A FIRST HAND ACCOUNT OF A PERMANENT LIPSTICK PROCEDURE

THE CONSULTATION: When I decided to commit to permanent lipstick, I chose local Medical Aesthetician Lynda Cabell. Once you decide to go permanent, you should schedule a consultation. At this time, you should discuss your expectations, preferences, style, and needs with your technician. Do not forget to ask any questions you may have and if needed make a list of questions to take with you. During your consultation, you will be required to fill out some paperwork about your medical history and sign consent forms these items will go in your file. Find a lipstick or even a blend of two colors, which you feel, will suit you. Bring it to your appointment and discuss the possibilities of a match. A skilled technician can blend colors to match your favorite lipstick. When I chose my color, I played it very safe by going with a lip tint instead of the brighter or darker pigment in the traditional lipstick color. I also chose a very light color not too far removed from my natural lips. Lynda advised me that I may be playing it to safe but she let me make the final decision and with a knowing smile told me if I decided to enhance the color on my six week, follow up she would be happy to do it. If you are not certain on the color to go with your technician can help you decide what will work well with your skin and offer suggestions. Just as important as the color is the final shape of the lip. Yes, you can adjust your lip shape with this process and I did. My lips were just slightly uneven so I had Lynda even them out and enhance them. I expressed to Lynda that I wanted to have slightly larger looking lips. She achieved this by going to just the outer limits of the vermilion (edge) of the lip itself. Prior to your consultation experiment with your own lip pencils to see what look you like the best. Lynda knew exactly what I wanted and yes, she delivered!

Your consultation is also the time to ask questions and receive advice for you to prepare for your procedure and post-procedure. At this time, Lynda gave me instruction for before and aftercare and she took a pre-procedure photo for her records. This picture is for your file unless otherwise discussed for use as before and after pictures.

THE PROCEDURE: When you arrive to your actual procedure appointment dress comfortably, you will be there for about three hours start to finish. When I arrived for my appointment, Lynda made sure that I was as comfortable as possible. She helped me relax with a warm chair, which resembles a high-end dentist chair and a blanket. She also had the room in a spa like atmosphere, which is calming. After you are snuggled into your chair (about a half hour to an hour before the actual procedure starts) a topical solution is applied. I also took a Benadryl® to help with swelling and it helped me relax. While everyone has a different tolerance level, I have to admit the procedure was considerably more comfortable than anticipated. During the procedure, Lynda would occasionally ask me how I was doing. She was very concerned with my comfort. The actual application felt like a scratching or scraping of my lips. The first run over my lips was a little more intense but as the skin is penetrated, the topical solution sinks in. Lynda would occasionally hand me a mirror and ask me to look and get my feedback. I was so relaxed I even fell asleep during the process. When Lynda finished she reviewed the aftercare with me and took a post-procedure photograph. She gave me a goody bag of tiny ice packs and lip balm instructing me to call if I had any concerns. Over the next few days, my lips did swell and peel. The color also appeared much darker than the color I selected. Lynda did warn me about this but I still became a little nervous so I called her and inquired about the peeling and the brightness. She confidently reassured me that this was the process and not to worry. After the first week, the color was the shade I chose and my lips were looking good.

FOLLOW UP VISIT: Lynda was right; I played it too safe and did not get the desired effect. I returned for my six-week follow up and Lynda brightened the color for me. The follow up treatment did not take as long to heal but it gave me my desired effect. If you have touch up work during your follow up most technicians request that you return for a “healed” picture.

FINAL THOUGHTS: One important thing to keep in mind is that lip color may fade considerably in seven to ten years. You will usually need at least one touchup appointment. The more intense the color you select, the longer the color will last. In addition, you must protect all permanent cosmetic color from the sun. Make sure to protect your new look along with the rest of your face with sunscreen-based moisturizers. Now that my lips are completely healed, I am very excited about my color and enhancements. The color I selected allows me to have a brighter look to my face even when I choose not to apply makeup and the ability to enhance the color by adding a darker lipstick.