Permanent and Semipermanent Micropigment Treatments

Application of micropigments (tattoo) for use as cosmetic enhancement is generally a safe procedure. Cosmetic uses include eyeliner, lip liner, eyebrow, cheek, and lip enhancement. Medical reasons for micropigment include re-pigmentation of hypopigmentation or vitiligo, adding nipple color after breast reconstruction, and camouflage treatments. Micropigmentation is becoming increasingly popular, especially since new semipermanent, natural-looking pigments have become available. Semipermanent pigments give the patient a sense control and allow for changes in style or trends. The semipermanent pigments generally last about 1–2 years and gradually fade whereas the permanent pigments are visible indefinitely. While many people have good results from cosmetic tattooing, the possibility of pigment misplacement, discoloration, scarring, infection, and eye injury should be considered. In cases of pigment misplacement, removal of semipermanent pigments typically requires topical lighteners for satisfactory removal, but permanent pigments require laser treatments for removal.