Permanent Eyebrows (Info and Photos)

Who Can Benefit from Permanent Eyebrows?

Permanent eyebrow tattooing helps women and men whose eyebrow hair is lightly colored, thin in places, sparse overall, or nonexistent. Eyebrow hair loss can result from years of tweezing or waxing, medical conditions (scars or Alopecia), or medications (chemotherapy). Permanent eyebrows eliminate the need to continually use powders or pencils to fill-in or reshape brows. Eyebrow shape, thickness, density, height, balance, and symmetry can be corrected once and for all. The overall look of a person’s face can also be improved.

Benefits of Good Eyebrow Shape and Design

The eyebrows "frame" the eyes and are a reference point that determines how facial features are perceived. An appropriate eyebrow shape and size can appear to "lift" a person's eyes resulting in a more youthful appearance. Properly designed eyebrows can balance the distance between the eyes and modify the look of deeply set or protruding eyes. A good eyebrow design can also make the cheekbones appear more defined and influence the perception of the size of a person's nose.

At Artistic Cosmetic Solutions, every permanent eyebrow procedure includes a complete facial and eyebrow analysis with eyebrow redesign, if desired. Dr. Reed has 30 years experience in conventional makeup artistry and is a certified Eyebrow Design Master by Adriel International. Her permanent cosmetics education is extensive with advanced training in multiple permanent eyebrow techniques and color theory taught by master instructors. She can create eyebrows "from scratch" using multiple colors, simulated hair strokes, shading, and "feathering."

Color Selection

If possible, you should wear or bring a favorite color eyebrow pencil or powder to your appointment for evaluation and possible matching. Dr. Reed will work with you to create a custom designed eyebrow that is as flattering and "natural" looking as possible. The pigment colors that coordinate with your skin tones, hair and eye color, and personal preferences will be chosen. Dr. Reed uses a conservative approach toward color because it is easier to darken permanent makeup later than to lighten it. She will only use colors that you have approved, and those will be recorded in your chart for future reference at a follow-up or maintenance appointment. Full spectrum fluorescent light bulbs that simulate natural daylight are used in the studio to improve the color selection process.

Procedure Techniques

After optimal design and color have been determined, a topical anesthetic will be applied to numb the eyebrow area. The final pattern will be drawn and approved by you as the template Dr. Reed will follow during the procedure. There are different ways that she can create an eyebrow tattoo:

Before Your Permanent Eyebrow Procedure

You should block off at least 2 hours for your initial procedure appointment (unless a full eyebrow analysis and design has been already completed at a separate appointment). You should tweeze or wax your brows a few days before your appointment to minimize irritation. Any products or treatments that will thin the skin should be discontinued two weeks before the procedure. These include Retin-A, Glycolic Acid, Kojic Acid, steroid preparations, chemical peels, or laser peels. Anyone using Accutane must obtain their physician's approval before the procedure.

After Your Permanent Eyebrow Procedure

Immediately after your procedure, there will be mild swelling and redness that will subside in a day or two. Your eyebrows will also be much darker than you want. The color will look better after the first week when the initial healing is complete. Color stabilization occurs during the first few weeks as the color gradually softens and fades to a more natural look. Since your eyebrows will be dark and shiny (from applying ointments) during the first week, you should keep this in mind when scheduling your procedure around work or social plans. S

ince Dr. Reed is an advocate for safe, correct after care, she will provide detailed verbal and written instructions. For your convenience and to minimize any chance of an infection or allergic reaction, she will supply you with a complete kit containing medical grade products and supplies at no additional cost.

Follow-Up and Maintenance Appointments

The initial saturation with color occurs at your first procedure. If your eyebrows appear too light after healing, they can be darkened at a follow-up ("touch-up") visit. Refinement may also be needed to adjust areas that did not retain color due to tissue swelling during the procedure. Your follow-up is visit should be completed between 4 to 8 weeks post procedure. Because permanent makeup can fade over time, you can schedule maintenance visits every few years to keep your color looking fresh. These visits are shorter and less expensive.

For "Consumer Guidelines" on choosing a safe and qualified professional, general information,  and pricing, please refer to the “Common Questions & Answers” sub-pages.