1. Antiaging Tips & Secrets Slideshow Pictures
2. Cosmetic Surgery Slideshow Pictures
3. Take the Skin Quiz

In this Article

• Who's A Candidate For Micropigmentation?
• How Do I Find A Specialist Who Performs This Procedure?
• How Is Micropigmentation Done?
• What Should I Expect After the Procedure?
• After the Procedure, Contact Your Doctor Immediately If:
• Follow Up Care
• Does Insurance Cover It?
• Permanent Makeup (Micropigmentation) Index

What Should I Expect After the Procedure?

You will be sent home the same day. You should expect swelling in the treated region. Your doctor or specialist will instruct you on how often you should ice the area and what type of ointment you can apply to the area.

If you are having the procedure performed in your eye region, you should plan to have someone drive you to the office and home again.You may experience tearing, which is normal.

The pigmentation typically will appear darker in the weeks following the procedure, but will fade over time.

Follow your doctor's instructions on what to avoid (such as peroxide) or sunlight. Either of these can damage your new look.

After the Procedure, Contact Your Doctor Immediately If:

• You experience excessive swelling
• You develop a fever or rash
• The area feels excessively hot or burns

Follow Up Care

Your new look requires maintenance. Some people have to undergo two or more treatments. Make sure you understand exactly how many treatments you will need. As the pigment fades over the years, you also may have to undergo additional treatments to maintain the look.

Does Insurance Cover It?

No. This is an elective, cosmetic procedure that you will have to pay for on your own.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of Plastic Surgery.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, Sept. 2003.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2003.