Permanent Makeup (Lips)

y experience started on a Monday. My appointment was for 3pm, mind you the actual procedure didn’t start til after 4. The receptionist applied numbing cream to my lower eye area. After about another 40 minutes waiting I was finally taken into one room. From there I was asked to apply more of the numbing cream and sat there clueless for another maybe 15 minutes. After that, I was asked to head into another room where the procedure would take place. I wasn’t told anything about the procedure, I had to ask all the questions. Bad sign, again. The “tattooing gun” was already set out with the needle already set in place. It made me think whether the needle came out from a package or not. I have gotten many tattoos and piercings before and I always saw my artist take out the needles in front of me. So that itself turned me off. I always believe that the needles should be opened in front of the client. That wasn’t the case. While I waited maybe another 10 minutes for her to arrive and start, I noticed on a shelf that there were needles that were previously opened and used, hence the ink on the needles. They were in the package they came in, with I’m assuming, the names of the clients written on them. I should have walked out right then and there. Right before she started, I asked her about using clean new needles. She said she always used clean needles and there always thrown out after a procedure. Lie. I asked her if she would be stenciling in the liner to have the right thickness, she stated that she does it free hand. I was iffy about that. So she started with my lower right inner rim. It was pretty numb and all I could feel was the pressure of the needle hitting my skin. She proceeded to do the top liner of my right eye. I felt some discomfort there, but overall it was alright. Right before she finished my right eye, I asked to see it when she was done. When I looked at myself, I was pleased with the results. She then proceeded to do my left eye. It was a bit more intense on my inner rim and top. She did stop and apply more numbing cream. She said she would be back and left the room. She was gone for at least 10 minutes. I had time to sit up, look at myself, use the washroom come back and look at myself some more. She finally came back and continued. The numbing cream did work, however I didn’t like how when she was applying it, she was rubbing it right on my lash line, making my eyes water and sting. While she was doing my upper lid, I felt some discomfort again. Small areas were not numb. So basically, I tensed up and took the pain. It was finally over. I was not bleeding or bruised. When I looked at the finished work, I immediately noticed that my left liner was thicker than my right. I brought it up and she said it was because she just finished my left eye, so it’s a bit more swollen than my right. I didn’t fully believe her, but I took her word for it, thanked her and left. When I got home, I wasn’t in too much pain. My 2 sisters also noticed that one line was thicker than the other. I slept it off. The next day I was swollen, but not a lot. Wednesday morning came and I went to wash my face. Mind you, I was extremely careful from the time the procedure was done up until. I noticed that on my right lower rim, the ink came off. There were specks of ink left, but the majority of the scab was gone. I was very disappointed. I decided to call that same day and book another appointment with her to fix the thinner line and the inner rim. So I went back on Thursday morning. Once again, the appointment was for 11am and the procedure didn’t start until after 12. I applied the numbing cream on my own this time. When I told her about the inner rim, she said that shouldn’t have happened and how this other lady (that works there) still had her scab. She was quick to show me. They made it seem like I did something wrong. I’ve gotten tattoos before and I know not to be rubbing them, or picking at them etc. plus, it’s a more sensitive area. This time, I saw her take the needle out of the package. So she started with my lower right inner rim. The numbing cream just barely did its job. I did put a lot and quit often while waiting for her. I felt most of the procedure being done, and I must say it really hurt. I wanted to cry, tell her to stop and just leave. She was aware that the cream wasn’t working because my eyes were continuously watering and I made it clear to her that I was feeling it. My body itself was tense and I’m sure she recognized my facial expressions. She applied more numbing cream to my upper lid while she finished off my lower right rim. She then went to finish the top lid, which I also felt. It was not a good feeling at all. I griped it and took the pain. It wasn’t full blown, but the pain was definitely there. I told her I was feeling it. She said something along the lines of not knowing why I feel pain because she put the numbing cream on. She didn’t even stop. She continued to ink me knowing that I was feeling a lot of the pain. She started on my left inner lower rim. I also felt that. I had to ask her to take a break. While I sat up with my eye watering in pain, she just sat there, looking at the ink bottle, she sort of looked annoyed. I took a few breaths and I laid back down. I griped and bare and it was finally over. I was so happy, I wanted to get out of there, hoped I healed well and move on. The next 24 hours, I was in pain. A lot of burning and stinging. And, do you know what she used to wipe excess ink off my skin?? Scented baby wipes! I knew that couldn’t be good. Also, at one point when I was sitting up to take that minute to catch my breath, I noticed the needle was just touching the baby wipe package. It doesn’t take much to transmit something. I’m stupid for seeing so much negative factures and still continuing the procedure. I was ashamed that I allowed myself to go through so much pain and discomfort and I didn’t want to just back down, especially after she started. The one good thing is that she wore gloves. It’s Friday night now and it seems like the inner rims won’t last long. I can see little specks of my rim showing. I’m guessing the ink is not staying. She said she would be applying it a bit more deep. My right upper liner is a little thicker than the left, but I believe it’s because I am still swollen. Closer to my right inner eye, I’ve noticed that a little piece of the scab has come off and there is no ink there. I’m just going to hope for the best. It’s not a lot thicker but better than before! On Wednesday, I called 2 other places that do permanent make up. They both said that inking the inner rim of the eyes isn’t a good idea. People do have it done, but because there’s constant water there, it won’t last as long. One place even mentioned that wearing eyeliner on your inner rims isn’t a good practice itself, so tattooing that raw skin, where there is a tear duct, isn’t good. She just missed hitting my puncta on my right eye. I didn’t pay for this procedure. The lady that preformed the procedure made a “deal” with me that she’ll do the service free of charge if she can take before and after photos. I’ve gotten eyelash extensions (that are horrible and bad for your lashes but that’s another story) and I saw a lady that was getting her lips inked. So I know she’s inked before. Plus on the walls of the salon there are diplomas of the schools she’s gone to and I saw one of them being for permanent make up specifically. for anyone that took the time to read this, know what your getting yourself into!

I just had my upper and lower eyelids permanently lined. It hurt the whole time it was done. It took 2 hours. My eyelids hurt alot and burns, feels like she scraped the skin off of my eyelids, the lower hurts worst then the top. I think I might be alergic to the topical cream but am not sure. It really hurts if I close my eyes. Do you have any advise? Can I put ice packs on them tonight?

I had my eyeliner permanently tattooed on this past December. The entire process took 18 minutes for upper and lower, and yes it hurt! The beautician that did my eyes has been practicing this procedure for 10 years and owns two salons. I thought she did an amazing job and am very, very happy with the results. What a pain it is to apply and wear eyeliner when you wear contacts. Make-up specs are constantly getting in your eyes so you have to remove and wash your contacts several times a day. Now I can wear my contacts all day with no issues. Here is some advise on what to do after the procedure: Please apply lots of Neosporin to both eyes night and day for three days after the procedure. I believe this single step kept me from having any issues with swelling and infection. I did have pain for two days after the procedure, so I would recommend that you have this done late in the afternoon so you can rest and then sleep for the night. This will avoid being awake during the most painful hours. The pain does get better very quickly so hang in there. My next procedure is to have my lips done. I expressed my concern regarding pain to my beautician and she suggested having my dentist give me a novocaine injection prior to having this done. She can work faster, more effectively and I wouldn't feel any pain. Hm-mm...sounds like a great idea?!

I just had my lips done and will be going back for eyeliner soon. Yes it hurt and I expected it to! IT IS A TATOO! It is a small tatoo gun blowing ink into what ever area, that means needle injecting ink into the skin. The numbing creams are topical which has a temporary surface numbing effect. If you wanted a dental block or shots then you night have considered searching for someone in a doctors office to work on you. As the neddle hits your skin it begins to wake up so even if you keep applying it never going to be completely painless plus, IT A TATOO.

I had my eyes done 1 week ago, and a reputable dermatology office. And yes, I love the results, but however, the pain was an experience I will never do again. My pain was not from the actual tatooing, but from the 8 injections that were given in each eye before the procedure. I've never felt anything like it in my life. I'm still furious that they did not numb the area first with some type of numbing cream before giving the injections. I almost didn't make it through the numbing procedure, but after it was FINALLY over the rest wasn't too bad...has anyone else ever had the injections without numbing cream? Just wondering?

Ladies, can you post your after pictures? I really want to do this but I'm so nervous. I'm trying to find out if it's safe but I can't seem to find anything definitive.

Just do it!!! You'll love the results and the benefits of not having to apply eye liner every day. I had mine done at {edited} in DesMoines, WA. She also has a salon in Kent, WA., and has been doing the procedure for about 10 years. I LOVE IT AND WOULD DO IT AGAIN!!! By the way, I'm glad I did not read about everyone's experience before I had my eyes done. I would have chickened out reviewing all the negative comments. Find a good reputible salon and go for it!!! -- Editor note: If you would like to review your experience with a particular provider or clinic, please write your treatment review and enter the provider or clinic name in the field provided.

Wow! Or should I say OW? These stories I'm reading are NOT typical of ANY permanent MakeUp Artist I know.You should not be having to endure this much pain. I have had clients who fell asleep during the procedure!Honestly, this is a great example of how varied this industry is. Anyone can learn Permanent Makeup, but very few are really skilled at it. I am called upon to "fix" so many bad procedures, it sickens me! I've never heard of getting injections for pain prior to a procedure! I use leading edge technology, and amazing topical anesthetics that work really well. So well in fact, that I have never had a complaint. What are these people doing out there? All I can say is ....Scary! Choose your PMU Artist wisely, you only have one face.

I am sorry to hear about your experiences. Really, Permanent makeup does not have to be painful. I am a Cosmetic Tattoo artist. Most of my lip clients fall asleep. Cant say that for eyeliner but certainly not pain, discomfort yes I mean heck, you have a needle around your eye right? There are alot of topicals with the right application that make PMU very tolerable. Stylishus is right, there are very few that are highly skilled. Not many take an apprenticship like a tattoo artist, but should. Its a cosmetic tattoo. There are many factors that go into this than just point and ink for sure. I hope all of your makeup turns out beautifully. It's worth it if you find the right artist.

I had a very good experience and a very bad experience with permanent makeup. My first experience was fantastic. I had eyebrows done by Theresa in Las Vegas. They were soft and very natural looking. I did not scab or have any healing issues. The actual session or application of the eyebrow tattoo didn't hurt. It felt sort of weird, maybe a bit uncomfortable. I paid about $400 and I was totally happy. I came back for a free retouch about a few weeks later and it went about the same experience. About a year later I decided to get my lips done but I found a cheaper place downtown Vegas. I had such a good result the first time that I was very trusting and with my cut in pay I went for a cheaper provider. First of all the place wasn't a doctors office like I had been to before and it was in a not so great area. They didn't numb me like before and it hurt like hell. I could hardly stand the pain. The girl who did me was rushed and it seemed she had squeezed me in. She was not concerned about my pain as the years rolled down my cheeks. The lips scabbed so badly. They look blotchy and the mauve is blotchy purple. I refuse to go back. My friend went to my first permanent makeup girl Theresa at her clinic to get her lips done and they are perfect. I asked her about pain and she said she hardly felt it. She scabbed a little bit but not like me. She paid I think $500 and is happy. So, I went back to Theresa to see if she could fix my cheap lip mess. She said it will be correction and will take 2-3 appointments. The correction price is $700! Ok i already paid $250 at the other place to mess me up and if I get my lips fixed I will have paid $950 total. If I would have just gone to here in the first place I could have saved a ton of time and money not to mention pain. Ok so I'm an idiot. I found a good girl for permanent makeup and thought it was no big deal to get a cheaper deal elsewhere. My stupidity. I don't think permanent makeup is bad. I believe that if you go for the biggest savings you are asking for trouble. How many bargain basement cosmetic procedures are actually a good idea? I will be going back to Theresa to start the fixing process for my lips next week. I really wish I would have put quality before price on this one. You should check out her clinics site and blog . She is in Las Vegas NV

I am sorry it was such a painful procedure. I am receiving permanent makeup training and I look forward to being able to helping my family see the benefits of permanent makeup.