Q:  Does it hurt?

A:   We use a very strong topical anesthetic and methods of application that minimize the pain.  Most people can't believe that it is as painless as it is once the procedure begins.  We continue to use the topical anesthetic as we work.

Q.   How long does it take to heal?

A.   Following the procedure the color will be the most vibrant for the first three days.  After that the color will begin to heal and top layer of skin will peals off leaving a color looks which looks much softer.

Some people like to use make-up to cover the intensity of the color for the first three days.

Q:  Should I wear my make-up in when I come for my appointment?

A:   Yes, you may do this if you wish us to see how you like to wear your make-up.  It is especially helpful if you are having your eyebrows done.  If you are not sure how you would like your brows to look we will work with you to decide upon a design before we apply your permanent cosmetics.  Our goal is that you are pleased with both the design and with the end result.  We will do all we can to help insure that end.

Q:   What if I don't like it?

A:   There are many things we can do to change the appearance of the permanent cosmetic once it has been applied.  We can go back and change the color or shape at any time.

Q:   If I had plastic surgery on my face will it effect the looks of my permanent cosmetic procedure?

A:   No, in fact it enhances the permanent make-up.  The Eyeliner frequently shows up better and it has not effect on other procedures.  

Having laser surgery around the mouth after having the permanent cosmetics done on the lips can cause the liner to fade, but it can be reapplied very easily. 

Q:   Is it permanent?

A:   Yes, it is permanent.  It will never go away completely. However over time there can be fading.  Often clients return after about 2 years to have their make-up refreshed for a small fee.

Q:   How much does it cost?

A:   Please refer to our Payment schedule.  Click here.

Q:   Can it be done in one visit?  

A:   Usually permanent cosmetic clients require two visits.  You will need to wait about three to four weeks before your second follow-up appointment.  As noted in our "Pay As You Go" payment policy - the second appointment does cost a small fee on top of the original application fee. However, this system seems to work well for our customers.

Q:   Why do I need a follow up or a touch up appointment?

A:   First, it allows us to assess the color as it has set into the skin.  Second, we assess the shape - making sure it's the desired shape.  Thirdly, there may be small areas where some of the color could be lost in the healing process.  So this second visit allows us to fill them in as needed.  

Q:  Am I going to look bruised or swollen?

A.   With the methods that we use our clients experience minimal swelling or redness etc.  It is not uncommon for our clients to go straight back to work or out to dinner with friends directly after the procedure has been completed.

Q:   How long before I will be able to come in for a follow-up appointment?

A:   Usually you will need to wait between three and four weeks for your follow-up appointment.  This allows the area to completely heal and for the color to settle in allowing us to accurately evaluate the result of the primary application.

Q:   May I have more than one procedure done at a time?

A:   Yes, often times women do more than one procedure at a time.  Some have their lips, eyes and brows done all in one day.

Q:   Which procedure hurts the most?

A:   It's different with everyone.  Most will say that any minor discomfort experienced was well worth it.  

We would like to note that some women experience extra discomfort if they have a procedure done during their period.  

Q:   Do I need to take off of work for healing?

A:   No, generally you can go back to work the next day.  We are honest to say that the color will be most vibrant and there may be some redness the first two or three days, which make some more who would be self-conscious choose to have the procedure done on the week-end giving themselves time to heal.

Q:   What if I spend a lot of time in the sun?    

A:   The sun will fade the procedures over time.  Therefore we do recommend that a sunscreen be applied over the eyebrows and over the lip color when planning extended sun exposure (such as a day long trip to the beach).  As for the eyeliner, most people wear sun glasses while out in the sun which proves to be a sufficient protector.

Q:  Directly after the procedure is completed it is vibrant and our clients often ask: " Are you sure this color will fade?"

A:   Absolutely 100% yes.  It will fade from 20% to 50% depending on the persons skin tone.

Q:  What is the risk of catching a disease from the equipment?  

A:   We never ever re-use anything on anybody.  Everything we use is disposable and disposed of immediately after the procedure is complete.  New sterile equipment is used on every client.  

Q:   Can I see pictures of people who have had permanent cosmetics done?

A:   Yes, we have a video of testimonials - we also invite you to come into the salon before hand and meet people who have had the work done.  It's hard to tell really by a picture what the permanent make-up really looks like.  It is better to see people in person - and we gladly make that opportunity available to anyone who would like to see it first hand before they have their own work done.

You may also come and watch a procedure being done in process by calling our salon and making an appointment.  The Making Faces Salon phone number is (714) 505-FACE.

Q:   What if I'm allergic?

A:   We have never had anyone allergic to anything that we use in the procedure except for the anti-biotic ointment that we give the person to use to apply after the procedure.  If you know that you have an allergy to anti-biotic's we suggest that you use a plain petroleum jelly instead.

We do have our clients fill out a questionnaire before any procedure is done to pre-determine as best we can if there is any chance an adverse reaction.  For instance if a person is allergic to latex we do not use latex gloves - we'll use vinyl gloves.

If you have a real allergy concern we are happy to do a patch test behind your ear to test the pigment on you.  You would then know for sure within 24 hours.

With the 100's of procedures done in the Making Faces Salon - we have never had anyone suffer an allergic reaction to the products involved in the procedure itself.

Q:   What is in the pigment/color?

A:   The color is made of iron oxide, glycerin, water and alcohol.  In the time of healing the glycerin, water and alcohol leave the body.  The iron oxide stays behind.  

FYI: Iron oxide is the most commonly used ingredient in all cosmetics to give them color. It is also a natural element of the human body making it tolerable and acceptable to the human system.

Q:   Can pigment be removed?

A:   Yes, with modern technology pigment can be removed either through laser or glycolic treatments.  However, this is has never been a request of any of our clients because they absolutely love their permanent cosmetics! 

Q:   What if I have had old work done - can it be corrected?

A:  Yes, we can correct old work - either shape or color - we can completely change the look as needed or desired.

Q:   What if I do not know what color or shape to choose?

A:   We are color and design experts and will be happy to choose a color with you that will complement your skin tone and features.  Skin tone can make a big difference in the right colors to use.  We know all about skin tones and will help you find the color that is just right for you.  We also have lots of books and magazines in the salon for your to look at for ideas.