Is Permanent Makeup Safe?

Permanent makeup, also known as cosmetic tattooing, is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed professional. 

There are potential increased risks for people with certain medical conditions or with specific situations. The risks can be categorized into 2 buckets - absolute vs relative contraindications.

Absolute contraindications:
Refer to a specific situation that indicates a procedure should not be performed because it may be harmful.

• Age 18 or under

• Accutane
  You need to be off of Accutane for at least 12 months 

• Cancer
  With cancer / cancer treatments, the body & immune system are compromised so we want to limit any additional risk. Clients must wait 12 months to receive any permanent makeup services after treatment is finished

• Heart/Blood condition
  Hemophilia or any blood clotting disorders

• Severe heart condition
  Individuals with heart diseases are often on medications that thin the blood which can cause excessive bleeding

• Pregnant or nursing
  There isn't enough research to understand the effects of pigment or numbing agents on individuals who are pregnant or nursing as they can enter the bloodstream. 

• Sick (cold, flu, etc.)
  If your body health is compromised, the inflammatory response from even small injuries can be elevated

• Retin-A/Retinol
  Use of Retin-A and retinol OTC products should be discontinued 30-60 days prior to service

• Non-prescribed drugs
  If a client is knowingly under the influence of drugs or any mood-altering medications that are not prescribed

• Keloid scarring above the chin

Relative contraindications:
Refer to a specific situation that indicates caution should be used when a procedure is performed. These contraindications are typically evaluated on a case by case basis and may require a doctor’s note.

• Chronic conditions

• Compromised state of skin 

• Chemical peel in the last 30-60 days

• Autoimmune disorder, thyroid disease

• Hair transplant

• Moles, skin tags, less than 6 month old scars, raised old permanent makeup, keloids above the chin, and generally raised skin

• Skin complications

• Super thin, vascular, and sun-damaged skin

• Tan/sunburn skin

• Uncontrolled diabetes type 1 & 2

• Upcoming vacation or special occasion planned

• Trichotillomania

• Botox / neurotoxins (for eyebrow)

• Eyelash / eyebrow growth serum (for eyeliner)

• Glaucoma eye drop (for eyeliner)

• Dermal filler / injectables (for lip blushing)

• History of cold sores (for lip blushing)

Most artists will ask you to confirm all of the above in an initial intake and will walk you through these bullet points carefully to ensure your safety and healing. Now, if you have any of these conditions, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from being able to receive permanent makeup services. It does mean that precautions are necessary before proceeding. Your artist should be opening up the conversation about whatever condition concerns you and how the service can impact the specific condition. They likely will ask you follow up questions to learn more about the specific situation and potentially ask you to acquire a doctor’s note. But don’t worry - this doesn’t always mean things are dire or that you will see some crazy side effects! We aren’t medical professionals so we want to do our due diligence in making sure the procedure is safe for you!

Hopefully you were able to get a better idea of what we look for in terms of permanent makeup safety for our clients and how you can also better prepare for your upcoming appointment if you’re already booked or looking to book!

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions and we hope to see you at Miae Beauty (: