What Are the Dangers of Permanent Makeup?

To some women, permanent makeup is a potentially exciting way to reduce the time spent on daily beauty care, especially when it comes to more complicated makeup applications, such as eyeliner. However, the risks of getting permanent makeup are virtually identical to those of getting tattoos, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Mayo Clinic. Moms run a number of potential risks when opting for this permanent beauty treatment, some which can even be life-threatening.

Scarring

Scarring is sometimes an unfortunate result of even a quality permanent makeup application, according to the FDA. Basically, the danger lies in the scientific fact that sometimes the body rejects the pigments as foreign. In defense, the treated area may form large and raised scars called keloids. Also, granulomas, which are raised skin nodules, can also form in response to the needle trauma as well as the pigments; this also can cause unsightly scarring.

Serious Diseases

Anytime you have even a qualified professional apply a needle and pigment to your body, whether through permanent makeup or tattooing, you can contract serious diseases if the equipment isn’t properly cleaned, according to the Mayo Clinic. You can contract HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS, or hepatitis through a permanent makeup application.

Local Infections

Local infections of the treated area are additional dangers associated with permanent makeup treatments, according to the Mayo Clinic. Such infections are usually characterized by pus-like discharge, redness, swelling and pain.

Allergic Reactions

Some women may experience allergic reactions to the pigments used in their permanent makeup even years after the procedure, according to the FDA and the Mayo Clinic. Red dye pigments, such as those that women might request for permanent lip color or blusher strokes, are especially prone to causing even belated allergic reactions.

Removal Considerations

Permanent makeup is usually just that, even if the application is flawed or a serious side effect results, according to the FDA. Generally, you must undergo several potentially expensive and painful laser treatments to remove permanent makeup; this is virtually identical to the headaches of tattoo removal. Also, permanent makeup removal virtually always results in scarring, which can become rather prominently visible on the treated area.

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MRI Considerations

If you ever might need a MRI on any part of your body, keep in mind that permanent makeup applications may enhance the dangers of adverse MRI effects and also alter the results of the scan, according to the FDA. Some permanent makeup users have suffered serious burning as a result of the pigments clashing with the MRI device.