Frequently Asked Questions

What is permanent make up?

Also known as Micro pigmentation, this cosmetic enhancement procedure uses advanced techniques to implant ‘hypoallergenic’ pigments into the ‘shallow’ dermal layer of the skin. It’s a non-surgical treatment that simulates perfectly applied make-up through the infusion of mineral pigments into the skin. It improves facial features giving a hassle free solution to looking great.

Who can benefit from Micro pigmentation?

Anyone who desires the freedom from daily makeup application but who wishes to look their best at all times.

  1. Busy people who have little time to apply makeup.
  2. People with allergies to conventional makeup.
  3. Very active, athletic, sporty people who cannot continuously reapply cosmetics.
  4. Men and women who have concerns about facial asymmetries.
  5. Partially sighted or blind people.
  6. Physically disabled people who find it difficult to apply makeup.
  7. People who have lost eyebrows and eyelashes due to alopecia or chemotherapy.

Many women find that it saves them precious time every morning, gives the face a ‘younger’ and healthier looking appearance and has the obvious benefit staying put 24/7!

Is the procedure safe?

Providing that the treatment is performed by a thoroughly trained and qualified technician there is never a safety issue.


Emalene follows a strict code of practice to ensure that the treatment is carried out safely, She works with hypoallergenic pigments that meets European medical standards. The highest quality sterile needles are used and disposed of immediately after the treatment is completed.

Are there any risks?

There are always some risks with any treatment but these are dramatically minimalised or eliminated altogether by the treatment being carried out by a trained and qualified technician, and the correct application of the procedure. 
An allergic reaction is always a possibility but is extremely rare. All clients should be given a patch test 24hrs prior to the treatment.



Pigments have been known to change colour. This has always been an extremely rare occurrence and in recent years the quality of the pigments has so improved that there have been significantly fewer occurrences worldwide. This type of side effect is not permanent and can be easily corrected by an experienced technician.

What will I look like after the procedure?

Immediately after and for the first few days the colour intensity will appear significantly darker and more intense but will subsequently lighten. Mild redness and swelling may be apparent for the first couple of days, however normal activity can be resumed immediately following the procedure.



The area will become “crusty” and the client is advised not to pick at this – although tempting. A healing balm will be provided for the client to reapply when necessary to keep the area moisturised. Water must be kept away from the skin and the application of normal creams and cleansers must be avoided. Facial treatments, heat treatments and exposure to U.V light i.e. sunbeds must be avoided, whilst the area is healing

How long will it last?

Factors such as age, exposure to U.V, area and skin type will effect the longevity of the enhancement. 



Usually clients who wish to maintain the colour intensity enhancement will return every 12-18 months for a ‘refresher’ treatment. These treatments take much less time to complete, the price of which is therefore reflected accordingly. However pigment will remain in the skin for several years.

What if I do not like the result?

This is a question that should not and need not arise. It is very important that the client be given a thorough consultation and are able to agree with the therapist the colour, the shape and cost before the treatment is commenced.

How much does it cost?

A price list can be sent out to you on request and is confirmed at consultation.
The treatments price varies depending on the area treated. This is a very specialised treatment and requires expertise. Caution and care should always be taken when choosing a permanent makeup specialist. The price reflects the expertise acquired by the technician to carry out such procedures.

Health and Safety

The digital technology system used by Emalene in the procedures is state of the art. The pigment delivery system is recognised as one of the safest on the market today. The applicators used during the procedure are sterile, individually packaged and intended for ‘one time’ use only, the disposal of which is always shown to the client at the end of ‘each’ treatment. The stringent clinical environment ensures that all equipment is covered by protective coverings which are also disposed of at the end of each treatment thus eliminating risk of cross-contamination.

Is the treatment painful?

Pain thresholds do vary from one person to another. A topical anaesthetic, in the form of a cream, is offered to the client.

How long does the treatment take?

Actual procedure times vary between 20 minutes upwards per area excluding the time it takes for the anaesthetic to take as Emalene will always carry out a thorough consultation before the treatment takes place. Usually 1 hour 30 mins is allocated for a complete treatment to be carried out.

How is the procedure carried out?

A minimum of 24 hours prior to the treatment commencing, consultation and a pigment ‘patch test’ is performed by placing a tiny amount of pigment into the skin usually in the hairline behind the ear, this is to ensure there is no allergy to the pigment.

On the day of treatment a thorough consultation will be conducted which will include an assessment of the skin colour and face shape. Suggestions may be offered regarding the enhancement, and once the client is happy with the colour effect chosen, a design is created before the procedure commences. Discussing in detail the desired outcomes will ensure the unique look created will be exactly as the client desire.


Prior to the treatment application a topical anaesthetic will be applied for client comfort. This will be left on the skin between 20 and 45 mins. The treatment procedure will take between 20 to 30 mins depending on the treatment area.


Essential to the procedure is the follow up or ‘top-up’ treatment which is carried out 3-6 weeks later enabling the fine tuning of colour density and making sure the pigments are retained uniformly.