Building A Bridge: Cosmetic Surgery and Micropigmentation
Dawn Willard
There are many reasons women and men want to change or alter their physical appearance. Aging, illness and accidents are a few of the circumstantial reasons, but regardless of the circumstances the most common motivation is the desire for increased confidence and satisfaction with one's look. One way to add vibrancy to your facial features and to regain some of your color and appeal is to invest in micropigmentation or permanent makeup procedures. Micropigmentation can increase definition of the eyes, lips and eyebrows and this definition lights up the face so you appear more present and more attractive. Like plastic and cosmetic surgery, permanent makeup has often been misunderstood and degraded. The media has sensationalized occurrences of allergic reactions and poor technique and rarely reported on the wonderful results a majority of micropigmentation clients receive. Don't get me wrong, there are risks and a trained, ethical practitioner will inform you of all of the potential problems involved and will take the time to assist you in making a decision that is in your best interests.
The Importance of Understanding Cosmetic Surgery
As the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM) and the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) have created new standards and certification processes the industry of micropigmentation has become more respected every year as a profession and as an art. Plastic surgeons agree it takes talent and experience to complete permanent makeup procedures that work. Cosmetic surgery and micropigmentation are both costly and time consuming to correct when procedures have been done poorly or by an untrained hand. While researching the topic of micropigmentation online you will find that the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and even the University of Pennsylvania Health System's Department of Plastic Surgery all recommend micropigmentation or permanent makeup as an option. It is often considered a complimentary procedure that has a number of advantages. At www.surgery.org the ASAPS discusses how micropigmentation can help recreate the areola around the nipple or to restore the color of skin where natural pigmentation has been lost. Permanent makeup can also help visually correct eye and lip shape when they less than ideal. Dixie Medford, President of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, and an experienced professional, states in her article Permanent Makeup A Modern Look At An Ancient Art that "Women aren't going to tattoo parlors to get permanent makeup. Instead they are visiting their local salon or medical office." "More and more physicians, nurses and licensed estheticians," she continues, "are adding Intradermal Pigmentation, otherwise referred to as Permanent Cosmetics, to their menu of services." Dixie Medford, also discusses the importance of permanent makeup practitioners knowing their clients and understanding the implications of plastic surgery procedures in her article Waking Up With Makeup Could Be A Nightmare. She states the following, "The technician needs to be aware of when and how to do eyebrows on plastic surgery patients that are considering or having brow lift surgery or Botox injections." "It is important," Medford continues, "to be aware of the impact of aging skin and the changes that will occur in the brow shape." She goes on to say; "Plastic surgery and aging are also factors to consider when performing eyeliner....The permanent cosmetic technician must take additional consideration when working on post surgical clients."
Micropigmentation as an Alternative
Permanent makeup works well as a complimentary procedure for patients seeking plastic surgery, however, it can also be considered an alternative to particular procedures. The same effects created by a surgical brow lift or collagen injections into the lips can sometimes be achieved through micropigmentation. There are many reasons a patient should not choose to have plastic surgery. Often these reasons are associated with physical or mental health problems. A good cosmetic surgeon will be certain their potential patient is physically able to handle a surgery and to heal well. They will make sure the potential patient is in a healthy frame of mind and has a positive perspective on the procedure since this too can affect the healing process and outcome of the surgery. For these patients micropigmentation may be a less intense and risky procedure. Also, if a patient has experienced problems after a facelift, micropigmentation can help to correct drooping eyelids and other issues so the client can avoid additional expensive corrective surgery. To learn more about micropigmentation and permanent makeup alternatives visit my website at www.DawnColors.com.
About the author:
Dawn Willard's extensive career in the fine and applied arts has
included lettering, illustrations and photo and film styling.
Twenty-three years as a photo and film stylist taught Dawn and
array of artistic skills, one being makeup. Ms. Willard's foray
into permanent makeup began in 1996. She currently owns the
Permanent Makeup Studio in Asheville North Carolina. She has
explored a variety of techniques and has clients coming to her
from Ill
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