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Roberta Palestine, MD

The Dermatology Center and Rockledge MedSpa
6410 Rockledge Drive
Suite 201
Bethesda, Maryland 20817

P. (301) 530-8300
F. (301) 530-4638
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Permanent Makeup - Bethesda, MD

Do you:
  • Always want to look your best with the least amount of time and effort, even when you are active, or when you wake up in the morning?
  • Have problem areas around your eyebrows with too little or uneven hair growth?
  • Want to accentuate your eyes, but either don’t have the time or the skill to apply eye makeup effectively?
  • Want to have fuller lips or a more defined outline to your lips?
  • Have a facial or body scar that you wish would disappear or be less obvious?

Micro-pigmentation, also referred to as Permanent Makeup, is absolutely waterproof. Permanent make-up is the micro-implantation of mineral extract into the skin. This ancient practice has beautified women in Asia for centuries. Permanent makeup is performed by our doctor for patients in our region to enhance their appearance and save them time. All of the dyes used are allergy-tested and cleared by the FDA.

How can Micro-pigmentation (Permanent Makeup) enhance your appearance?

We apply special dyes through a delicate handpiece specifically designed for this procedure to accentuate your natural beauty. Using new micro-pigmentation techniques, eyebrows can be recreated using fine lines to simulate real hair. Lips are highlighted to enhance their fullness, and blemishes and scars can be camouflaged.

Micro-pigmentation can also be used to simulate a natural nipple-areola complex after breast reconstruction, or place pigmentation in vitiligo patches. The pigments used for micro-pigmentation are available in a variety of earth and flesh tones, and can be mixed to closely match or highlight your skin tone or hair color. Keep in mind that micro-pigmentation is intended to enhance your lash line, lip line or brow, not replace your make-up.

What are the procedures and recovery like for Permanent Makeup?

A topical or local anesthesia is used to prevent any pain or discomfort during the procedure. A complete upper and lower lash line takes about 30 - 40 minutes. Eyebrows and lip lines are also brief with little discomfort.

In an eyelid procedure the pigment is placed subtly between the lashes, into the dermis, or second layer of your skin. This creates the appearance of a soft lash liner. Using a variety of micro-needle styles, our technician can also create the appearance of tiny eyebrow cilia.

Following breast reconstruction, many patients choose to have their nipple-areola complex reconstructed to match their natural breast. After selecting the proper pigment, the technician measures and outlines the area to be reconstructed. When the pigmentation is first applied it will seem darker than the natural areola. This will fade slightly over time, resulting in a natural look.

Patients with pigmentation loss from vitiligo, scars or burns may also benefit from micro-pigmentation. One session is usually sufficient to pigment an area of up to 3 square inches and can be performed using local anesthesia. When touch-ups are required, they may be done at a later date.

After our physician performs Permanent Makeup treatments, most patients enjoy an almost immediate recovery and resume all normal activities within 24 hours. Topical antibiotic ointment is used for a few days. You will also be asked to refrain from applying make-up, avoid direct sunlight and avoid wearing contact lenses for a few days. Some patients may experience a slight swelling in the area. This will subside with the use of a cool compress.