MICROPIGMENTATION

The term micropigmentation refers to a technique used in the aesthetic sector that allows to correct small imperfections of the skin, to cover the marks left by post-operative scars and to mitigate any defects of asymmetry of the face.

What is micropigmentation and what are its applications?

We can refer to micropigmentation as an aesthetic specialty of a medical nature, whose purpose is to help people with imperfections to the skin to regain their balance. The application techniques are multiple and vary depending on the purpose of the intervention itself. Specifically, there are three main types:

• aesthetic treatment, also known as permanent or semi permanent makeup, which focuses on redefining the shapes of eyebrows, eyes and lips;
• corrective treatment, which takes care of correcting wrong skin colors;
• reconstructive treatment, through which you can cover scars or patches due to Vitiligo, or “thicken” the scalp in cases of alopecia and baldness.

Regardless of the situations listed above, the procedure is quite simple and consists in inserting a colored pigment in the most superficial layers of the dermis, in a manner similar to what happens with tattoos. This is precisely why many people wonder whether it is painful.

The truth is that this aspect remains rather subjective and varies from patient to patient. In principle, however, if you turn to experienced and competent personnel who use the right equipment and a valid medical approach, the discomfort will be mostly mild.

Difference between medical tattoo and traditional tattoo:

Also referred to as a medical tattoo, micropigmentation employs tools and procedures similar to the classic tattoo, but should not be confused with the latter. The main differences between the two techniques concern:

• the type of pigment used which, in the case of medical tattooing, is obtained by mixing natural chemical components of mineral origin;
• the depth at which the color is inoculated, which tends to settle in the surface layer of the dermis. This choice allows the pigments to be gradually eliminated from the body through the natural regeneration of the skin (the process lasts about two years, but is completely subjective);
• the actual duration of treatment. On average, they range from 6 to 18 months depending on the technique used, the type of skin, the area treated and the pigment applied;
• the equipment used, which compared to traditional tattoo machines must be strictly single-use and sterile, so it is not necessary to pass into a sterilizing autoclave.

The last fundamental difference lies in the ultimate purpose of treatment. Tattooing is mostly a personal choice to beautify the body through artistic representations, while micropigmentation is a recognized medical technique, which allows to eliminate imperfections by artificially covering the damaged areas of the skin.

Is micropigmentation safe?

Micropigmentation, as well as the most known tattoo, are techniques that, although entering into common use, must follow the same precautionary criteria as a real medical practice.

The protective function of human skin has a very delicate balance. If you do not act in total safety, with very high hygiene standards, sterile materials and certified pigments of excellent quality, you expose the patient to the risk of local complications and even to that of systematic infectious complications (hepatitis and HIV, tuberculosis, leprosy).

The deconstruction of the delicate balance of the epidermis is the cause of a fragility that involves a greater risk of contracting infections. For this reason it is essential to rely only on serious professionals who have an unquestionable work ethic and professional preparation.

Composition of dyes used

The formulation of pigmenting materials and the respective production procedures play a very important role in the final result of permanent makeup and skin micropigmentation. Key factors such as colour variation over time and resistance to light come into play.

Please also note that any food, cosmetic or permanent makeup dye must be certified and approved according to current European regulations. On the market there is a wide variety of cosmetic additives that vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, both in terms of the quality of the pigment itself, and processing procedures. Knowing them is therefore essential.

Professionals like Angela Terlizzi take care to carry out careful and exhaustive investigations before choosing one or the other dye, so as to ensure full compliance with the above regulations and total safety to its customers