"Clinics in Dermatology," the official journal for the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology, published a report by Christa de Cuyper, MD in 2008 indicating that tattoos used to simulate makeup have risen in popularity over the past decades. A cosmetic tattoo entails applying pigment to the skin using a hand-held tattoo needle. The most common risks with this procedure include allergic reactions, scarring, infections, fading or dissatisfaction.
Choose a Technician
Cosmetic tattoos are done by plastic surgeons, cosmetologists, tattoo artists, aestheticians and nurses. There are no rules for how to choose a professional, but consider the reasons for getting an eyebrow tattoo. Also, never go to a person who does not have experience in this field. Once a person is tattooed, barring a long, expensive and painful procedure, it's there for life.
It's best for people who are getting permanent eyebrows to cover hair lost due to a medical condition, like chemotherapy, alopecia (a condition that causes total body hair loss) or vitilago to consult with a physician about getting a referral to a professional plastic surgeon. An aesthetician or tattoo artist with experience may be more suitable for a purely cosmetic procedure. The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) has a search function on its website to link qualified technicians with customers. Ask to see photographs of the work before choosing a technician.
What to Consider
Some technicians will use a tattoo gun to apply the ink. Others will use a needle, which is more appropriate for fine, delicate jobs. Plastic Surgery Advisor, a website for plastic surgery advice, indicates that a tattoo gun is faster, but may be more painful. A hand-held tattoo needle takes longer, but may cause less swelling, bruising, bleeding and have a shorter period of healing.
Ink application technique also needs to be decided ahead of time. Some technicians will painstakingly create individual eyebrow hairs, creating a more realistic look. Another tattoo artist may apply a solid block of color, which can look artificial. Look at the technician's portfolio, and it will be easier to determine which look to choose.
Prepare for a Consult
SPCP recommends wearing eyebrows penciled in the desired way for a consult. A snapshot of the desired look will also work. Do not agree to the procedure before approving the final design.
Preparation
The technician will clean and disinfect the skin prior to the procedure. She will draw the eyebrows on with a special, surgical pencil. It's important to examine and approve the sketch before starting the tattoo application. Pigment cannot be altered once it is applied with a tattoo pen.
Not every technician will anesthetize skin prior to applying a tattoo. Only medical professionals, and those with a special license, are qualified to administer medication. Pain management techniques can be discussed with a physician prior to the appointment.
Aftercare
Tattoos will appear darker in the days after the procedure, according to Jean Loftus, MD, a plastic surgeon in Cincinnati. It can take several days or weeks for the tattoo to fade. The tattoo will be crusty and scab over after the procedure. Swelling will persist for about 2 to 5 days. While a cosmetic surgeon will schedule a follow-up visit, a tattoo artist most likely will not unless asked to. Direct sunlight on a tattoo can cause fading.
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