Permanent Cosmetics: Healing

Once you’ve decided to get your permanent make-up and taken the time to plan for the spa and the technician, spend a little time considering recovery, after all this is a tatoo and there’s no way you’ll be able to cover it up completly, if you plan to be seen in public. This is a facial tatoo and will need a little time to heal before you get the desired results.

Some considerations would be possible swelling, bruising  a change in facial features, though if your getting your lips tatooed  and  they look like Angelina Jolie’s for a day or two, it’s not that bad. But yes, things swell and become uncomfortable, but they also heal. Not everyone’s healing time is equal,  usually things return to a more normal appearance in 2-3days less for some. Longer for lips as they have more room to grow and take a little longer to heal.

So have a realistic expectations, follow instructions and plan your time accordingly. Ice will be your best friend , and regular scheduled anti-inflammatory medication taken during the first 48hrs helps a lot. Consult your technician about what medications to take or not take prior to the procedure, you may need to talk to your physician if your on multiple medications about compatability and appropriate use. And do consult your doctor if your a diabetic,  on blood thinners, or have a compromised immune system.

I know for some being seen afterwards is a no-no, so maybe a day or two from work and regular activities is the best plan for you.  Though I have one or two  ladies, after permanent eye-liner go out for the evening and enjoy the fact that they’re already wearing the make-up they wanted.  Just remember to plan the time it’ll take for you and you’ll enjoy the experience more.

Best of all,permanent make up is a life changing event,  enjoy the new you.

Blessings.

Gillian

RN.RNFA.CNOR.MAP. Master Technician IDC.

Love your skin: Vitamin C.

Wow,  Thanksgiving has past and I’m reminded of how much I have to be grateful for, I hope it was the same for you.   It’s great to eat well any time of the year but especially nice with friends and family. Which brings me to Vitamin C.

Not perhaps everyone’s first choice on the menu with turkey and dressing, pie, fudge and ice-cream around,  but one of life’s essentials just the same. Also known as ascorbic acid this powerful vitamin is responsible for much.

Vitamin C is necessary for the formation, repair  and growth of tissue, skin and collagen.  Also necessary for healing and maintainance of the fibre of life within us… ligaments, tendons, cartilage and blood vessels.  A must for the healing, repair and maintainance of bones and teeth. It’s also thought  to be valuable in boosting the immune system function, so with flu season upon us,  a much needed item.

When it comes to skin however, what goes in you is far more effective than what goes on you.  Getting vitamin C from your diet or as  a dietary supplement is best.  Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is the ulitimate way to go,  but as a supplement 250-500mgs daily is the usual reccomended dose.  Try buffered vitamin C is the plain variety upsets your stomach.  This is one  vitamin that cannot be stored,  so you do need to take it in daily.  It’s easily destroyed with cooking and looses some of it’s value when cut up.  So for for all of you heading for a New Year’s diet, take notes.

Best of all, for those of you wanting to take good care of your skin, it tastes good and looks good on the outside,  because what goes inside will be reflected on your skin.  What a great way to get your antioxidants, its what protects us best from environmental pollutants.  Another great benefit, lots of fibre and low in calories, isn’t nature awesome?

So spend a little time daily being good to your skin and love the skin your in. See you at the Spa.

Blessings.

Gillian.

RN.RNFA.CNOR.MAP. Master Technician IDC

Skin talk.

What a great season to talk about sage.  Skin goes through a multitude of cyles at different stages in our lives.   Affected by hormones, seasons, genetics, lotions,  potions and skin care products. Constantly changing and often  unpredictable. 

There are some wonderful benefits to using what nature has provided, especially if you suffer from skin that is reddened, flushed or irritated, as in the case of acne or rosacea.  Skin care products that contain sage are especially soothing for these conditions.  Sage is from the mint family of herbs, so also has a fresh pretty scent.

The Dallas Center for Advanced Medical Aesthetics has their own product line and offers the best in skin care for all types of conditions. Check out their own brand label Biomani skin care products. And leave the red to Santa this year.

If you happen to be in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex this year for the holidays, check out Six Flags over Texas, they have an awesome Christmas theme.

Blessings.

Gillian

Gillian Cornelius. RN.RNFA.CNOR.MAP. Master Technician Intradermal Cosmetics.

Laser therapy:body contouring.

Finally, help is on the way. I just had to share this,  in time to jump start your New Years resolutions.

There is a safe and effective way to resculpt the body with this raio frequency laser. The best part, no down time. Though like every other treatment modality should be used in conjuction with sensible nutrition and an excersize program, as that’s where the lasting results are best found.

Laser therapy can also treat the chin area and jowls giving the chin a lift, that allows you to get the great results you need without surgery. Its also used effectively for rejuvinating the skin…so no excuses, wrinkles and sagging skin beware! All I have to say is me first…

Treatment varies from person to person, though expect at least four treatment to the face and chin area for results and  at least six for the body, dependant on your goals. This is not a fast fix, anything that brings longevity with results doesn’t work overnight. Have realistic expectations….but I personally am expecting a firmer butt.

Laser body contouring is not a weight loss program, it is a program of treatments effectively  to reduce fat in areas of the body that resist diet and excersize. We owe most of our chin area issues to gravity and most of the rest to hormones and aging, not a pretty picture, though we now have the power to change it. Best of all its able to treat cellulite.

So pack your thong and head this way, there’s work to be done…

Somehow it makes the New Year all the more inviting. What a great gift…….I could use some sculpting right about now.

More on this at another time.  Join me at Painted Ladies or check out my website at, www.permanentbeautybydesign.com The new age of laser is here. You can find this treatment option available at CSANT Day Spa Arlington Texas. In the DFW Metroplex.  Jon Senkowsky MD Medical Director.

Blessings.

Gillian.

RN.RNFA.CNOR.MAP.Master Technician Intradermal Cosmetics.

Painted ladies: permanent eyeliner.

This is a great gift for any lady in your life, mothers,  daughters, women of all ages appreciate how good this makes them feel, to wake up more groomed and prepared for the day. No messy clean up and no smudging or running.

Ladies prepare yourselves for good outcomes.  This event is  life changing and something you won’t want to be seen without.  Feel confident in your appearance any time of day.

But first things first, the procedure…. As we’ve dicussed before,  pick your spa and technician carefully and with a little research.  Don’t make your choices based on price alone.  

It helps to get pre-treatment instructions from your Technician or your Physician if indicated, prior to the event.  It’s  recommend to avoid  asprin based products or blood thinners for 2-3 days prior to having this done.  If you bruise, it may lead to migration of pigment.  You don’t want your liner in places it shouldn’t be, or it will look smudges and unkempt.  If you have diabetics, are on prescibed blood thinners or have a compromised immune system,  seek medical clearance first.

Have a friend available to drive you home if you think you may need help. Your eyes will be swollen and feel irritated.  Many people have light sensitivity after the procedure.  This is usually due to  the medication that’s used to numb the area prior to the procedure. So bring sunglasses even on cloudy days, this will really help.  If your a contact lens wearer, plan to leave them out for the procedure, bring glasses for the drive home if your able , or have someone to drive you.

Expect to stay swollen or a little puffy for about 2-3 days, less for some a little more for others.  Ice frequently in the first 48 hours.   Regular scheduled anti-inflammatory medication as prescribed helps with the infllammatory response to the area.   Check with your physician if your on multiple medications.   Your want this to be a good experience with a safe outcome.   Plan your social calendar to meet your needs and comfort level.

Best of  all, enjoy your eyeliner theres’s lots of pretty colors for eyes.  It’s not just black, though this is a beautiful shade for your eyes. Isn’t it great to have choices…….

See you at the spa.

Blessings.

Gillian.

RN.RNFA.CNOR.MAP. Master Technician Intradermal cosmetics

Permanent make up: paving the way.

A good technician will help you through the process of getting ready for your permanent cosmetics. As we mentioned before,  medical clearance is needed before applying a facial tatoo to anyone with diabetes,  or taking  blood thinners.  It’s also a must for clients undergoing chemotherapy or with an autoimmune disorder,  as all these things can affect both the procedure and the outcome.  I do not perform any type of permanent cosmetic procedure on someone who is pregnant or lactating. Client safety must be the priority each time.

I have all my clients fill  out a medical questionaire that covers this information.  You also need to know allergies.  I do offer allergy testing to my clients, though this doesn’t completely exclude the risk of allergy occuring it may lessen the risks.

It’s wise to  request all asprin, vitamin  E.  and blood thinning products be stopped 2-3 days prior to the procedure as these increase risks of bleeding, bruising  and pigment migration.  Check with the physician before you request a client stop any blood thinners or prescribed asprin.   Alcohol is also a no-no before treatment as it may provide you with a little bravado, but again, increases the risk of bleeding, bruising and migration of pigment, so all that valor would be in vain.

For any permanent cosmetic procedure on the lips, lip liner or full lip color I recommend clients be on Valtrex or Zovirax cold sore medications.  The generic versions of this medication are also fine.  The cold sore is an opportunistic virus and even if a person has never had a cold sore the chance of getting one with this procedure is quite high since the skin will be broken.  Having a cold sore during the healing process can lead to pain, scarring, and loss of pigment.  Well worth asking your physician for a little help in this area.

I recommend clients attend the appointment  without make-up.  Bring a photo of yourself with make-up and whatever color pencils or lip colors you usually enjoy to help with pigment color selections.  I also encourage my ladies to bring photos of a shape or color they’ve seen, that might suit them, and we can discuss if it’s a match for them.   I have to mention here that Paris Hilton’s eyebrow shape is very popular…..  Don’t experiment with a new color for your cosmetic tatoo, choose a color you know you already enjoy, it’ll be with you a long time.

If you need to take medication in order to tolerate the procedure,  and its a prescription medication given by your physician, designed for that use, have someone available to drive you home safetly.  We want the experience to be a good one, so a little knowledge can help smooth the road to a positive outcome.

Intradermal cosmetics is a revolutionary method of applying tatoo pigment intradermally  and is safe for that purpose.  So Ladies, join the revolution….. and long live art.

Blessings.

Gillian

RN.RNFA.CNOR.MAP.  Master Technician Intradermal Cosmetics.

Permanent make up: paint me beautiful.

Ever since I put on my first set of high heeled shoes as a little girl, I’ve longed to be pretty and wanted to be beautiful. Not just to be told it, but to know it. Mona Lisa, has that look. The enigmatic,  mysterious pose that suggests that  ‘beautiful’ is just how she feels. Though perhaps not everbodys idea of beautiful, she stands unchallenged as the world’s most renowned painted lady.

I find myself on a constant quest to  daily improve  upon my appearance  and paint myself beautiful, for the day at least,  or until my make up comes off at night. I now find myself an expert in how it feels to be painted, since I already am.

Getting permanent make-up, or permanent cosmetics, known as intradermal cosmetics should take serious consideration.  Outcomes for good or bad will be with you a long time and as we mentioned before.  It pays to research the location of the spa or salon and the expertise and training of the technician.  Side effects may include scarring, asymetry, allergic response to pigment, altered colors and pigment migration. Consider the risks along with the benefits so that you can make your own wise decision in this area.

Having said all that, enjoy your permanent cosmetics once you’ve decided to have the procedure done. The benefits are endless, at least for me. Did I mention I was lazy and hated putting on make up every day, but never wanted to be see without it?  So last minute lip painting was a must and who in the world would want to be see without their mascara????   Well me of course.

These days I have less and less time, so waking up with make is wonderful and healthier for your skin than last night’s make up on today.  Did I mention less clean up.  No more expensive lipstick that’s never quite the shade it was in the store and doesn’t need reapplying  every time  after you eat, drink, lip your lips, brush your teeth or kiss someone you love.

I look and feel more prepared for my day. I’m more confident in how I appear, knowing my eyeliner won’t run  or smug and my eyebrows are the same shape as when I looked in the mirror last. Best of all I don’t have to buy cosmetics, these are things I already have, eyebrows, eyeliner and full lips, perfectly painted in the right place at all times.

Of course you can always add to your permanent make up with over the counter cosmetics,  for special occasions a little more is nice. Isn’t it great to have choices?

Choose colors you already wear and like, don’t experiment with a new color on your face.  If a client wants eyeliner other than black I  like to ask if they are used to wearing that color daily?   If you are considering a new color, buy a pencil in that shade and wear it everyday for several weeks to assess if you enjoy it  long term.  At the day spa  I carry several permanent eyeliner colors that are very popular, in browns, blues and greens. How wonderful to be able to match someones eye color.  It accentuates what is already lovely  and makes the eyes look bigger. Gives a girl that ‘wow’ value…

 Permanent make up  allows you to look and feel very special.  With that mysterious aire of painted  beautiful…..I hope that happens for you too… So ladies,  painters, painted or otherwise until next time.

Blessings.

Gillian

RN.RNFA.CNOR.MAP. Master Technician  IDC. Intradermal Cosmetics

Skin care – take care of me.

Most of us know a little about this subject, since we all own it and some basic rules apply to skin.  We’re born with it, we’ll die with it, and skin changes everyday in between.  This amazing organ, is responsible for a multitude of functions, including heat regulation, excetion, secretion, sensation, immunity, color, sexuality and absorbtion.

Taking care of the bodies  largest organ,  is no small task. We perfume it, powder it, oil it, pamper it, tan it, potion it, rub, scrub and exfoliate it  all in the name of improving how we like to look at it or change the way  it feels. Naturally not all we do is good for it and not all we do is natural. So in taking care of me- your skin, here’s a little skin talk.

Skin has a lipoprotein protective barrier. Anything we put on, or expose our skin to,  affects this barrier. Lotions and emollients bind with this barrier, so when we bathe or shower it’s stripped away,  leaving our skin more sensitive and vunerable, setting up the vicious cycle of applying lotion and potions and starting the cyle all over again.  The rule here is, protect what protects you, as this is where most problems begin.

Because babies aren’t born with this protective barrier, and Mum’s like pamper babies, there are a multitude of products available for baby skin, lotions, oils and powders.  Best of all, the ingredients are safe for use.  Which means safe for baby, safe for you too.

If you are a soap user, be kind to your skin, try Glycerin or Jergens soap. Look for ingredients on the container, of lotions and emollients. Best for you are those that indicate a greater water than oil compound are the best for your skin, since its main ingredient is water.

 Read the contents before you buy. Just because it smells good,  and feels good,  doesn’t mean its good for you. Avoid petroleum based products, sometimes hard to do since they have so many different names. Best of all for skin, drinking water and good nutrition. Good things on the inside produce good things on the outside.

Skin no-no’s on the take care of me, skin adgenda:  Number one bad guy the sun. Smoking a close second. Not really a surprise…. Beware ladies, painted or otherwise, changes to your skin exposed to these factors over a period of time  become permanent. No amount of treatments or surgery will restore what is lost if this occurs.

At some unkown stage……our skin, it  seems,  threatens to overtake us and there appears  to be  more skin than body. I of course,  plan to firm mine up,  here and there and everywhere with the Accent laser coming next year to CSANT Day Spa that’s designed to resculpt the body and snug up the wrinkely bits. In the mean time there’s care to be given.

 In order to have better outcomes with your skin, you have to learn to love the skin your in, and take care of me-your skin.

Join me at Painted Lady’s blog or visit my web www.permanentbeautybydesign.com   

Regards.

Gillian.

Gillian Cornelius.RN.RNFA.CNOR.MAP. Master technician Intradermal Cosmetics.

 

 

 

G

Permanent make up….finding the right technician.

You don’t need a list of credentials in order to have positive outcomes.  Though this is a very personal event, it helps to be well informed. Research the credentials of the technician and ask about the school they trained at.  Even beginners can do a good job, many are naturally talented, though do ask to see photo’s or an example of their work, or ask for references.

Check out the studio or spa and make sure it’s State accredited. Ask about the  type of permanent tatoo ink they use. A natural and organic compound is best,  with less risk of allergy response and less risk of changing color after being  implanted, also known as intradermal cosmetics. You might ask  if the Technician steralizes their own needles and instruments,  or are they disposable?  Either is fine, if they steralize there should be a log of this.

Women are very intuitive and have a great sense of what feels right, spend a little time on research. Take time to ask all the questions you need in order to feel comfortable with  the whole event.  I can gaurantee it will be more painful with a less than optimum result if you don’t feel good about it at the onset.

Spend time checking on follow up care that may be indicated , or any follow up procedures necessary after the initial tatoo.  Ask about the availability of  numbing medication. Yes it can be painful, but is usually well tolerated with the right topical anaesthetic agents, otherwise refered to as numbing compounds or agents.

Evaluate any special needs prior to treatment, to ensure your a good candididate. Some medications and conditions interfere with the actual treatment or healing  process and may require medical clearance by a physician.  Presciption medications are recommended before some procedures,  just ask. There should be paperwork required prior to treatment and this usually includes a pre-screening evaluation to cover medical conditions.

Assess the location of the studio or spa.  A tatoo is a tatoo, but most tatoo salons focus on body work only.  The  Intradermal Cosmetic Technician specializes in facial tatoos and are generally located at a spa or independant studio. Many are found in a physicians offices.  If that’s a must for you, it may require a little homework.   A plastic surgeons office is a good place to start. Word of mouth references are always nice. Some clients are willing to be contacted by phone to give references, what could be better….

Having a procedure done in a beauty salon over a wash basin sink, is not for everyone, just know what your getting into, after all it will be with you for quite some time.

So…..are you planning to become a painted lady? It’s a wonderful thing to wake-up with make up and realize you have not forgotten to take it off from the night before…oops.

Join me at my blog, Painted Ladies and check out my web at www.PermanentBeautybyDesign.com and we’ll talk more permanent make up next time.

Blessings.

Gillian. 

Master Technician Intradermal Cosmetics

Permanent Beauty by Design-in the beginning.

Permanent Beauty by Design was founded after I learned I really wasn’t getting any younger. You think it for a while, then suddenly notice its really true.  Women just seem to fade away. None of your facial features seem quite what they were, your lips shrink, eyebrows evaporate and eyes simply disappear into the expanding and sagging tissue on your face……well maybe not quite that bad, but feels pretty close.

In an effort to research what could be done about my fading features I signed up for a course in Permanent Cosmetics, or Intradermal Cosmetics. Otherwise known as tatooing, with a focus on tatoo art as it applies to facial features or permanent make up.  I am now proud to be a painted lady, painting other painted ladies and know some great technicians and painters of ladies.

Since the beginning my learning curve has been enormous, but I’m proud to say I have recently added to my skills and recently received Certification as Medical Aesthetics Provider or MAP, by the prestigious North Dallas Aesthetic Institute accredited by the State of Texas. Director Fathi Fam MD. MS

Hello world I’m Gillian Cornelius.RN.RNFA.CNOR.MAP. Master Technician Intradermal Costmetics.

This may sound grand, but all this to say, I’m passionate about skin care and Permanent Cosmetics, please consider joining me at “Painted Ladies” for those that paint and are painted.

What a privalege to share knowledge and wisdom that facilitates our growth and allows us to be human.

Blessings.

Gillian

A note on sagging and expanding skin, just in time for the New Year. Accent Laser body sculpting is coming to the spa…..you can finally make that New Year’s Resolution the real thing. We are located at CSANT Day Spa, in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, conveniently located close to Six Flags over Texas, the Ball Park in Arlington and the new Dallas Cowboys stadium.