By Robin Creer-Martin
The procedure of applying permanent cosmetics - and the dangers that go along with it - are similar to the process of tattooing. 'We see a wide variety of patients,' said Amanda Warren, secretary at Day Spa Salon. 'They just can''t bother with makeup any more.'
The process begins with the use of needles to inject pigment under the skin. Permanent cosmetics possibilities include eyeliner, lip liner, blush, eyebrows and coloring.
The machine used has the same design as a tattooing machine but is smaller and less aggressive, said Debby Jenson cosmetic artist.
Permanent cosmetic artists, who do not have a medical assistance degree or work with a doctor, cannot use injections to numb the face during procedures.
'Most artists put an ointment on the patient''s skin to numb it. Then when the needles puncture the skin, a second, stronger numbing ointment is applied,' said Trish Trapp, cosmetic artist and owner of Salon Cachet.
The recovery can take up to three days. Patients will feel hay fever-like symptoms and tenderness during recovery, Trapp said.
Within a week or two, the scabs flake off like dandruff where permanent cosmetics are applied.
There is no required state licensing for permanent cosmetic artists, Trapp said.
However, the Utah County Health Department does require salon licensing in Utah County.
'We look from the health perspective when registering salons,' said Ron Tobler, a Health Department official.
Cosmetic artists must pass a botany class on blood pathogens, a requirement of all tattoo artists. Any other requirements are on the physical location only.
'Once we feel the salon has a stable location that can be kept sanitary, they can register with the Health Department,' Tobler said.
The health dangers associated with permanent cosmetics include reused needles, no sink to wash hands in, no way to dispose of hazardous materials, the cosmetic artist not being licensed or trained and other unsanitary practices. Such poor practices can transfer diseases like HIV and hepatitis, Tobler said.
Some cosmetic artists like Trapp go to great lengths to be trained and licensed in other states to greatly reduce harmful risks during the procedure.
Trapp said she keeps updated through California licensing requirements, which are considered strict laws in the practice.
In the past Trapp and Jenson have been approached by plastic surgeons to perform permanent cosmetics on patients.
'Permanent cosmetics can be very beneficial to victims of cancer or burns,' said Trapp.
Jenson said a good cosmetic artist would screen each individual patient to make sure the person is fully informed on permanent cosmetics.
'It is a way to enhance beauty, but I must take in my clients point of view before they have it done,' Jenson said.