Fabulously Flawless Permanent Cosmetics / Permanent Makeup (Page 6)
care of new tattoo

Improper Care of Your New Tattoo Could Be a Matter of Life and Death!

12.06.2017 Consumer Safety, Permanent Cosmetics, Permanent Makeup
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Yes, it’s true. Caring for your new tattoo is serious stuff. Whether you are getting body art or permanent makeup, the aftercare of your new tattoo is not only critical to ensuring the longevity of the tattoo, but it is also essential to your health. Though both tattoos and permanent makeup are safe, improper aftercare of a new tattoo can sometimes cause severe damage to your skin or worse; it could also be deadly!

 

After you get a tattoo, the area is essentially a large, open wound, making it vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms until the skin completely heals. When germs gain entry to a wound, your immune system may not be able to stop them from causing damage and necrosis to the surrounding tissue. This damage is what is known as an infection. Mild infections may be treatable with over-the-counter medications and home remedies, whereas other infections may require medical attention. There are hundreds of types of skin infections, and each of them has different characteristics and severity. If left untreated, some infections can lead to blood poisoning, shock, and even organ failure and death.

 

By failing to protect your new tattoo, germs that you come into contact with can cause infections. Germs can be picked up from many different sources, even places you may not think of. Water, for instance, is one place that is often overlooked as a potential source of infection. Although water may look clean, it is still likely to harbor billions of bacteria, viruses, microorganisms, and other contaminants. Swimming pools, hot tubs, public showers, lakes, rivers, hot springs, and even the ocean are homes to these kinds of infection causing agents. So swimming or other recreational water activities are ill advisable when you have a brand new tattoo.

 

Recently, a Texas man died after he contracted Vibrio Vulnificus, (a “flesh-eating” bacterium commonly found in coastal ocean water) after swimming in the Gulf of Mexico only days after getting a new tattoo.

 

Some of the other bacteria and microorganisms that have been found in water include: Staph bacteria, Legionella bacteria (known to cause Legionnaire’s disease), Hepatitis, Naegleria Fowleri (the so-called “Brain-eating” Amoeba found in freshwater), Cercarial Dermatitis (commonly known as “Swimmer’s-Itch” caused by exposure to trematode parasite larvae found at freshwater lake beaches), as well as toxin-producing algae-like Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae in freshwater), and Karenia Brevis (Dinoflagellate Algae). If your new tattoo were to come into contact with any one of these your health could be at serious risk!

 

But water isn’t the only place where you can come into contact with these nasty bacteria and viruses. Beaches and coastlines are also full of disease carrying insects such as sand flies, fleas, and mosquitos. Bacterias like E. coli, Giardia, Campylobacter, Enterococcus, and even MRSA have been found along beaches and coastal areas as well.

Some soils have even been found to contain Tetanus, Botulism, Cutaneous Anthrax, and Listeria. So you must guard your tattoo during any outdoor activities while it is healing.

 

Public bathrooms, showers, gym locker rooms, and even hospitals are also known to house plenty of bacteria that could also potentially enter through your new tattoo and reek havoc on your body. Simple things such as washing your hands before touching your tattoo to clean it or apply ointments is essential!

 

Besides just keeping your tattoo clean, you need to protect the area while it heals. After getting a tattoo your artist should give you aftercare instructions about how to take care of your new body art or permanent makeup as it heals. Be sure to follow them explicitly.

 

Overall, the likelihood of an infection occurring is very minimal as long as you take proper care of your tattoo. As with any tattoo or permanent makeup procedure, be sure to go to a reputable artist who is licensed and certified, follow your aftercare instructions, and keep the area clean. Avoid swimming, sun, and dirt and your tattoo will heal nicely for you to enjoy for years to come.

 

microblading

Microblading – Going Under “The Blade”

11.05.2017 Beauty, Consumer Safety, Eyebrows, Micbroblading, Permanent Cosmetics, Permanent Makeup
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Microblading is one of the hottest beauty trends for women who are seeking perfect, natural looking permanent eyebrows. But if you are in the market for gorgeous brows the key to getting them is by educating yourself first. I put together this information to share because I continue to see client after client seeking Microblading correction for botched brows, after having it performed by an inexperienced person.

 

Here is my “Must Follow” advice that you should take into consideration before you go under the blade (pun intended).

 

First and foremost, make sure you choose a reputable and highly trained Microblading artist. Start by researching Microblading professionals in your area. Check out their reviews, portfolio, and their credentials. Verify that they are certified and have received hands-on training from the American Academy of Micropigmentation. Make sure your artist is also licensed as a tattoo artist in the state in which they operate their business. They should have a lengthy generalized permanent makeup background, as well as blood-borne pathogens training. They should also have extensive color theory pigmentation courses. It is also always a good idea to check to see if these technicians or establishments have any BBB complaints filed against them as well.

 

Microblading is in such high demand these days, individual practitioners, doctor’s office, and spas are now offering it. New microblading services are popping up everywhere. Part of this is due to less experienced technicians offering 2-day classes to train others how to use a blade to shape a brow and implant color. Two days is not enough time to learn how to perform Microblading, and technicians that are not Certified Instructors with the American Academy of Micropigmentation should not be training anyone in the procedure. So make sure your artist has at least 60 hours of classroom training and a minimum of 6 hands-on procedures performed under a Certified Instructor.

 

A true “Certified Micropigmentation Professional” undergoes many hours of extensive initial certification training which includes:

  • Minimum of 55 to 60 hours of classroom time
  • Minimum of 35 to 40 hours of home study
  • Certified instructor demonstrations and a minimum of 6 hands-on procedures performed by trainees under the direct supervision of a certified instructor.

 

Remember, having Microblading performed by a novice will almost certainly result in botched brows.

 

It’s also important to steer clear of technicians that are offering Groupons, deals, and deep discounts. Usually, the reason for these discounts is because they are new at performing the procedure, and they are trying to build up their clientele. Don’t be someone’s guinea pig.

 

Once you choose an artist, be sure to ask the following questions during your Microblading consultation:

  • Ask about your professional’s background and training.
  • Ask how long they have been doing micropigmentation (microblading).
  • Ask if they have passed any examinations for Board Certification by the American Academy of Micropigmentation.
  • Ask if they were trained by an instructor who is Board Certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation?
  • Ask if they use disposable needles. This is so important to your safety and welfare.
  • Ask what pigments they use? Iron Oxides and Titanium Dioxide are the least likely to cause problems. Some synthetic organic pigments are okay but make sure there has never been an allergic reaction. If a practitioner states they use “vegetable-based” pigments or dyes that is a red flag because there is no such thing used for coloring the face.
  • Ask if your makeup is “permanent” or if it will fade. If they insist your makeup is permanent, and will not fade, then consider consulting a second professional. All colors soften and fade over time and need to be refreshed every year or two in most cases – especially eyebrow colors with muted browns, golds and grays.

 

I hope you find this information helpful. If you have any questions about Microblading, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.