Restoring Confidence

Created on 31st July 2008

Andrew Stassi explains how micropigmentation can have positive effects on a wide range of conditions

Micropigmentation is carried out using a digitally controlled power supply which keeps torque constant as skin tissue density can vary. A disposable single-use sterile needle cartridge attached to a hand-piece is used to implant organic, mineral iron oxide colour pigments of pharmaceutical grade into the uppermost layers of the dermis. In micropigmentation we do not use the traditional carbon-based inks as used in conventional tattooing which last a lifetime. Iron oxide is designed to fade over time which is why it is given the term semi permanent. There is some controversy as to whether it should be called permanent or semi-permanent due to the fact that some particles will remain in the dermis indefinitely, but in the UK it is known as semipermanent cosmetic makeup. The procedures today are designed to last from one to three years and this allows for subsequent treatments in the future to be augmented as the morphology changes with age. The depth of implantation is not as deep as conventional tattoos and sits in the layers of skin which exfoliate, which is why it fades over time. The duration of the procedure's life varies from person to person and is dependant on many factors such as after-care, biological and atmospheric conditions, hence the visible effects cannot be given a definite expectancy.

Semi-permanent make-up which is technically known as micropigmentation goes a lot deeper than meets the eye. The superficial cosmetic procedures such as eyebrow recreation, eye enhancements and lip enhancements have been given a massive popularity boost thanks to reality TV programmes such as 10 Years Younger and Make Me Perfect and favourable write-ups in the women's glossy magazines. However, these are just a thin veneer of the positive achievements offered with micropigmentation. Semi-permanent cosmetics have been given a wave of the magic wand, but what about the positive effects of micropigmentation which we don't see? Micropigmentation isn't just skin-deep. The other side of the coin to this ever-growing technologically advanced procedure seems to have been ignored and isn't given anywhere near the status it rightfully deserves.

The psychological effects and sense of well-being experienced by those who have received micropigmentation's ‘paramedical procedures' can only be fully appreciated by such patients.

Micropigmentation plays a huge part in the medical arena and it has been given the much deserved title ‘paramedical procedures' since these procedures have far greater impact, both psychologically and visually, from its mere cosmetic applications.

Paramedical procedures have been developed to help those who have been disfigured through illness, trauma, accident or by natural means. Areola restoration is a paramedical procedure which has been specifically designed to help those who require the final touches - nipple restoration after mastectomy, which is the removal of one or both breasts due to advanced stages of breast cancer. The areola and its characteristics can be recreated using a blend of pigments to match and compliment the surrounding tissue. The treatment is also successfully carried out for cosmetic reasons too on many women who have had breast reduction surgery. During this operation the areola (nipple) is repositioned after surrounding tissue is strategically removed to form the breast reduction. However, during this process the areola complex is often damaged and loses its natural shape and size. As you can see from the before and after images, disfigured areola has been given back its shape and characteristics using the Smudge-Free techniques.

Women and men who have had cosmetic surgery to the face or anywhere else can have the visible signs of surgery camouflaged and blended to harmonise with the surrounding tissue. At Smudge-Free we use various skin-tone pigments to achieve the desired effects since skin has variegated tones and not just one colour. Cleft lip, also known as hare-lip, is a defect during the foetus stage where the tissue of the mouth and lips do not join properly. Cleft lip sufferers can be given symmetry and balance allowing them to discover a whole new meaning of self-esteem which they would never have known otherwise. Thanks to micropigmentation's paramedical applications all these pioneering developments and techniques give back a whole lot more to its patients than meets the eye.

Those who have experienced the sudden loss of hair due to alopecia can be helped to re-gain a sense of normality with eyebrow recreation in hairstroke simulation. Even men who suffer with alopecia can have an illusionary procedure to imitate a shaved head. With the right training and skills, a competent technician can produce results which appear very convincing and restore their patient's confidence. Men and women suffering from the effects of vitiligo, which is a condition resulting in patchy skin due to melanin deficiency, can have the skin balanced once again to form an even tone with corrective camouflage procedures.

Great expertise and skill are required in order to achieve a realistic appearance with these procedures, but as well as the skills the latest technology in digital machines, needles and pharmaceutical grade pigments are also absolutely vital. There are many schools claiming to be leaders in the field of micropigmentation and many claiming to be the best. The simple fact is there are only a handful of reputable schools in the UK who can offer the skills and level of training in order to succeed.

At Smudge-Free we offer micropigmentation training at all levels, from beginners right up to advanced paramedical procedures. For those already in the industry, but using dated equipment, products and techniques, we offer conversion courses. Also our pigments have been tried and tested for 25 years showing great colour retaining capabilities and the blended formulas heal with exceptional realism to the human skin and areola colourings making our paramedical pigments the most reliable available.

Anyone who is contemplating having a micropigmentation procedure, whether it is for cosmetic reasons or medical, should do their research thoroughly. They should check that their portfolios are genuine and get references, preferably by patients or clients who have received treatments from them. I was absolutely astounded that while browsing the internet recently I noticed a particular semi-permanent make-up website had literally copied and pasted contents from the Smudge-Free website passing it off as their own and at a recent trade exhibition a stand offering semi-permanent make-up and training were using a colleague's images in their portfolio.

Always go to a reputable technician and remember, these procedures are generally very long lasting so it doesn't pay to go to someone just because they can do it cheaper. Cheaper can mean a terrible disaster and a great deal of unhappiness long-term should you be dissatisfied with your results. For these reasons I cannot stress enough how important it is to do your research thoroughly and get as much information as possible before embarking on treatments.
CSMUK