People say that certain things that transpire in life happen for a reason. When these events leave permanent markings or damage behind, however, it becomes much harder to accept that line of reasoning. In particular, it can be difficult to move on from disfiguration or deformity that results from an injury or illness. Seeing these imperfections in the mirror every day can have negative emotional and psychological effects, and cause people to sink into a state of depression and low-self esteem. In the case of physical deformity, surgical reconstruction may be necessary, but if a few blemishes here and there just need to be covered up or enhanced, standard make-up techniques may be sufficient. In most instances, however, the level of make-up required may either be beyond the skill of the average person, or simply be too time-consuming to be a practical solution. Fortunately, cosmetic surgeons have developed a form of make-up that embeds itself directly to the skin, doing away with the need for daily applications.

Semi-permanent make-up was developed for people who need help making themselves look better everyday. It is not just for people with mild disfigurements; people that are just too busy to bother with make-up all the time can avail of this quick procedure. Arthritis sufferers also have difficulty putting on make up and this can be of help to them as well. Semi-permanent make-up, or micropigmentation, involves the insertion of natural or synthetic pigments beneath the skin through the use of a needle to provide a longer lasting answer to a person’s beauty concerns. Even men can benefit from this technique to add or reduce color in certain facial areas, or to provide greater aesthetic feature definition. Several colors can be used to give you a perfect eyeliner, fuller brows and lips, and add color to your lips. It can also be used to camouflage scarring, burns and lighten breast areolas that have been affected by pregnancy.

Most people are valid candidates for micropigmentation, but you still need to be cautious as it involves the placement of an foreign material beneath the skin. It is advised that pregnant and breastfeeding women not undergo the procedure. Also, people that have infections and a high risk of allergies are cautioned against this. Your doctor should be able to counsel you on whether you are suitable for procedure.

Your medical history will be needed so that the practitioner can advise you properly. You will also discuss what look is best for you. Enhancements that conform to popular trends are not suggested as they become outdated, so a natural appearance is preferable. A topical anesthetic will be used on the area to be treated and a cosmetic pencil will be used to trace the path the needle will follow. A needle attached to a hand held device will then proceed with the pigmentation. Depending on where on the patient’s face the pigmentation will be done, it can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. It is also an outpatient procedure, so one can leave right after the procedure. The effects of the technique will last between one to two years.

Current technology allows for faster healing times and less chances of allergies but some mild side-effects should be expected. The colors may appear darker for the first week after the procedure but this will normalize to the look that you and your technician discussed. Some swelling may occur, which can be handled with the use of ice packs on the inflamed area.

A good, reputable beauty technician should be sought as this could prevent any unwanted side-effects. They use sterilized needles which are quickly disposed after one use. They should also be skilled aesthetically, as they are essentially creating works of human art, with one’s face as the canvas.