The Symmetry Studio

What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent Makeup (Micro Pigmentation) is the process of implanting natural pigments under the superficial layers of the skin using a small, sterile micro-needle, creating lasting cosmetic definition of the eyes, eyebrows, and lips. Permanent Makeup can also be used in areas where hair or colour is missing to give you a natural look.

Who can benefit from Permanent Makeup?

You can benefit from permanent makeup if you have an allergy to traditional makeup, if your eyelashes or eyebrows are sparse or are naturally a light colour and you want them to pop more, or if you are a physically active person and have issues with your makeup smudging. Permanent makeup is also used to disguise scars as well as correcting skin discolourations such as vitiligo (lack of pigment in the skin). Individuals with alopecia (abnormal hair loss) and recovering cancer patients can benefit from cosmetic or reconstructive tattooing.

Is it painful?

Everyone is different and have different pain thresholds. Topical anaesthetics, designed especially for permanent make up are applied before and during the procedure and help to significantly reduce any discomfort.

Is it safe?

Yes, The Symmetry Studio strictly follows Public Health Guidelines. This includes: Single use sterile needles removed from their packaging in view of the client and are discarded after each use. All supplies are single use and assembled and set up immediately prior to the procedure. All parts of the equipment that can not be disinfected or discarded are covered with single use plastic film barrier. New disposable mask and apron are worn, gloves are new and clean for each client and changed during the procedure as needed. All of these precautions ensure everyone’s safety. However, whenever the skin is broken, there is a risk of infection, which is why proper post treatment care is very important to prevent this. You will be sent home with a post care gift bag with everything you need to promote safe healing and help with any discomfort.

Is it safe for Diabetics?

Yes, in most cases it is safe for diabetics to have permanent makeup done. Diabetics are known to sometimes have difficulties with healing so proper after care is important. It is always wise to consult with your physician as things may vary with each person and their health condition.

How long does it last?

The fading process varies from person to person according to body chemistry and their lifestyle. Permanent makeup fades more quickly on the face than it does on the body because the face is continuously exposed to daylight compared to the rest of the body. The colour should be touched up every two to three years depending on how well the pigment holds up. In some people, the pigment starts to fade after a year, while others don’t see it fading after ten years. Light colour fades faster than darker colours. The post-procedure touch up is highly recommended, to help retain the colour.

How long does the procedure take?

The time depends on the procedure you are having done.
The consultation takes approximately 30 minutes. During the consultation we will discuss the result you wish to achieve and choose the appropriate style, shape and colour that matches your skin tone, hair and eye colour, measuring the proportions of your face, adjusting asymmetry of the features and perfecting the lines drawn on. Lash Lift + Tint takes approximately 1 hour, permanent eyeliner about 2 hours, and lip blush can take up to 3 hrs.

What products are used?

The Symmetry Studio uses an exclusive line of the pigments, that is dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic. From deliciously warm to seductively cool colours, the pigments are formulated specifically for lips and eyes. All colours have been implanted into the skin for many years. Medical grade topical anaesthetics are used to ensure your comfort.

Are there age limits on Permanent Makeup?

No, there is no age limit on any of our procedures, however we recommend that you be over 18 years of age before making a decision to have micro pigmentation procedures done.

How long is the recovery time?

For the first four to six hours, the area treated will be slightly red and a bit swollen. The eyelids may remain puffy for 24 to 48 hours in about fifty percent of cases. Immediate use of ice gel packs will significantly reduce and often times eliminate swelling. The lips stay swollen for about three days. The eyebrows have very little swelling. For approximately 5-7days, the permanent makeup appears somewhat obvious, dark, and intense. By day seven, the top layer of the skin will flake and peel, leaving the colour softer. Don’t be concerned by any fading after the first application. The second appointment is to penetrate and lock the colour into the dermal layer of the skin.

Pre-Procedure Recommendations

Be prepared for colour intensity to be brighter and darker than what is expected for approximately 5-7 days. Since the treated area may swell or become slightly red, it is advised not to make social plans for the same day. If you are having the eyeliner procedure and you wear contact lenses, remember to bring the prescription glasses with you as you will not be able to wear contacts until your eyes return to normal conditions. It is also important to wear sunglasses, as your eyes may be temporary sensitive to light.
If your having lip procedure and have a history of cold sores or fever blisters, you must take an anti-viral drug such as Valtrex or Zovirax 5 days prior and 5 days after the treatment or as your physician prescribes. Also application of Zovirax cream on lip area 3 days before and 5 days after procedure helps to prevent a break out.
Do not schedule a procedure right before or during your menstrual cycle as you may be more sensitive at that time.
If you have allergies or have sensitive skin, it is best to have a spot allergy test done one week before procedure.
It is important to not take Aspirin, Plavix or any other blood thinners at least 10 days prior the procedure.
No Alcohol or Caffeine 24 hours prior the treatment.
Any tweezing or waxing, eyelash/eyebrow tinting should be done at least 48 hours before or two weeks after the procedure.
Eat before a procedure so that you will be comfortable.
Get a good night’s sleep the night before.

Post-Procedure Recommendations

Proper care following your procedure is very important in order to achieve the best results. Ice packs protected with the cloth should be applied to reduce swelling.
Keep the treated area moist by applying Antibiotic, A&D ointment or Vaseline 5 times a day with the sterile Q-tip.
Artificial tears such as Visine may be used.
Wash your hands before touching any treated area.
Put ointment on before and after showers. You can refresh the treated area with cool water, tissue dry and reapply A&D ointment.
No soaps, cleansing creams, makeup, or chemicals should be applied to the treated area.
No hot steamy showers, sauna, Jacuzzis or swimming in chlorinated pools.
Do not expose your healing skin to direct sun or tanning beds.
Use a good sunblock to help protect the colour.
Do not apply glycolic acids, bleaching creams, AHA acids, or Retin-A directly on the pigmented area after your procedure or after you are totally healed.
Do not pick, peel or scratch the treated area, because the colour may heal unevenly with the risk of scarring and infections.
Flaking will continue for about 2 weeks, and the colour settles into the skin 4-6 weeks after the initial procedure. A follow up appointment is recommended at this time and helps to penetrate and lock the depth of colour into the dermal layer of the skin permanently.

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