Special Needs
Permanent Cosmetics and Micropigmentation
I have been studying Permanent Cosmetics and Micropigmentation for almost as long as I’ve been performing traditional tattooing. I first recognized the mental and physical benefits of Micropigmentation while watching Virginia Zuelsdorf repair (via tattooing) burns caused by an exploding automobile battery. As I watched the client’s skin pigmentation become whole again with every successive visit, I also saw the relief it brought the client. The client knew children would never be afraid of him again. He knew that he wouldn’t be asked prying questions that would cause him to emotionally re-live the painful experience of the explosion. With the new pigment on his face and arm that matched the pre-accident color, the client was again comfortable in business situations and personal ones as well.
The more I thought about the benefits clients can gain at the hands of an experienced and caring medical tattoo provider, the more I saw the need for all tattooing to be approached from the same perspective. So I set about learning all I could about the medical and psychological applications of my skill and care. I also wanted to share information with anyone who cared to know more.
I was speaking at a medical conference on the health and safety issues concerning body modification when I met one of the first of many cosmetic/plastic surgeons to refer clients to me. This has afforded me the opportunity to help more people than I could have ever hoped for. I really enjoy helping people in these ways as much as I enjoy conventional tattooing.
Below are some of the applications for Micropigmentation, and conventional tattooing applied in non-conventional ways.
1. Scar Camouflage
The Micropigmentation technique for scar camouflage involves applying pigment into the healed scar tissue to restore it to the normal color of the surrounding skin, and also matching the patient’s natural hair color or preferred makeup. Scars are best treated when the healed skin is white, usually when the injury is six to eighteen months old. As with any Micropigmentation procedure, an additional touch-up may be needed. I have used various methods to fix everything from cut and burn scars to facelift scars under hairlines that the hairline alone would not hide.
2. Areola Restoration
This kind of restoration is generally carried out after a mastectomy and post reconstructive surgery, in cases where the patient has lost the nipple during the surgery. An advanced technician who has had the proper training can give these patients back their long-lost self-esteem and confidence by giving them Areola Restoration. I also have given the same lift in esteem to women who had very noticeable scarring around the areola after breast reduction or augmentation. Also, some women who are self conscious about a natural lack of color or symmetry can benefit from this procedure.
3.Eyebrow Enhancement or Restoration (alopecia or trichotillomania)
For chemotherapy patients, Micropigmentation can ease the distress of chemotherapy by preserving the appearance of eyebrows without makeup. Chemotherapy patients can be treated either one month before chemo drugs are administered, when the original facial hair is in place so visible eyebrow and eyelash hair can be enhanced with micropigments. Micropigments can also be applied in the midst of a course of chemotherapy during an off-week when no chemo drugs are administered, as long as a physician approves the procedure. Eyebrow enhancement or restoration can also benefit people with hair loss due to trichotillomania due to over-plucking.
4. Lip Enhancement/Symmetry
Clients can benefit from lip enhancement when their lips are not clearly defined. Other clients can benefit if their lips are pale, sun damaged or heavily wrinkled. Lip liner is just that, a finer line on the outside of the lips that further defines an already attractive shape. A full-lip enhancement is color over the entire surface of the lips. The illusion of fuller lips is better done in this manner than with any sort of temporary implant as implants can sometimes leave lips looking lumpy. Natural lip color can also be useful after color loss due to laser hair removal or wrinkle treatment.
5. Feminization or Masculinization of Previous Tattooing
This procedure is more closely related to conventional tattooing than any other on this page. I have found (by having a large male-to-female transgender client base) that this type of procedure can benefit clients who chose more masculine tattoos earlier in life and after/during their transition realize for whatever reason something more feminine would be more gender appropriate. Removal isn’t always desired or possible for every client but through consultation and care, feminization in the form of a cover-up is almost always possible. Although this is more closely related to conventional tattooing the emotional benefits can be greatly rewarding for someone who is trying to represent the true self more appropriately. Medium to dark skinned, male-to-female transgender clients benefit most from this procedure, because removal without scarring is more difficult for these clients.
This is just a small sample of how I can help people outside of conventional tattooing. All genders are welcome to contact me for help. You will find me fair and caring no matter what your situation.