What exactly is Permanent Makeup?

It is a process in which a small amount of pigment is implanted in the dermis layer of the skin to create an illusion or enhancement where hair or color is missing (as in eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner and color.

Permanent cosmetic makeup is a state of the art form of cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as "micropigmentation", "micropigment implantation" or "dermagraphics

Who benefits from Permanent Makeup?

       • EVERYONE, FROM THE YOUNG TO THE ELDERLY, WHO DESIRES A SOFT AND NATURAL ENHANCEMENT TO THEIR APPEARANCE
 

       • POST SURGICAL/INJURY, those seeking reconstruction of areolas after surgery; camouflage of scars from burns, surgery, accidents or injuries; redefinition of facial features.
 

       •ALOPECIA areata or universalis sufferers who have lost some or all of their facial hair, including eyebrows and/or eyelashes.
 

       •CHEMOTHERAPY recipients with full or partial hair loss.
 

       •VITILIGO sufferers who may have areas of skin which have lost their pigment.
 

       •PHYSICALLY ACTIVE people who want to look their best throughout activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, aerobics, and don't want to worry about "sweating off" or reapplying cosmetics.
 

       •ALLERGIES and SENSITIVE SKIN-these people often can't wear other cosmetics.
 

     •VISION IMPAIRED people who have difficulty applying their cosmetics.
 

      •MOTOR IMPAIRED, including arthritics, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors, and those with unsteady hands who cannot apply their own makeup.
 

    •ENTERTAINERS, ACTRESSES, and MODELS.

      •MEN who want feature enhancement that loks natural and not "made up".
 

       •WOMEN who want to look their best all the time, even when they wake up.
 

       •MOTHERS and other busy professionals who DON'T HAVE TIME for makeup.

How does SofTap hand method differ from other Permanent Makeup procedures?

SofTap™ is a registered trademark of SofTap™ Inc.. SofTap™ is recognized as the leading technique in the field for safety and accuracy. We use a set of fine, in-line needles, that are dipped into a pigment and then softly tapped into the skin, thereby depositing color permanently into the skin.

Traditional methods of tattooing use a reciprocating needle (rotary or coil machine) which pushes color into the skin. The SofTap™ method gently lifts the skin (as part of the tapping motion) to deposit color. As a result, there is a definite difference in the amount of discomfort experienced by the client. Many clients who have had permanent makeup with the traditional tattoo machine can attest to the fact that the SofTap™ method is far gentler. Because it is gentler the skin recovers faster.

Because this is a machineless method, there is no loud noise, and no worries about putting color in the wrong places because you will have complete control with the SofTap® hand method.

Little or no touchups

One of the biggest problems that the permanent cosmetic professional faces is having to do so many touchups. The reason why there are so little touchups to do with SofTap® is because for the eyeliner and brow procedures, there is little or no blood. What does this mean? This means that the blood supply is in both the papillary and reticular layers of the dermis. SofTap® is gentle enough so that you do not have to draw blood. The SofTap® TM method places pigment at the surface of the dermal layer. This makes the procedure permanent. The gravity of the color particles then brings it lower into the dermis without unnecessarily traumatizing the reticular and papillary layers of the dermis. Too much blood will help to wash away any color and if blood comes to the surface, so will the macrophages of the immune system which help to engulf any foreign matter that enters the skin.

The SofTap® hand method provides you with a lot of versatility so that your end results will be completely soft and natural looking. Many of the procedures that can be done with the SofTap® hand method are as follows: You can design individual hair strokes in the eyebrows, fill in brows lightly, fill them in solidly, do thin, fine lines for eyeliner and lash enhancement, smudgy effect for eyeliner, combination smudgy liner and lash enhancement, thick upper and lower eyeliner, full lip color, lip liner, lip extension, any of these combinations for lips, scar camouflage, beauty mark, or nipple areola reconstruction.

What types of Permanent Makeup procedures can be done?

• Eyebrows
• Eyeliner, top and bottom
• Eyelash enhancement
• Lip liner
• Full lip color
• Scar camouflage
• Feature reconstruction
• Areola restoration or repigmentation
• Hair imitation
• Skin grafts
• Cleft/hare lip
• Beauty marks

 Now let’s discuss specific areas:

EYEBROWS

     Eyebrows are the frame of the face. Proper placement of brows will open up the eyes and often times actually changes the appearance of the shape of the face.

     If you have little or no eyebrow hair, you will be amazed at the benefits of this procedure. It will look more natural than any topical pencil or powder that one may apply.

      This permanent cosmetic makeup procedure allows you to have this important facial feature EVERY DAY --ALL DAY!! You will not have to apply any cosmetics!! .....It's there when you wake up, after you shower or swim, and when you perspire or rub your face.

       •This procedure creates a natural appearing brow.

       •Personal preference relative to the appearance of the eyebrows is achieved simply as the client and the technician constantly monitor the color and shape of the eyebrows to gain the desired look (ie. thinner, thicker, more or less of an arch).

       •The color of the eyebrow can vary, including all shades of natural hair color.

EYELINER AND LASH ENHANCEMENT

The eyes are truly the "window of the soul."

     We all want thicker and fuller eyelashes. Yet, for some reason, few people besides the very young can keep their eyelashes from losing their long and thick appearance and some even lose most or all of their lashes. Women who apply eye makeup rarely skip using eyeliner to define and enlarge the look of their eyes.

YOUR EYELINER DOESN'T HAVE TO SMUDGE, EVER... NO MATTER WHAT!!

       Lash enhancement gives the natural look of fuller lashes and is part of the eyeliner procedure or can be applied without eyeliner (for example, on men or for a more natural appearance).

       Eyeliner can be used to help reshape the eye.

LIP LINER AND FULL LIP COLOR

     Do you have beautiful full rosy lips naturally? If so, you are lucky because few of us do. We all long for perfect lips.

       •Redefinition of an irregular lip line can be accomplished with a lip liner procedure.

       •Restoration of color to faded lips is a much desired lip color procedure (also in men).

       •Lip liner and color that doesn't fade, feather or bleed is constantly sought after by women.

       •Permanent lip color helps you to look your best from the moment you wake up!

ALOPECIA

      Alopecia (partial or full scalp/facial hair loss) patients can find much relief from permanent cosmetic procedures. This woman had lost 100% of her brows. Today she no longer has to apply her brows each and every day as she did in the past. She also is spared the constant reminder that she had lost her brows, by not having to apply them herself. Something as simple as this can bring about a world of difference in a person's self esteem and in their entire life.

How do you choose the colors used for Permanent makeup?

      Your esthetician works with you to choose the proper color and shape of the makeup. We have years of experience in performing this so you can be sure that we will help guide you to the correct color and style for you.

       The SofTap colors have earned their excellent reputation because they look so natural. They are thick, rich and creamy which allows the permanent cosmetic esthetician complete control of application. There are currently 52 fabulous colors to choose from. Those include 20 different browns in the cool and warm palettes, 16 natural lip colors, 5 special effect colors and 9 camouflage colors. No mixing is necessary. Many who have had the SofTap™ colors used on them, said that they looked so natural that friends and family were surprised to hear that it was permanent makeup.

Are Permanent Cosmetics really permanent?

     Technically, permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because the color is implanted into the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo, fading often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance.

     Although some "fading" may occur and a "touchup" visit every couple of years maybe necessary, the pigment will remain in the skin forever. It is essential that a sun block be applied over the permanent make-up area at any time that you are exposed to the sun or a tanning bed.. Also, chlorine is a bleach and continuous exposure can "fade" pigment. Many skin rejuvenation products and processes such as retin-a, alpha-hydroxy, laser resurfacing, chemical peels and micro dermabrasion can also cause premature fading of pigment.

What if I don’t like it?

     REMEMBER: Although the procedure is considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing color and shape to some extent, depending on the expertise of your technician. Colors will appear darker immediately following the procedure but will soften and lighten during the healing process, which takes approximately a week or longer; the healing time is different for each individual and for different procedures. Color on the skin may change somewhat during the healing process as well, as it combines with the individual's skin tone.

What is a Permanent makeup treatment like?

     During your initial consultation your needs and desires are explored and the correct color and shape of the design is determined. The color and shape can be applied in a temporary fashion that you can see if you like for a day. A test of the color is performed to be sure there is no allergy to the pigment. A consent form is signed and photos are taken for documentation. And then the real fun starts with applying the pigment. The treatment itself takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the areas.

What Can I Expect Immediately Following A Procedure?

     The results immediately following the procedure will look somewhat darker and more pronounced than desired. Within the week, the excess pigment is sloughed off leaving a soft natural look. Right afterwards, you may experience slight swelling and redness but only minimal discomfort.

Who is Dr. Dohner?

     Dr. Dohner is the area’s expert on cosmetic treatments. He has compiled many articles and speaks to many groups about cosmetic procedures. He established The Skin and Vein Center at Oneonta Laser Derm 4 years ago which has expanded to include a staff of 8 professionals to assist him and 4 of the most advanced cosmetic lasers.

     If you would care to know more about Dr. Dohner, please phone our Consumer Line at  607 /421-2525 or visit our web site at www.oneontalaserderm.com.

Will the Permanent Makeup application hurt?

Maximum Comfort

      The first question that your  friends and family will ask is "Did it hurt?" The most common answers are "It wasn't bad at all", "I fell asleep", "Tweezing hurts more", I'm going back to get everything else done". SofTap provides the maximum amount of comfort. It is so gentle. You have to feel it to believe it.

      In the most delicate areas, some discomfort may be experienced. The use of topical anesthetic helps to lessen any discomfort. If you are apprehensive and would like to take medication prescribed by your physician prior to your appointment, we have no objections.

Will I have to miss work after a permanent makeup application?

Fast Healing Time

      Because SofTap® is so gentle, little or no topical is required for your procedures. Brow procedures can be done without any topical at all. This is great because the less topical you have to use, the faster the skin will heal. What topical does is block the message to the brain that there is pain. Therefore, since the brain is not receiving that message , it does not send out its armies to begin healing the area until after the topical has worn off. With SofTap® , you can control any discomfort with the speed at which you are rolling and lifting off of the skin. If your most sensitive client becomes slightly uncomfortable, you can quickly put her at ease by slowing down your lift off. In addition, to expedite the healing process, we strictly use the SofTap® post treatment ointment. It is fabulous! It immediately traps the color into the skin and begins the healing process immediately.

How much do Permanent makeup treatments cost?

     We aim to make Permanent makeup treatments available and affordable to you. Work performed from a physician's offices is given at a higher level of care, skill, and safety with all the right sterilization equipment.

     The cost of the procedure is not be the most important issue when consulting a potential technician. Most important is the training and skill of the technician and the confidence of the client in that skill.

     We also offer discounts when Permanent makeup of different areas are performed at the same time.  Further discounts are offered when Permanent makeup is combined with Skin Rejuvenation, Botox, Fillers (Restylane, Hylaform or Cosmoderm), Mesotherapy of the neck, and / or Threading. 

Are You Afraid To Have Permanent makeup Done?

     Many people who have had cosmetic treatments of any sort have had fears and doubts.  A common concern is that they will be thought of as being vain.  My experience has been that those who have a cosmetic treatment done are no more vain than anybody else.  What distinguishes these individuals is their intense desire to get the most out of life.  Having good looks, to them, is as important as how they feel.  Looking after your appearance is not about being vain; it is actually a normal human trait.  The history of the world tells us over and over:  I think you should feel proud of yourself for having the will and ability to change something you do not like.  The only time it is a mistake is if you do this for someone other than yourself – you need to do it FOR YOU!

Is Permanent Makeup Safe?

     The SofTap™ technique is very safe! In addition to fresh pigments and inorganic ingredients, only disposable needles, brushes and spatulas are used. Your Permanent Makeup is applied in a clean and sterile environment.  A patch test is suggested to qualify any color changes that may take place with the undertones of an individual's skin and for a reaction to the pigments as a precautionary measure. And once you received your permanent makeup you can enjoy your permanent beauty enhancement , and  “Wake up with makeup”

Are there reasons not to have Permanent makeup?

Yes.  Those who are pregnant, those who have rare skin or autoimmune disorders, or are on drugs that cause sensitivity should not have Permanent makeup treatments done. Otherwise that vast majority of people are eligible.

Are there any other procedures that go well with Permanent Makeup?

     A good compliment to permanent make-up is Laser Hair Removal, the permanent removal of hair. You can get rid of superfluous, unwanted hair once and for all. No more tweezers, razors, depilatories or waxing. FREEDOM!! Just think of the time you will save! 

     A friend recently went on vacation for one month. She did not bring make-up, a razor, or even a tweezer. She had the hair removed permanently from her legs, underarms, bikini line, and her upper lip. Her eyebrows were permanently shaped with the Laser and permanent make-up. She has  permanent eyeliner and "lipstick". Each morning she can hop out of the shower, gel her hair, apply sun, lip gloss and she’s ready to go in fifteen minutes. You too can be a "wash and wear woman."

Who Should You See To Get The Best Results?

      One must choose carefully by considering training, experience, and photographic examples of previous work. It is important to remember that the shape and proper placement of the procedure is as important as the right color. The desired look is obtained during the course of consultation, initial procedure and follow up procedures, allowing at all times for interaction between the client and the technician

How do I Read Dr. Dohner's Blog?

     Consultation can usually be arranged within 2-7 days, by calling 607 / 431-2525.  In fact, sometimes we are able to see you the same day as we receive your call.  Treatment can be often initiated on the same day as your consultation. 

     We are conveniently located downtown Oneonta at 41-45 Dietz St across from the municipal parking lot.

     If you have any concerns about Permanent makeup or would like to ask questions, my staff and I would love to answer your questions.  We very much would like to help you achieve the looks you desire.