Written By: Sanae @ Zumba with Sanae
It could be a mid-life crisis I can’t be sure. But if driving to Omaha and getting a tattoo qualifies? Then I am guilty. What did I tattoo? My eyelids! Yep, I had permanent eyeliner applied to my upper lid. Crazy I know but so far, I love my results. Best $250 I have ever spent! When I wake up in the morning and look in the mirror to find my eye makeup already perfectly in place, it makes me a little giddy.
Did it hurt?
Not really. Prior to the procedure, Paula Allen, Licensed Permanent Color Technician from Dreams Med Spa applied a topical anesthesia to my lash line. As the permanent color is applied, it feels more like a fluttering along the lashes. It wasn’t painful but after 45 minutes of working the same area, it became “annoying” but not painful. The inner corners were very ticklish but not in a good way. Imagine if someone was tickling your nose with a feather and you couldn’t bat it away. I did not enjoy that part.
How long and complicated is the healing process?
I had mild swelling for the first couple of days but it wasn’t terrible. My eyelid was a little puffy just like they were the morning after I cried all night watching “Marley and Me” for the first time. I actually went straight from my appointment to a meeting and no one even noticed. Not even my husband. It just looks as if I’m wearing eyeliner. Except it is perfectly applied!
I kept a photo diary of my recovery. Some of the pictures are blurry but I think it gives you an idea of the overall healing process
For the first week or so you apply Aquaphor to the lash line keeping it moist. The Dual Tip Applicators shown below were the perfect shape for this application. Aquaphor helps to make sure the pigment absorbs into your skin. Being diligent with this step will help to ensure favorable long term results.
It is recommended not to use mascara for up to 14 days. I thought I was going to have a problem with that but I haven’t even missed it. Once in while I use a little mascara on my lower lashes but on most days I am makeup free. It’s liberating!
(Now all I need are lash extensions and I will be such a low-maintenance woman I won’t even know what to do with myself!!) 🙂
How long will it last?
Paula told me the results will last 2-3 years. I found this comforting. I didn’t want something so permanent I would be a 90 year old woman with cat eyes. As long as I continue to like the results, I can go in for touchups every few years.
I was told that the liner “shrinks” as it heals. I feel like mine did shrink more than I would have liked. When I go back for my complimentary touch up appointment, I will go a tad thicker.
If you are active and sweat a lot, swim in the ocean or chlorinated pools, or spend a lot of time tanning your results will not last as long. As a Zumba instructor teaching almost every day, the sweat thing has me a little concerned. Time will tell.
If you think this is something you are interested in, call Paula at (402) 301-6922. She will patiently answer all your questions and help you determine if it is right for you. Tell her I sent you!
In the meantime, watch this Youtube video of an actual procedure in progress. As you will see, the patient doesn’t appear to be in any pain. This video is what convinced me to go for it. I’m so glad I did.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hISLJD3-dE0&feature=youtu.be