As if skin age and type are not already playing a big role in the success of any permanent cosmetic procedure, there is also the common question clients often ask about medications and the one word answer is Yes! Medications can affect even the most simple of skin care services.
Many medications have effects on the body aside from the reason they are being taken. This is easily demonstrated – just listen to any of the television commercials for prescription medications.... The list of possible side effects is rather staggering. Not every person experiences these side effects but they sure can and do happen. Be sure to let your esthetician or permanent makeup artist know about all prescription and non-prescription drugs, supplements, topically applied products, eye drops, etcetera. The more they know about what you use, the better an outcome they can help you achieve. Do NOT stop taking your medications. Check in with your Doctor if you want to be sure and have peace of mind. Depending on the problem there are often workarounds. If your medication is a contraindication to doing the desired service your technician will probably recommend you talk to your doctor. Or they may request you confirm with your physician that having this procedure is safe for you. Your health and safety is our number one concern.
Cholesterol and blood pressure medications while not blood thinners, work to make the blood platelets not stick together. In permanent cosmetics this often means there may be more chance of a blood droplet coming to the surface. The down side is this molecule is bigger than the tattoo pigment molecule and can wash some of them away. This leads to more color loss than would experienced on a client not on these medications.
Clients on thyroid medications often need permanent cosmetic procedures re-enhanced a little more frequently. We have noticed that for whatever reason their color fades a little more quickly.
Blood thinning medications can also cause issues with permanent cosmetic procedures. You may be referred to get clearance from your physician.
Diabetic clients who are insulin dependent often do not heal as well and may be at a heightened risk for infection. They may need clearance from their physician for permanent cosmetic services, waxing or other more aggressive skin care treatments.
Use of retinoids (Vitamin A) or acids like Glycolic, Lactic, Salicylic or blends work to thin the dead skin of the epidermis. This means that a service like Permanent Cosmetics, waxing, microdermabrasion or other exfoliating therapy increases the risk of skin irritation or even creating a wound. Be sure to discuss use of any of these products, prescription or over the counter with your Artist/Technician.
Thyroid medications are well known to be the reason why so many client need more frequent touch-ups for permanent cosmetic procedures than most. Be sure to be informed of this possibility and know that this is out of your Artists control!
Restasis (Eye drops) is a new concern as it has been observed that those who use it have increased sensitivity of the eyelid to the point that a permanent cosmetic eyeliner procedure is not well tolerated. Your technician may want you to discontinue use for 30 days before doing the tattoo procedure. Do not restart use of the restasis for at least two weeks after your technician has determined it is completed. (Wait until all follow up work is finalized.)
Patients on chemotherapy drugs have a compromised immune system and may not heal well. All of these drugs need your doctor’s written permission that this procedure is safe for you.
Botox and injectables are extremely popular today. Any skin care or permanent cosmetic procedure is fine before 2 weeks of having botox or injectables. If you have had either a neurotoxin or filler injectable wait at least 2-4 weeks before having a permanent cosmetics, facial massage, other skin care treatment or waxing. The manipulation of the skin has a small potential for affecting the outcome and lasting of your injection site.
For a lip coloration procedure the best timing is before any fillers are injected. This has been clinically observed to produce the best most predictable outcome.
Herbs and supplements can also have an impact on the skin. Some can cause blood thinning or skin thinning. Be sure to provide your technician with a complete list of everything that you take so that we can avoid unexpected complications and make sure you have the safest procedure with the most positive outcome.