Cosmetic tattoos or permanent makeup is a very simple and popular procedure in Thailand. Many Thai women, or anywhere in Asia, opt for a permanent eyebrow or eyeliner.
It can be a great solution when experiencing scarred tissue, diminishing eyebrows or just because it saves time when applying makeup.
Most common permanent cosmetics deal with eyebrows, eyeliner or the lips.
Procedure
The procedure is a relatively simple one and is similar to getting a small traditional tattoo. The person applying the tattoo does not need to be a trained doctor, but can be a beautician or tattoo artist. However it is strongly recommended to use someone who has experience with applying permanent makeup.
Usually you or the tattooist will apply makeup until it looks perfect. Don’t hesitate to keep trying until you are completely satisfied.
Often a numbing cream will be applied to the skin to be treated. This cream acts like a mild local anesthetic. The tattooist will use properly disinfected materials and a new needle to apply the ink in the color of your choice.
Recovery after the procedure
You will be able to continue life as normal immediately after the procedure. You will probably get some moisturizing cream to prevent the ink from drying to fast which can lead to cracks.
At first the colors will likely seem to bright or harsh, this will fade over the next couple of days.
Risks
Since cosmetic tattoos don't involve invasive surgery, the risk is minimal. If you deal with a professional tattooist, materials will be clean and there are no risks for blood transferable diseases.
However some people report infections, cracks in the skin and uneven healing. However this can by prevented by proper care the first weeks after getting your permanent makeup. This includes no swimming for the first 2 weeks.
Who is a candidate for permanent makeup?
Most commonly people who start losing their eyebrow hair or have a scar in their eyebrows opt for eyebrow tattooing. Eyeliner and lip tattoos are usually done to avoid having to apply makeup.
In Thailand you will need to be at least 18 years of age to get any kind of tattoo.
