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Permanent Makeup Isn't Always Pretty
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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 Another concern, Marmur said, is the potential for serious infections, such as hepatitis. "You don't know if the needles are safe, and if they're not sterilized, they can introduce bacteria and viruses under your skin. Even your own bacteria that live on your skin can be a problem if the skin isn't cleaned properly."
If you do decide on a cosmetic tattoo, Marmur suggests asking for a list of ingredients in the inks so you can check with your dermatologist to see if there's anything likely to cause a reaction. Also, your dermatologist can let you know if that particular ink can be removed at a later date. Some red inks, which could be used in a lipstick tattoo, turn black and become permanent if they're exposed to the lasers commonly used to remove tattoos, she said.
What's most important, Marmur said, is to make sure you know the worst-case scenarios. "You should know the common and rare side effects before doing anything, and you should know if it's something that can be reversed if you're not happy with the results. Also, ask if there's any way to allergy test in advance."
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More information
The U.S Food and Drug Administration has more information on permanent makeup and tattoos.
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Copyright © 2007 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
Last updated 6/27/2007
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SOURCES: Masja Straetemans, Ph.D., senior epidemiologist, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany; Ellen S. Marmur, M.D., chief, dermatological surgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City; June 28, 2007, New England Journal of Medicine
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