Frequently Asked Questions about Intradermal Pigmentation
Pre-treatment Instructions
Post-treatment Instructions
Disclaimers
In the News!


. . . about Intradermal Pigmentation
Who benefits from Intradermal Cosmetics?
Both men and women benefit. Especially if you have...
Little time to apply makeup
Allergies to conventional make-up
Difficulty applying make-up due to physical impairments
Asymmetrical facial features.
Others who benefit are...
Athletic people or those with oily skin who tend to shed make-up easily
Anyone who desires the freedom from daily make-up application
Burn survivors and people with flaws in their skin
Men and women who wish to look their best!
Is the procedure painful?
Topical anesthetics are used to minimize discomfort.
What is involved in the recovery?
There will be slight swelling and redness in the skin, which will subside quickly. You may resume normal acivities after the procedure. Complete healing takes one to six weeks while the pigments mature and reach their final colors.
Do I have a choice of colors?
Yes!!! There is a wide spectrum of colors from which to choose. Your technician will assist you in choosing colors that will best enhance your features.
Do I have a choice in the placement of pigments?
Absolutely! You will be fully aware during the procedure, instructing the technician where you wish the implants to be located.
What type of pigments are used?
We use Premier Products, which is known for its pigments that contain no iron oxide ( making them MRI safe).


. . . AND PROCEDURES
Since delicate skin or sensitive areas may swell slightly, or redden, it is advised not to make social plans for the same day. Lip liner may appear "crusty" for up to one week.
If you have had Restylane® or Perlane® previously injected into your lips, please be advised that previous or additional injections of the product could adversely affect the outcome of the lip procedure color because of the possibility of bluing. An alternative to the above injections is collagen, fat injection or Sculptra®; these are free of the bluish undertones. Anything done to the skin in the future may adversly affect permanent cosmetics, and it may or may not be correctable. Avoidance of the blue hue is more a matter of skin genetics and luck. This usually affects the fair skinned.
Please wear your normal make-up to the procedure. If you are having lips or brows done, please bring your favorite pencils.
If unwanted hair is normally removed in the area to be treated (i.e. tweezing or waxing), the hair removal should be done at least 24 hours prior to your procedure. Electrolysis should not be done within five days of the procedure. Do not resume any method of hair removal for a week after the procedure.
If eyelashes or eyebrows are normally dyed, do not have that procedure done within 48 hours of this procedure. Wait one week after the eyebrow or eyeliner procedure before dying lashes or brows.
If you wear contact lenses and are having the eyeliner done, do not wear your lenses to your appointment and do not replace them until the day after the procedure.
If you are having the eyeliner procedure done, as a safety precaution, in case of watering or swelling, we recommend that you have someone available, or accompany you, who could drive you home if you so decide or if it is necessary.
If you are having lipliner done and have had previous problems with cold sores, fever blisters, or mouth ulcers, the procedure is likely to re-activate the problem. Your Intradermal Cosmetic Technician can make recommendations to help prevent or minimize the outbreak.
We recommend allergy testing of the red pigment (lipliner or skin tone pigments) one week before the planned procedure.
Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen for 7 days prior to your procedure.
We look forward to working with you. If you have any questions, please call or make notes so we can discuss them with you when you arrive for your appointment.


For 14 days following application of permanent cosmetics:
Apply antibiotic ointment sparingly once a day, for 2 days. Use Vaseline 5 to 6 times a day, keeping moist until the procedure has healed. Use a clean cotton swab. Do not use your fingertips.
Do not rub or pick at the epithelial crust, allow it to flake off on its own. Absolutely no scrubbing, no cleansing creams or chemicals. Gently cleanse the area with a mild antibacterial soap. You may rinse with water and lightly pat the area dry.
Do not expose the treated area to full pressure of the water in the shower.
Do not soak treated area in bath, swimming pool or hot tub. Do not swim in fresh, salt, or chlorinated pool water.
Use a total sun block after the procedure area has healed to prevent future fading of pigment color.
Do not use mascara or eyelash curler for seven days post procedure. When you resume use, purchase a new tube. The old tube may contain harmful bacteria.
If you are a blood donor, you cannot give blood for one year following your procedure. (Per the American Red Cross)
Use sterile bandages and dressings when necessary.
Remember, colors appear brighter and more sharply defined immediately following the procedure. As the healing progresses, color will soften. A touch-up procedure may or may not be necessary. Final results cannot be determined until healing is complete. Touch-up procedures must be made between 30-90 days following the procedure. Additional fees will apply for touch-ups made after 90 days following the procedure.


Potential complications of this procedure may include:
Bleeding, skin discoloration (hypo and hyper-pigmentation), infection (viral and bacterial), scarring, allergic reactions (immediate and delayed types), granulomas (painful lumps immediately under the skin), migration of pigment away from the treated areas, fading of ink over time, swelling and inflammation, pain (immediate and persistent), ink rejection, eye injury including corneal abrasions.
If you have had Restylane® or Perlane® previously injected into your lips, please be advised that previous or additional injections of the product could adversely affect the outcome of the lip procedure color because of the possibility of bluing. An alternative to the above injections is collagen, fat injection or Sculptra®; these are free of the bluish undertones. Anything done to the skin in the future may adversly affect permanent cosmetics, and it may or may not be correctable. Avoidance of the blue hue is more a matter of skin genetics and luck. This usually affects the fair skinned.
Medical problems as well as certain medications, including Sarcoid, keloid formation, Diabetes, bleeding disorders, use of blood thinners, Lupus and Autoimmune disorders may increase risk of complications from cosmetic tatooing.
No guarantees or assurances will be given regarding this proceedure.
Numerous treatments may be necessary to obtain the desired result.You will be expected to contact your technician as soon as possible with any potential problems so that they can be dealt with in a timely fashion.
Perfection is not a realistic expectation.


The CourierSeptember 26, 2003 - Conroe, Texas
By Ruth Fields, Courier Advertising Writer
Charline Utley isn't surprised at the recent popularity of permanent cosmetics. She had her own permanent cosmetics applied several years ago.

"Everybody wants to look as good as they can," Charline said, noting that many celebrities, including Cher, Raquel Welch, Dolly Parton, and Elizabeth Taylor have had permanent cosmetics applied.

In 2001, Charline, a semi-retired massage therapist, impulsively decided to attend a class to learn how to apply permanent cosmetics.

"I just fell in love with it," Charline said. "It is just so exciting."

Charline uses Premier Products' technique of applying permanent cosmetics. Unlike other permanent cosmetic lines, Premier Products is known for its pigments that contain no iron oxide. Some people with iron oxide in their permanent cosmetics experience complications when they later undergo MRIs for necessary medical testing, Charline said. Some experience burning at the site, while others' MRIs may yield inconclusive diagnoses.

"Because ours doesn't have the iron oxide, it's a much safer one to use," Charline said. In addition, Premier Products' line includes more than 140 shades, so that clients can choose the perfect colors that will blend with their own skin tones.

Premier Products' technique uses sophisticated instruments to introduce pigments beneath the skin. Although procedures may involve some discomfort, Charline makes having permanent cosmetics more comfortable. Before beginning each procedure, she applies a topical anesthetic so that when the pigments are introduced underneath the skin, discomfort is minimized.

"I have had some people say they felt nothing," Charline said.

Charline, who taught health and hygiene for ten years, insists on an aseptic environment. She uses only disposable, single-use instruments and always wears surgical gloves. Charline's private suite at a local Day Spa is quiet and relaxing.

"Permanent cosmetics are popular among lots of people. For many people who are allergic to makeup, this is the only way for them to wear makeup. This is such a boon for people with allergies." Charline said.

For others, it is a choice of convenience. "They are amazed at how much time they have saved."

Athletic women, as well as women with oily skin, like permanent cosmetics because they last all day. Others choose permanent cosmetics because they're physically or visually incapable of applying cosmetics. Many men and women utilize permanent cosmetics to reduce the appearance of scars. Men can also have permanent cosmetics applied to enhance hairlines.

Charline's most requested service is eyebrow enhancement. People's eyebrows aren't exactly the same, Charline said, but she strives for symmetry when applying permanent cosmetics. Before introducing pigments beneath the skin, Charline draws eyebrow on each client, helping them to decide what shape will be most flattering to them.

"They usually don't want that surprised look,'' Charline said. "They don't want their eyebrows to get through the door before they do."

Charlene also does eyleliner, including eyeliner on the mucosa of the lower lid, as well as lip liner and full lips. Soon, she plans to attend a class to learn to apply creamy lips and three-dimensional eyebrows.

Charline always schedules 30-minute consultaions with clients before applying their permanent cosmetics. At that time, she can suggest colors that will be the most flattering. Charlene has 75 colors in stock and can get other Premier Products colors in one day. She can also blend colors together to provide custom colors for clients.

Charline always schedules plenty of time for each procedure so that she can make sure clients are happy with their results.

Some clients prefer a dramatic look, while others want to achieve a more subtle effect. Whatever look a client chooses, however, Charline strives to make permanent cosmetics look natural. "We enhance your natural beauty," Charline said.




For more information, or to schedule a consultation, contact:
Charline L. Utley, Ph.D.
Phone: 936-662-7467




Permanent Makeup Artist Charline L. Utley, Ph.D. is licensed
with the Texas Department of Health.
She holds training certificates through Premier Products.

Charline's Permanent Makeup services are available in
The Woodlands/Conroe, Deer Park, Crockett, Livingston & other East Texas county areas.


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