Eyeliner FAQ

Permanent makeup is not inexpensive, but it can be priceless. It has been estimated that the savings in daily makeup is about $400 per year, and in time that you may save 380 hours per year. Most people do not get permanent makeup to save money, they do it for convenience and to know that they always look their best. If you compare other non-surgical procedures such as Botox or wrinkle filler it gives you a good idea of the value of permanent makeup. For about the same cost as some Botox or filler, which may last only 3-4 months, you will get permanent makeup that lasts for years and saves you time every day.

Usually, each procedure appointment is two to two and a half hours. The majority of the time is spent in adequately consulting and selecting the appropriate color for your skin; in measuring and artistically drawing out the planned procedure prior to actually implanting the color; and allowing for the application of topical anesthetics. Complete after-care instructions will be reviewed verbally and then sent home in written copy form.

We recommend doing a maximum of two procedures at a time. Each area takes anywhere from 2 -3 hours to complete. For the most comfort and best results, we recommend doing no more than two areas at a time. However, some clients choose to do the procedures as individual appointments, while others do only brows and eyeliner and return for lips later, etc.

It is a form of tattoo, although different techniques and pigments are used. Anytime color is implanted into the dermis of the skin, it is technically a tattoo, regardless of the manner in which it is performed.

This is the name of the process used to implant color in the skin. Many people refer to permanent makeup by fancy names such as micropigmentaton, dermal pigmentation etc. It is all correct, however, it truly is a tattoo process.

Unlike many technicians that re-use or sterilize via an autoclave the various components of their equipment, we use all pre-packaged, sterile and disposable needles and needle casings. With the highly technologically advanced digital implantation system used at Fab Lab, we use medical-grade needles that are encased in a special cartridge. This patented cartridge system contains an internal diaphragm that prevents any bodily fluids and airborne contaminants from entering into the system. This ensures that you will receive the safest, most sterile form of cosmetic tattooing available.

In addition, all of your procedures are done under Federal OSHA standards that regulate the sterile, safe and healthy practices for prevention of cross-contamination from person to person.

There may be some situations where you would need medical clearance first. A thorough health history will be taken prior to your procedure. Any contraindications or medical alerts will be discussed prior to receiving the procedures. These situations are few and rare. It is advised that a doctor’s release be provided if you are under a physician’s care for certain ongoing medical conditions. There are a few skin disorders that prevent the application of permanent makeup.

A topical anesthesia is used as needed to help numb the areas to be treated. This helps to alleviate any minor discomfort you may experience during the procedure. Everyone has their own unique level of pain tolerance. Some people feel that certain areas of the face are more sensitive than others, so special emphasis is put on making the client as comfortable as possible. A variety of topical anesthetics are on hand to ensure that your procedure is as pain-free as possible.

You may experience minor swelling and redness on procedure day. Some people swell more than others. The eyes can be sensitive and if you have allergies, very watery eyes or know you swell easily, it is advised that you take an over-the-counter anti-histamine such as Benadryl or similar prior to your procedure. Ice packs will help alleviate inflammation and can be used frequently for the first 24 hours. You may resume normal activities immediately except that you will be advised to wear no makeup directly on the treated area for about one week. See below for additional restrictions while healing. There is some minor redness, healing and peeling during the first week. Most clients resume their regular schedule, such as returning to work, the very next day. It is advised that for very special occasions or anytime you want to look your super-best that you allow one week of healing time.

At first the pigment will appear too dark. There is an exfoliative process during the healing that allows for the surface layer of color to “peel” after 4-7 days. Once completely healed, you are actually viewing the color through the skin, not on the surface as with traditional cosmetics. You can expect that it will “heal, peel and fade” after about one week. The color is usually about 30-40% lighter when healed than it appears the day of the procedure. If the color looks perfect immediately after the procedure, it would be much too light when healed.

Some people may need the color darkened within one to five years after the procedure.

The skill of the technician, the quality of the pigments used, the individual’s skin type, how dark the original color is, sun exposure, and use of exfoliating skin-care products. First the color must be put into the dermis layer of the skin, if not, it will come off as soon as the epidermis goes through a normal shedding cycle. The sun, exfoliating products such as Retin-A, and regular swimming contribute to premature fading. Regular use of sunscreen will help prevent premature fading.  A soft brown eyeliner color will fade several months faster than a black eyeliner color.

For a more natural, less dramatic effect than is achieved with the look of full eyeliner, eyelash enhancement can be done. The color is implanted at the base of the lash line only. This procedure can even be done on men too and simply serves to define the eye lash line, make the lash base look fuller and more dense. This is great for those that don’t usually wear eyeliner but want the eyes to stand out more. All eyeliner starts with lash enhancement to color in the spaces between the eyelashes. The color is then widened until the preferred thickness is achieved.

Yes, the technique is adjusted to determine preference for either a soft “smudgy” look, or a clean straight crisp eyeliner style. Also, color layering can be done to achieve a darker line in and just above the lashes, fading into a lighter “wash” of color above the lash line.

Yes, personal preference dictates where the color is placed. You can have just upper or just lower eyeliner; or go with a darker liner on top and a softer, lighter color on the lower lids.

No, you must refrain from wearing mascara and other eye makeup while in the healing stages. It is recommended that you discontinue the use of mascara for 7 days and then resume with a brand new mascara to prevent any possible contamination or infection. Wearing mascara during the healing process can contribute to possible infection and removal of the mascara during healing can interfere with color retention.

You must not be wearing any eyelash extensions during your permanent eyeliner procedure. You should wait at least 10 days or until full healing has taken place before having lashes put on.

Either get your eyeliner done 2-3 weeks before your surgery, or you must then wait 3 months or until your doctor gives you the release to proceed with permanent eyeliner.

Yes, you must be 3 months post surgery or have a release from your eye surgeon prior to that.

You must have the form of glaucoma that does not require medication. If you use prescription medication for any eye condition, you must have a release in writing from your doctor.

Permanent eyeliner should be placed only in the natural lash line and above. The outer corners should not be connected and you shouldn’t have tails or “wings” tattooed beyond the corners. If you do get eyelid surgery the natural lash line is not altered, only excess skin removed. Your eyeliner should remain intact even after the surgery.

You must remove lenses for the procedure and it is recommended that you wear glasses if possible for 2-3 days after. This is precautionary to prevent irritation and possible eye infections. If you need contacts to see and don’t have glasses you will need to keep them out the remainder of the day and have someone drive you home. With strict hygiene you may begin wearing them the next day.

You must discontinue temporarily while healing from the eyeliner procedure. It is recommended that you refrain from using the product for about 10 days or until you are sure that the procedure area is completely healed. There is no data that shows if these products influence premature fading of permanent eyeliner. You must discontinue using eyelash growth products at least 3 month prior to having the eyeliner procedure done.