M i c r o p i g m e n t a t i o n THIS IS NOT YOUR MOTHER’S PERMANENT MAKEUP! New Developments in Scar Therapy and Cosmetic Enhancement BY STEVEN KATZ, MD AND EMILIA BERRY Plastic ntil recently, "cosmetic tat- SCAR REMOVAL tooists” were found in tattoo The world of reconstructive sur- surgeons are Uparlors and their clients were gery has evolved to a point where we finding that by middle aged or elderly women with can sculpt the body to create almost collaborating inked-on eyebrows and shocking lip any desired effect. However, until liner. Now, cosmetic tattooing is be- now, these enhancements have with permanent coming a way of the past and practi- often left undesired scarring. The makeup artists, tioners are more likely to be presence of scars can detract from an their surgical accomplished in the art of perma- otherwise terrific cosmetic result. As results can be nent makeup, also know as mi- scars mature, they slowly flatten out cropigmentation, and their clients and regain a patient’s normal skin even more tend to be executives or post-surgi- color for that area of the body. outstanding cal patients. Occasionally, after several More and more, practitioners of months, the scar remains raised or permanent makeup are working with hypo-pigmented in comparison to plastic surgeons to create areolas as the surrounding skin. If that hap- the final stage of breast reconstruc- pens, there are two options for scar tion or to camouflage surgical scars removal available in this product line with very effective techniques. The that show remarkable results. At cosmetic results that can be achieved your consultation, you will be ad- in post-surgical plastic surgery pa- vised as to which method is best tients are absolutely superb. Plastic suited for your particular kind of surgeons are finding that by collabo- scarring. Your scar may qualify for rating with permanent makeup MCA (Multitrepannic Collagen Actu- artists, their surgical results can be ation), also known as needling or CIT even more outstanding. We are (Collagen Induction Therapy). This proud to share the new world of scar technique was developed by plastic removal, needling, and areola recon- surgeons many years ago for skin re- struction with you. juvenation, resurfacing of acne scars, 44 IMAGE Visit us at: www.ImageMagazineOnline.com June / July 2011 invaluable is in breast operations, either for an aug- ment, lift, or reconstruction. After most breast pro- cedures there are white or hypo-pigmented scars – either below the breast in the inframammary fold area, on the breast itself, or around the nipple are- olar complex. The areolar margin may also be deformed. Mi- Before Aer cropigmentation can correct these problems and stretch marks. It has since been perfected and through the use of custom made pigments. Recre- utilized by micropigmentation artists. The results of ating the nipple and areola is usually the last stage in this process are similar to those of IPL (Intense breast reconstruction. It gives the reconstructed Pulsed Light) and Laser Resurfacing, a process that causes minor injury to the skin in a targeted manner to break up the scar tissue and stimulate collagen PRACTITIONERS OF PERMANENT and pigment production. MAKEUP ARE WORKING WITH However, unlike laser treatments, needling is considered to be much less invasive and can target PLASTIC SURGEONS TO CREATE an area, such as a wrinkle, literally to a needle point. AREOLAS AS THE FINAL STAGE OF This will result in a much softer appearance and even skin tone. Needling is a 100% natural way of BREAST RECONSTRUCTION OR TO scar removal that stimulates the body to do its own repair work. If the needling technique is not appro- CAMOUFLAGE SURGICAL SCARS priate or not desired, scar camouflaging using mi- WITH VERY EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES cropigmentation is also possible, especially if the scar is mostly hypo-pigmented but not noticeably raised. This technique implants a perfectly matched pigment color to eliminate the visibility of scarring. breast a natural appearance and can help hide the No matter which option is chosen for you, you can scars. In some cases, the nipple is reconstructed be assured that your scars will disappear. with local flaps of skin. The areola is then recreated by applying permanent cosmetics over a skin graft AREOLA RECONSTRUCTION to give the areola both natural appearing color and Another area where permanent cosmetics are texture. In the event that a skin graft cannot be per- June / July 2011 Visit us at: www.ImageMagazineOnline.com IMAGE 45 formed, the nipple and areola can lip lines and fading can also be actually be recreated entirely restored and reshaped, giving through the use of permanent a rejuvenated and enhanced makeup. After the trauma of a look. mastectomy, breast reconstruction However, a strong word of and nipple areola reconstruction caution is required here. The can help you feel “back to normal” popularity of these permanent and give you your confidence makeup techniques has at- back. tracted not only highly skilled professional make-up artists, COSMETIC ENHANCEMENTS but also many imposters with Permanent makeup isn't just Before Aer no formal training in perma- for plastic surgery patients. It is nent cosmetic techniques. also sought after by women who These “tattoo artists” use in- want to achieve a youthful, in- expensive machines and very credibly natural look without the inexpensive pigments that time constraints of applying cos- leave you with a cosmetic re- metics or having their appearance sult that frequently looks very spoiled by runny mascara or lip unnatural and is unsafe. gloss. Micropigmentation offers a European permanent Before full line of cosmetic enhance- makeup artists have de- ments. veloped a completely new Eyebrows that are too faint or hair stroke technique per- nonexistent are easily enhanced fected over many years in Ger- with micropigmentation tech- many that is now being niques. This process creates per- introduced to Americans for fectly shaped, youthful eyebrows Aer the very first time. This tech- that can take years off the face. nique insures natural results Other techniques, such as permanent eyeliner and is slated to be the next big trend in beauty en- placed in the lash line, can accentuate and enhance hancement. For more information please visit the eyes, giving them a fresh appearance. Irregular www.PremierPermanentCosmetics.com. IMAGE 46 IMAGE Visit us at: www.ImageMagazineOnline.com June / July 2011.