Skincare treatments
Elite Skin Care Center
SofTap® Permanent Cosmetics - Revolutionary No Mix Pigments, was introduced in 1988. The SofTap® Permanent Makeup Cosmetic System is an innovative hand method that is the easiest and most gentle way to implant permanent color into the skin. No mixing or guessing with SofTap® pigment colors. Unique formulations insure long-lasting color and have become known as "the colors you can trust" TM. With over a decade of safe pigment manufacturing the pigments have proven to be hypoallergenic and MRI safe. However if you wish to make a custom blend you can mix any of our colors with each other.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is Permanent Cosmetics?
Permanent cosmetics allows busy people to look their
best, enhances their beauty, giving them what mother nature didn't. At the
same time helping their self-esteem. You can camouflage scars from accidents,
burns, and surgeries. To restore the natural skin color. Permanent cosmetics
is a state of the art form of cosmetic tattooing. Color is implanted into the
dermal layer of skin with a specially designed instrument. The specialized
techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as "Micropigmentation",
"Permanent Make up" or "Dermagraphics".
Does it hurt?
We use Anestop
as a topical anesthetic and it is very effective. It's been our
experience that many people fall asleep during the procedure. There is
usually some minor discomfort, although everyone's tolerance level is
different. Most people describe the sensation to be much less than they
expected and are pleased with their new Permanent Makeup.
How much does it cost?
Our procedure fees range from $250.00 - $450.00 for
Original work. Some technicians charge much more, although higher prices
don't necessarily mean you will get better quality work. It's important
to carefully check the credentials of your technician! Our
clients feel that the cost to have their Permanent Makeup applied is very
reasonable. The freedom they experience from not having to worry if their
makeup has worn off or smeared makes it easy to enjoy life with confidence
because they know they look good 24 hours a day, everyday!
Is it safe?
Absolutely! At our office, the client's safety is our highest
concern and we use SofTap® Disposable Pens. The
“Comfort System” needles are 100% disposable pens for a safe and
easy application of pigment for all permanent makeup procedures. The
fine tip needles are in-line and slanted to apply pigment quickly and
comfortably.
Do I have a choice in the color?
Yes. Your input is necessary to achieve the
results you will be satisfied with. Plan on bringing your favorite
lip/eye/brow makeup with you. We take into consideration the colors you
prefer as well as your natural skin color, hair color and eye color. A
soft, natural look is always preferred, but a more made up look can also be
achieved.
How do I know that you will do what I want?
It is our goal to work with you to achieve the look you
want. Our approach is one of "teamwork." We begin the
procedure by taking a "before" picture without your makeup. Then
we begin the "design" phase. We will ask you to draw on what
you normally do. Then, we will help you fine-tune the design by making
suggestions, adding and subtracting from the design, and asking for your
feedback. We will work together until the design looks even and balanced
and we are both pleased with the result. During the procedure, we will
follow the design lines that have already been created with pencil.
I have very thin or sparse eyebrows. Will this
look natural?
Yes, Permanent make-up looks more natural than eyebrow
pencils. A soft fill-in of color will create the appearance of a soft, full
brow.
How long does it last?
The color will soften and fade over time due to many
factors such as skin exfoliation (both natural and chemically induced), sun
exposure and/or tanning beds, and some types of medication. Sun exposure is
the major reason pigment fades. You may want to refresh your color in
approximately 2-5 years. The cost for a Retouch is about half the
cost of the initial application.
Can a procedure be done in only one session?
Sometimes. But mostly, Permanent Cosmetics is a
multi-session process. We begin with a consultation and the first
application. We arrange for a follow-up visit in 30-60 days, to check
for light spots re-define any areas that require it. A lot will depend
on your skin's own healing process as to what work needs to be done during the
follow-up visit. There is no extra charge for the follow-up visit at our
office.
How much time does the procedure take?
Each procedure takes approximately between 1 to 3 hours
to complete. This includes time that is taken for Consultation of design and
color prior to procedure, anesthetic time, application time, after care
instruction, any bathroom breaks and scheduling a follow up visit. Because
of the high degree of attention and focus required by each technician during
the procedure, we do not allow children in the treatment room. We
do not allow children to be left in the lobby.
Can I wear make-up after the procedure is done?
We prefer you wear NO traditional make up on the
procedure site as it needs to heal for about 7 days. However, you may
wear makeup everywhere else.
How long do I need to be absent from my job?
For Eyebrows, you could have the procedure performed in
the morning and be at work the same afternoon. For Eyeliner, you may
return to work the next day. Your eyes may look slightly
"puffy" for 1-2 days, as if you've been crying. Lips usually
require 2 days off to allow the swelling to go down.
Are there precautions that should be taken before my
procedure?
For EYELINER: If you wear contact lenses, bring
your glasses with you and plan on using your glasses for at least the next 4
days. For LIPLINER or FULL LIP COLOR: If you have ever had a cold sore
or fever blisters in your life, we suggest that you obtain a 10-day oral
prescription for Zovirax, Aclovir, Valtrex or Famvir capsules (an antiviral
medication) from your physician or dentist and begin taking them 5 days prior
to this procedure and continue taking them 5 days after. Once the
procedure has taken place it is also necessary to shield the lips from the sun
for 5-7 days to prevent blisters from occurring.
Can I wear additional makeup over my permanent
makeup?
Yes. Micropigmentation applications provide a
subtle look for natural feature enhancement. You may choose to apply more
makeup for more glamorous look.
What about allergic reactions to the pigments?
Our pigments are inorganic iron oxides which contain no
artificial additives and do not contain FD & C or D&C dyes.
"Less than .l% in over 100,000 estimated permanent cosmetic procedures
performed nationwide over the last 10 years resulted in an allergic
reaction," according to Micropigmentation, State of the Art, by Charles
S. Zwerling. M.D. Many of our clients cannot wear regular
traditional cosmetics due to allergies.... with Permanent Cosmetics, now they
can have carefree makeup, 24 hours a day.
Since this is a tattoo, will the color turn green or
look blotchy with age?
No. The pigments used in Permanent Cosmetics are
different from traditional tattooing. Our pigments do not migrate or appear
"blotchy" over time, because we use inert iron oxides. In
addition, the color will fade naturally over time. However, a lot
depends on the skill level of the Technician. If you choose to have your
Permanent Cosmetics applied elsewhere, be sure to ask if they are using
traditional tattoo inks or if they are using iron oxides. Some
technicians do use the tattoo inks. In addition, not every technician
has been properly trained in color theory. Your technician must
understand the role that our skin's natural undertones play in achieving your
desired color. Choose your technician wisely!!!
Since my Permanent Makeup will eventually fade, why
is it called Permanent?
Permanent Cosmetic procedures are considered permanent
because the color is implanted into the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be
washed off. Your Permanent Makeup will require some periodic
maintenance (most people have a retouch in 2-5 years). It is important
to consider this and all aspects of the procedure when selecting a potential
permanent cosmetic makeup technician.
Is there anything else I should know?
Although the procedure is considered permanent, these
procedures do have some degree of flexibility in changing color and shape to
some extent, depending on the expertise of your technician. Your
Permanent Makeup will appear darker immediately following the procedure but
during the healing period, you will see the color soften and lighten up.
It's important to remember that at first, your Permanent Makeup will
look TOO DARK. This is because you have not yet gone through the
healing process, and the top layer has not yet sloughed off. The
healing period for most people is 7 days. During the healing period for all
procedures, it is important not to pick, pull, scratch or rub off the top
layer (which will appear too dark) in any way. If you do, you will
most likely be pulling out some of the implanted color.... resulting in an
additional cost to re-apply. You must let this top layer slough
off by itself. Complete After Care Instructions will be given to you by your
Technician, both orally and in written form.
For an appointment or consultation, please call us at 718-375-9545.