The final result means instant makeup all the time, but getting there can be a delicate procedure if you aren’t careful. Here’s what to consider before getting a facial tattoo.

There’s no hiding a botched facial tattoo in areas like the eye, so exercise caution when choosing a specialist.

“I AM one of those women who hate putting on makeup, so I got my eyebrows tattooed,” confesses 36-year-old working mom Joanne Francisco. Another mom, Myrna Perez, 57, also got tired of shaping her eyebrows with a pencil each morning. Because she felt that her brows were not nicely shaped, she had to pluck and then line her brows. “I thought getting permanent eyebrows would save me makeup time.

The promise of 24-hour beauty is the best come on for women who decide to get permanent cosmetics. “The advantage is really that when you wake up, instant eyeliner and brows na!” says Mayette Francisco, 38, who had permanent eyeliner and extension for her eyebrows done.

“Since the needles and the instruments come in contact with blood and body fluids, diseases may be transmitted if the instruments are used on more than one person without first being sterilized.”  

Facial or cosmetic tattooing is done to enhance eyebrows, lips, eyes, and even moles. Plastic surgeon Dr.Marlon O. Lajo describes into the skin dermis, the layer immediately beneath the epidermis or the most superficial skin layer:

Traditional tattooing involves cutting into the skin and rubbing the resulting wound with ink. Others use non-electrical, hand held tools with needles to insert ink beneath the skin. With permanent cosmetics, the tattooing procedure usually involves the use of an electric tattoo machine, which inserts ink into the skin via a group of tiny needles that are fixed onto a bar attached to an oscillating unit. The unit rapidly and repeatedly drives the needles in and out of the skin.

Like all procedures involving the body, tattooing in the form of permanent cosmetics comes with its own risks. Getting these procedures in a beauty parlor has become so common they may seem harmless, but clients should think about these risks first before taking the plunge:

Pain. While a topical anesthetic can be applied before the procedure, be forewarned that it is not for those with low thresholds for pain. “It is very, VERY painful,” rues Joanne. “And you look like Groucho Marx for a week!” she adds, remembering the crusting and the formation of scabs on her tattooed eyebrows. The permanent lipstick is even worse, with painful swelling of the lips expected for three weeks after the tattoo.

Infections. According to plastic surgeon Dr.Kathy Nuňez, since tattooing requires breaking the skin barrier, the procedure may carry health risks to the person being tattooed and also to the succeeding patients to be treated by the operator. “Since the needles and the instruments come in contact with blood and body fluids, diseases may be transmitted if the instruments are used on more than one person without first being sterilized, “she explains.

Dr.Lajo adds that infection can be worse if one uses contaminated ink. Some disease you risk getting include surface skin infections like tetanus, herpes simplex virus, and staphylococcal and fungal infections, as well as serious illnesses like hepatitis, tuberculosis, and HIV

Allergy risk. Although uncommon, there can also be allergic reactions to the ink. “Certain brands of red and green tattoo pigments and certain metals in the ink may cause a skin allergic reaction that may result in swelling, itching, and oozing of clear liquids,” warns Dr.Lajo.

Keloids. People who are prone to developing keloids or scars that grow beyond normal should not have tattoos done. Keloids frequently occur as a consequence of tattoo removal. Dr.Lajo recalls a patient who had laser treatment to have a neck tattoo removed, which resulted in an ugly keloid scar. “I had to have a scar revision, a surgical procedure on the keloid, then a series of steroid injections thereafter.”

Which brings us to the most common problem associated with tattooes –  dissatisfaction.  The desire to remove a tattoo as a result of the tattoois’s mistake, or perhaps years after having it done, is something a prospective client should think seriously about. “Having a tattoo removed is more painful and laborious than tattooing itself,” warns Dr.Lajo.

Dr.Lajo shares a couple of stories of past patient who’ve had “botched” facial tattoos, which he had to “correct”. “This lady went back to this parlor a year after getting her eyebrows tattooed. She wanted them higher this time because the old ones were already drooping. Poor camouflaging of the old ones and having a new eyebrow tattoo resulted in four eyebrows!” Another patient, meanwhile, wanted permanent red lips, but the tattoo resulted in an uneven redness.

To show how difficult it is to fix tattoo problems, Dr.Lajo shares that for the patient with four eyebrows, he had to surgically remove the old eyebrow tattoo, leaving an unnoticeable scar. The lady who wanted Angelina Jolie’s lips, meanwhile, had to undergo a series of laser treatments to remove the ink. Common techniques being used to remove tattoos nowadays include laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and surgical removal – all painstaking procedures that involve their own risks.

However, despite all the risks and the pain that they went through, Myrna, Joanne, and Mayette still do not regret having permanent makeup done. It’s serve its purpose of giving an illusion of makeup without the time and effort,”
Shares Myrna. “I think it was well worth it. You just need to find a really good professional to get it done,” adds joanne.

Dr. Nuňez, whose Skin and Surgery Specialists clinic offers facial tattooing services, shares some guidelines on what a client should consider before undergoing a tattoo, and what she should look for in a professional tattoo place:

First consider your medical history and state of health.

a. Patients taking blood thinners such as aspirin, Coumadin, and Plavix should ask their doctors if they can have a two week rest from the above mentioned medications, as these may lead to excessive oozing and swelling of the site. Patients on Vitamin E, hormonal theraphy, and some dietary supplements like gingko biloba may also experience the same symptoms.

b. Patients who presently are infected with herpes simplex or staphylococcal lesions should not undergo the procedure, but should wait until two weeks after a dermatologist has declared them disease free.

c. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes should not undergo the procedure because of the risk of infection.

d. Patients with a history of HIV or hepatitis should not undergo the procedure, as they risk spreading the disease to others.

e. Patients who are highly sensitive or allergic to certain metals may develop an  allergic reaction to the pigments

And while facial tattoos are being offered in almost every neighborhood salon, take the time to look for a clean, higly recommended place to have the procedure done.
According to Dr. Nuňez, some of the things a client should look for or demand are:

1. The use of disposable needles.
2. The operator or tattooist should wear a mask, do thorough hand washing and don sterile gloves.
3. The tattooing machine should be wrapped in a disposable sheath that would prevent blood or sweat from contaminating it.
4. Patients skin should be prepped with a gentle antiseptic (like Povidone Iodine or Zephiran solution) prior to tattooing.
5. The working area should be isolated quiet, and clean.

Tattooing is actually an easy procedure to perform as long as the operator has a good eye and steady, skillful hands. A client may want to ask around from other satisfied customers about the tattoo professional’s previous work.

Aside from the operator’s skills, Dr.Nuňez stresses the importance of having a hygienic and aseptic procedure. “Someone in the medical field or who has the advantage of being supervised by a doctor will be a more trustworthy person to perform this procedure,” says Dr.Nuňez. “In my opinion, a plastic surgeon’s or dermatologist’s clinic would be the best place. Not only will the patient be assured of a good aseptic technique, but the doctor can administer safe anesthesia that can make the procedure painless, as well.”

Dr.Marlon O. Lajo is a diplomate of the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery and fellow of the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, Inc. He is affiliated with Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Aesthetic Surgery Center Manila Doctors Hospital, and Aesthetic Surgery Center St.Luke’s Medical Center, tel.no. (0917) 885-0337, www.plasticsurgeononline.net.

Dr.Kathy Ablan Llanera-Nuňez, a plastic surgeon, has her private practice at skin and Surgery Specialists.

You don’t have to be ashamed if you find yourself more conscious about your looks than your sport buddies. After all, women to longer have first dibs on looking good to feel better.

In the Philippines, even men undergo cosmetic surgery. Marlon O. Lajo, MD, plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgeon, says that he has an average number of 10 male patients per month. These men approximately up to 40 percent of his total consults. “The Filipino man has already evolved into a person with valid concerns about his physical attributes and well-being,” he says. “It is therefore imperative that he be made aware of the available surgical procedure which may further enhance and improve these physical traits.”

THE HIGH FIVES

In his years of local practice, Dr. Lajo observed that the five most common surgical procedures men avail of are:

1. Rhinoplasty or “nose lift.” This also includes a resection of the side of the nose to reduce the size of the nostrils.

2. Eyelid surgery (deep setting and eye bag removal)

3. Liposuction (abdomen and “love handles” or flank areas)

4. Scar revision

5. Brow lift

                If you ever wondered what you might have looked like with a better-shaped nose or without your receding hairline, then you are not alone. Dr. Lajo says that the five most common body parts men consider having surgically done are:

1. Nose

2. Eyelids

3. Abdomen

4. Butt

5. Hair

CORRECTING MISCONCEPTIONS

Simply wondering about the unknown leads to nothing. Dr. Lajo clears two of the most common misconceptions about cosmetic surgery:

1. Minutes after exiting the operating room then looking at the mirror, you will immediately see the handsome mug you just bought. Wrong. :Patients always expects instant results after undergoing cosmetic surgery, as what  is usually  depicted in the movies or in the television,: Dr. Lajo says. “After surgery patients will experience a course of swelling edema and pain as part of the normal healing process.” When time heals all physical wounds, only then will result show.

2. Cosmetic surgery makes it possible to look like your favorite celebrity. Wrong again. “These patients who think so are not ideal candidates for cosmetic surgery because they have unrealistic expectations,” says Dr. Lajo. Let’s face it. Only in dreams can we become Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise lookalikes.

WEIGHING YOUR CHOICES

Before you decide to have your doctor nip and tuck some inches off your body, consider first the pros and cons. Dr. Lajo says that some advantages of cosmetic surgery include improved physical attributes and take at youth for older patients. Both of which may result into enhanced self-esteem, which may be handy during job interviews.

On the other hand, some risks you may have to keep in mind are: ugly scars, permanent disfigurement, and the possibility of death from a major surgery. “These risks of cosmetic surgery can be minimized, however, if the surgery is done by a certified and duly trained cosmetic surgeon [who has had] formatting training of 6-8 years under an institution which has been duly recognized and accredited by the Philippine College of Surgeons and the Philippine Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons,” he adds. “These are only a number of hospitals which have an accredited plastic surgery training program in the Philippines.”

By: Dina Pecana and Joy Sosoban

DO YOU BELIEVE GOD CREATED US BEAUTIFUL? The grateful Psalmist believe, as he eloquently expresses to the Lord, “I thank you, High God – you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made. I worship in adoration – what a creation! (Psalm 134:14, The Message version).

How simple and peaceful life would be if we saw ourselves as marvelous creation of God.”The scriptural evidence is quite clear that God  has created us in His own image and likeness (cf. Genesis 1:26-27, 31) and that is a good thing,” says Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL, spiritual director of the light of Jesus Community and Elim Community.

But our soul’s eyes are blinded from this truth because we choose to see beauty only on the surface, never looking deeper, as media and the world teaches us to do.

Dissatisfaction and restlessness with our bodies, our looks, the desire to be “easy on the eye,” aging, and the quest for the “fountain of youth” are some of the consequences of this prevailing worldview.

Thus, plastic and cosmetic surgery has become an option for many. “You realize that you are aging. Sometimes, you realize there’s a need for enhancement,” explains plastic surgeon Dr. Marlon Lajo about what triggers prospective patients to seek consultation.

But more than enhancing what you already have, cosmetic surgery also can help improve a person’s self-esteem. “Beauty has a lot of impact on the individual… it helps to bring (a person) confidence,” says Dr. Leonardo Abogado, who is also a plastic surgeon.

In fact, there was a young girl from the province who came to Manila for a procedure. When she went back home, her mother got worried because she felt her daughter transform from an insecure, introverted girl into one who was very outgoing and confident. “It only shows how a simple cosmetic procedure can open options (in patient’s life),” says Dr. Lajo
.
When the proverbial question – to go under the knife or not – arises, it is important for one to make an informed, decisive choice. “You have to discuss with the patient the pros and cons of the procedure and the possible complications (that may arise),” says Dr. Lajo

“Nowadays, there are a lot of specialties (in the medical field) that are merging. Those in the (field of) eye, ear, nose and throat (EENT), they also do cosmetic surgery. But the confine their work to the face, precisely because that’s their training as EENT. Dermatologist, on the other hand, do mostly liposuction (removal of fat deposits via surgery). They do skin rejuvenation, skin whitening but I don’t think they’re train to do the nose or the eyes,” clarifies Dr. Abogado

To undergo cosmetic surgery is a major life decision. That is why it is important to know how it  can affect every aspect of one’s life, particularly the morality of such a decision. While the Catholic Church does not prohibit Catholics from having plastic surgery, moral theology offers the following guidelines for consideration (source: www.catholic.com):

1. Plastic surgery would seem to be warranted if it  would provide a significant therapeutic benefits in some regard, either physical (e.g. reconstructive surgery to restore function or utility in cases of an accident or birth defect) or psychological, provided that the procedure does not damage some other equal or greater good and provided that it is not intrinsically immoral;

2. Plastic Surgery would seem to be permitted – even without significant therapeutic effect – provided that it did not damage a significant good and provided that the procedure is not intrinsically immoral.

3. Plastic surgery would seem to be impermissible if it damage a good greater than that to be achieved, being venial if the difference in the goods were light and potentially mortal if the difference in the goods were grave. Goods that could be damaged are varied. They might involve harming oneself – one’s physical, psychological or spiritual health – or they might involve harming others, such as being financially unable to provide for one’s family in a proper and timely manner. As always, if a procedure is intrinsically immoral, such as so-called trans-gendering surgeries (sex change operation) – it cannot be performed.

Certified, full-fledged plastic surgeons abide by a code of ethics based on the above. According to Dr. Lajo, “As plastic surgeons, we also have ethics – we don’t do sex change (operations). We also have our own ethics when we practice.”

Being beautiful  does command a very high price. The question is this: Are you willing to pay the cost? The decision is up to you.