Permanent eye makeup applications use inks, needles and other implements that are nearly identical to those used for tattooing, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Mayo Clinic. While the idea of permanent eyeshadow or eyeliner may sound great, keep in mind that the risks are similar to those associated with tattooing. Also, like tattoos, permanent eye makeup results are never guaranteed and are difficult to remove.
Allergic Reactions
More than 150 women have reported allergic reactions associated with permanent makeup, including eyebrow modifications, according to the FDA. Whether you get eyeliner, eyeshadow or have your eyebrows tattooed back on or otherwise enhanced, you can experience an allergic reaction even years after the procedure is completed, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Infections
Infections of the skin, eyes and even the body in general can happen due to permanent eye makeup applications, according to the FDA and the Mayo Clinic. Local infections usually include pus-like discharges, redness and itching. However, sometimes more serious infections, such as HIV and hepatitis, result from the needles used in permanent makeup and tattooing.
Scarring
Scarring of several types can result from permanent eye makeup procedures, according to the FDA and the Mayo Clinic. Some people experience the raised, unusual scars known as keloids. If you experienced such scarring problems in the past, you are especially at risk when getting any kind of permanent makeup or tattoo. Also, some women might suffer from granulomas if their skin rejects the permanent eye makeup inks. Granulomas cause raised nodules on the treated area that can also lead to scarring.
MRI Considerations
If you might need a MRI of your eye or other parts of the body, beware that the pigments associated with permanent makeup can alter the MRI reading, according to the FDA and the Mayo Clinic. A few people have suffered burns and scarring during MRIs, due to the presence of permanent makeup. However, keep in mind that the risks of not getting a needed MRI usually far exceed those associated with getting the procedure done after your permanent eye makeup application.
Removal Risks
You can’t easily decide to get permanent eye makeup removed, even if a serious medical problem or unpleasant appearance results, according to the FDA and the Mayo Clinic. Removing permanent makeup is as risky, expensive and complicated as laser tattoo removal. Also, any type of pigment removal including permanent eye makeup virtually always results in scarring of the treated area.
Photo Credit
- eyes image by PD-Images.com from Fotolia.com
