You can have permanent makeup applied to all areas of your face, but one common choice is permanent eyeliner, as it's often considered the most difficult and time-consuming makeup to apply. Permanent eyeliner can be applied to either the top of your eye, bottom or both. You have the option of going for a bold or subtle look, together with your tattooist you can decide on the color and shape that will suit your features. However, before deciding on the procedure, do your research and weigh up the pros and cons.
Research
Permanent eyeliner is a delicate, invasive procedure, therefore it is of utmost importance that you find a technician that is registered with the Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals (see Resources) and has at least five years of experience.
Procedure
Make an appointment for an initial consultation where the technician will inform you about what to expect and answer any questions you may have. The second appointment will last between 90 minutes and two hours. A topical anesthetic will be applied to numb the area and the actual tattooing takes approximately 45 minutes, color pigment will be placed in the dermal layer of the skin, afterward the area will be cooled with ice. You will need to attend a follow-up appointment after four to six weeks.
Time Frame
Your permanent eyeliner should last a few years if applied by a competent technician. However, this will depend on how well take care of it and your skin type. Over time, the color will start to lighten and fade, you then have the option of having the color refreshed.
Cost
Cost varies by location, but generally, permanent eyeliner will cost you between $400 and 800. This may seem like a lot of money, but cost isn't the most important consideration, the skill, training and experience of the technician are.
Benefits
You may benefit form permanent eyeliner, if you wear makeup daily, don't want the hassle of application and want to save time or if you don't have the expertise of applying eyeliner correctly. Visually impaired people and individuals with motor dysfunction conditions like Parkinson's disease will also benefit form permanent eyeliner. You'll save money in the long run as you won't have to purchase eyeliner ever again. Permanent eyeliner is beneficial if you are allergic to cosmetic eyeliner or if your eyeliner tends to smudge on humid days.
Risks
One of the main risks is the transmissions of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C from the use of unsterilized equipment. You may experience an allergic reaction after the procedure or see the formation of nodules (granulomas) around the tattooed area as your body may perceive the color pigments as being foreign. You may also develop keloids, which are scars that grow beyond the injured region. Permanent eyeliner is permanent, so you won't have the option of changing your look if it becomes out of fashion, or if you simply want a change of style. If you decide to remove your permanent eyeliner, tattoo removal is a painful and expensive task.
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