to prevent the acid from making contact with the pigment. Do not sunbathe.
    For AREOLAS: do not sunbathe, do not bathe in the sea or in the pool. Do not take saunas.
In what areas can I do the micropigmentation?

Any woman, through permanent makeup, can shape her eyebrows, camouflaging sparsely populated, make them longer and also change the shape. It is also possible to correct the alopecia of eyebrows and eyelashes.

Before a micropigmentation treatment, a study of the patient’s face is done to establish the most flattering form and a test is carried out with different eyebrow models so that the patient chooses the one that is most flattering.

Using the hair-to-hair system we avoid the effect of “painted eyebrows”. We will always look for naturalness: delicate shades, with not too exaggerated shapes. The color is chosen from the range that harmonizes with the patient’s face taking into account skin tone and hair color, eyebrow density and eye color.

Is there any danger or contraindication?

In principle it is a fairly simple outpatient treatment, but several factors have to be taken into account so that micropigmentation is carried out safely:

– The hygiene of the material and the place where it works.

– The color that is chosen, which must be as natural as possible.

– That the patient does not have herpes or fever on the day of treatment.

– Leave the appropriate time between sessions.

– Follow the recommended care after treatment.

Can normal life be made after the treatment?

If your work or obligations require an impeccable image, you should keep in mind that for a few hours the treated area may be slightly swollen and reddened, and for a week the color may look darker and more intense.

Once the micropigmentation is done, can the color be modified?

It is easier to raise the color if it has become clear. On the other hand, if it is dark, it is more difficult to clarify it although it can be achieved. In case of doubt it is better to start with a softer tone just in case.

For those people who at the time of makeup like to change colors according to the time of the year, it is convenient to keep in mind that micropigmentation is not so simple, it can not be done every six months and change tone. For this reason it is convenient to use natural colors, and, on a special occasion like a wedding, you could put on makeup for a day.

Do I need review?

In 75% of cases, due to the irregularity of the skin, a small touch-up is required after one month.

When must the review be done in case that it's necessary?

The review will take place between 1-2 months after the treatment, time necessary for the skin to have regenerated. If we reviewed before, we could injure the skin and leave irreversible consequences.

What happens when you don't review a micropigmentation?

Over the years it would fade evenly, so that it would look the same as at the beginning but increasingly faint.