The initial procedure will generally take approximately 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours depending on the procedure. Follow up procedures usually do not require as much time as the initial procedure.

Permanent cosmetics procedures are of a skin invasive nature (as they are a form of cosmetic tattoo) and therefore you may experience some discomfort. This may vary according to each individual's pain threshold and the skills of the technician performing the service. HOWEVER, keep in mind that there are local anesthetics used to dull the discomfort during the procedure.

Micropigmentation is a skin invasive procedure. It is important to observe the physical location where the procedure will be performed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has set standards for a clean and sanitary working environment and sterile equipment. Things to look for:
• MOST IMPORTANT: Needles used should be new and sterile for each patient and disposed of properly after each patient. Other equipment and supplies should be kept in a sanitary manner.
• Gloves should be used for each client and changed during the procedure when needed.
• Your technician should be clean and neat and knowledgeable of environmental safety requirements.
• Clean tools should be used for each patient.
• The room or treatment arena should be in an area free from other contaminants as well.
Documented allergic reactions to permanent cosmetic procedures are extremely rare. Skin testing may be done by technicians, either routinely or upon request. Regardless, it should be understood that an allergic reaction could occur at any point in time.

• EVERYONE, FROM THE YOUNG TO THE ELDERLY, WHO DESIRES A SOFT AND NATURAL ENHANCEMENT TO THEIR APPEARANCE
• POST SURGICAL/INJURY, those seeking reconstruction of areolas after surgery; camouflage of scars from burns, surgery, accidents or injuries; redefinition of facial features.
• ALOPECIA areata or universalis sufferers who have lost some or all of their facial hair, including eyebrows and/or eyelashes.
• CHEMOTHERAPY recipients with full or partial hair loss.
• VITILIGO sufferers who may have areas of skin which have lost their pigment.
• PHYSICALLY ACTIVE people who want to look their best throughout activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, aerobics, and don't want to worry about "sweating off" or reapplying cosmetics.
• ALLERGIES and SENSITIVE SKIN-these people often can't wear other cosmetics.
• VISION IMPAIRED people who have difficulty applying their cosmetics.
• MOTOR IMPAIRED, including arthritics, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors, and those with unsteady hands who cannot apply their own makeup.
• ENTERTAINERS, ACTRESSES, and MODELS.
• MEN who want feature enhancement that looks natural and not "made up".
• WOMEN who want to look their best all the time, even when they wake up.
• MOTHERS and other busy professionals who DON'T HAVE TIME for makeup.

Technically, permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because the color is implanted into the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance.

REMEMBER: Although the procedure is considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing color and shape to some extent. Colors will appear darker immediately following the procedure but will soften and lighten during the healing process, which takes approximately two weeks or longer; the healing time is different for each individual and for different procedures.

The opportunities for skilled permanent cosmetics technicians are many and varied. Career and business opportunities vary greatly depending on the individual technician's abilities and desires. Many nurses and doctors, as well as hair, skin, and nail care professionals are choosing to train in permanent cosmetic procedures. Some students are sent for training by their physician as the demand for advanced/para-medical procedures increases with public knowledge of the benefits of permanent cosmetic makeup.

Should a technician operate a permanent cosmetic makeup clinic in conjunction or cooperation with either a physician's office, laser clinic or various salons, the financial opportunities and potential for growth are even greater, as these professions can be used as an ongoing source or referral of clientele. This background is not a requirement, however, and anyone interested in the merits of a permanent cosmetic makeup career can train to become a technician.

Attractive to many students are the financial rewards of a career in permanent cosmetics. Many also find considerable personal satisfaction in helping others attain recovery from personal afflictions or just to look their best every day, 24 hours a day.

Once again, it is very important to choose an instructor and a training program very carefully. A basic training program should include not less than 40 hours of training, with extensive hands on training on live models. (See the Society for Permanent Cosmetic Professionals for their guidelines and requirements for membership.) Basic training courses by home video are not sufficient to train a technician in the fine art of permanent cosmetics application and may be a scam. Two day courses are also not considered a sufficient basic training period. National organizations exist to assist the technician desiring to obtain credibility and to provide continuing education.