Permanent Cosmetics, often referred to as Permanent Makeup, Dermapigmentation or Micropigmentation, has been gaining in popularity since it’s emergence in the late 1980’s. It is a form of cosmetic tattooing in which color pigments are chosen and strategically inserted into the skin to emulate everyday cosmetic makeup. Most clients seek out Permanent Makeup to enhance their existing facial features; however, more recently permanent makeup has been utilized to help burn survivors, cancer patients and others who have tissue damage. The most common Permanent Cosmetics procedures are: eyelash enhancement, eyeliner, lipliner, eyebrow hair simulation, scalp hair simulation and full lip color. Other types of Permanent Cosmetics procedures, deemed “Paramedical Procedures,” include: Skin Needling™, Scar Relaxation, Areola Repigmentation and Corrective Pigment Camouflage. IIPC offers instruction in all areas.

The Permanent Cosmetics Industry continually works to regulate and accredit procedures, ensuring that there are safe and standard practices for patient care. Permanent Makeup Professionals and supply manufacturers work together to make certain that the inks used in permanent cosmetics pigments exceed agency regulations as cosmetics and color additives. Unfortunately, there are some people who claim to be Permanent Makeup Professionals that neither have sufficient education nor practice permanent cosmetics safely. It is IIPC’s recommendation that extensive research be done before selecting a permanent cosmetics institute for training and prior to undergoing any permanent makeup procedure.