You need to know this before undergoing PMU treatment. If you are prone to a cold sore or other facial herpes outbreaks.
Because a cold sore can cause scarring as well as significantly disrupt the healing process of a PMU treatment, it is important to be prepared before opting for permanent make-up.
If you have ever had a cold sore, you know how annoying an outbreak of the herpes virus can be. Sometimes PMU for lips, for example, has to be postponed.
Are you prone to herpes around lips like a cold sore or around eyes? Then read this article carefully before your treatment. Because with proper preparation, chances are you can undergo permanent make-up for lips worry-free, without herpes throwing a spanner in the works.
Since many clients ask me about the virus and its outbreaks, I wrote this article. That way, you can re-read everything I told (before or during a treatment) about cold sores and herpes virus.
I will give you some tips about medication and supplements as a permanent make-up specialist and as an expert by experience (I am not a doctor or skin specialist). Before coming to my practice, please indicate right away that you are sensitive to cold sores or other herpes outbreaks (you will also find this question on the pre-fillable form). You will also find a lot of information in the aftercare document you receive.
The herpes virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), is a virus that remains in your body for life and becomes active at unexpected times. If you have ever come into contact with the virus, it remains in the nerve cells, which is called latent presence. Stress, low immunity or even a treatment such as permanent make-up around the lips or eyes can activate the virus.
Many specialists and GPs prescribe Acyclovir (or Valaciclovir) when you start PMU treatment.
The benefits of this antiviral medication:
– it effectively inhibits the virus
– it reduces the chances of developing blisters during or right after treatment
– it is easy to take (usually tablets, sometimes cream)
Disadvantages:
– Acyclovir is available by prescription only
– there is a chance of side effects, such as nausea, general malaise or headache
– it only works as long as you use it, the virus does not disappear from the body
An example of a course of treatment could be: start 2 days before treatment for 5 days (usually 400 mg, 3-5 times a day, depending on prescription). But this is always done in consultation with the doctor or pharmacist.
Then make an appointment of your choice now!
What is supportive is L-lysine. This is an amino acid often used as a natural alternative or supplement. L-lysine can block the uptake of arginine (a substance the herpes virus loves), giving the virus less chance to multiply, so you suffer less or recover faster.
Benefits of L-lysine:
– it is freely available from chemists or health food stores
– it can be used preventively, even for a long time
– has hardly any side effects and is often well-tolerated
Disadvantages:
– it works less powerfully than drugs such as Acyclovir
– the effect differs per person
Check with the chemist or look at the instructions for use to see what dosage for L-lysine is necessary.
Unfortunately, I occasionally have a herpes outbreak, especially when my immune system is weakened. Then I temporarily take a higher dose of L-lysine, for example 3-4 times 1000 mg a day spread throughout the day.
Let me tell you briefly about the amino acid arginine. It is an amino acid that the body makes itself from other amino acids and you get it through food (semi-essential amino acid). Arginine is mainly found in animal products, such as red meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. But arginine is also found in nuts, grains and seeds.
Since the virus ‘needs’ arginine to multiply, your diet may play a role. You may be able to avoid or reduce the above-mentioned products if you have a herpes outbreak.
Instead, it may help to eat more of these products as they are high in lysine: chicken, fish, eggs, yoghurt, legumes.
Note that nutrition alone is usually not enough to prevent an outbreak, but it can certainly support.
ALWAYS contact me in advance
When in doubt, always consult a (specialist) doctor, because that’s not me.
No, in most cases herpes is not dangerous, the symptoms usually go away on their own. Recovery can be supported by paying attention to diet, seeing your doctor if necessary or taking supplements. Read the article on herpes and cold sores.
On average, within 3 to 5 days. This varies by skin type and how well you follow up on aftercare.
No. Only use the special aftercare cream you are given. This supports recovery and protects pigmentation.
When in doubt, contact me, most quickly via or in case of clear signs of infection: always contact a doctor
The whole healing process takes about 6 weeks. During this period, you will see phases like slight swelling, peeling and the colour slowly lightening up. It is only after 5-6 weeks that the final result is clearly visible. It also varies from person to person. Some people have faster healing than others. Possibly, medication can also have an effect. Are you in doubt about this? Then always ask the doctor treating you before getting permanent make-up.
On average, within 3 to 5 days. This varies by skin type and how well you follow up on aftercare.
Scabs can range from small sheets to a thin membrane or some dark spots. Most important: do not scratch or pick. This will prevent scarring, infection and reduced ability of the pigment to ‘settle’. You can read many more post-treatment tips here.
The number of treatments to remove permanent make-up depends on:
I often remove leftover old pigments to apply the new permanent make-up safely and carefully. For more information, check out the Permanent Makeup Removal page or read the blog about grey eyebrows.
No, only the principle is the same. The depth of application of pigments into the skin is different. With tattoo and permanent make-up treatments, a certain colour pigment is applied into the skin with a needle. With tattooing, you work deeper into the skin layer, close to the connective tissue. This has consequences for the final colour result. In the face, and especially around the eye, the skin is very thin, so care is needed.
Permanent make-up is placed in the dermis. Furthermore, the equipment used, the composition of the pigments and the application techniques are different. Watch the video I made on the difference between permanent make-up and a regular tattoo.
Permanent make-up always remains visible, but over time the intensity diminishes. Fading depends on your skin type, chosen colour and age. Frequent exposure to UV light contributes to fading. The lighter the pigment colour chosen, the faster the permanent make-up will fade. So it remains advisable, permanent make-up should be regularly touched up. The guideline for light colours, such as eyebrows, touch-ups are recommended after 1-2 years. Dark colours or an eyeliner, for example, remain permanently beautiful for about 2-3 years.
For the first 2-3 days after treatment, the pigmentation is very much darker than the intended result. Due to your natural cell turnover, the final colour result of the pigmentation will only become visible after 3 to 5 weeks.
I will of course explain everything to you beforehand during a free telephone consultation.
After applying the medical tattoo like scar colouring, you don’t need to do anything special. Like just take very good care of it, don’t get it too wet and so on. I will give you the guidelines so that you can take good care of your tattoo. This will benefit the end result. I go through this and the whole treatment thoroughly with you.
At Permanent Beautiful, you have a choice of numerous colours for all skin types. Through my years of experience, I advise which colour best suits your skin and gives the most natural result.
Nipple tattoo pigmentation is (virtually) painless, as there is usually no sensation in the breast. The only thing my clients feel is the vibration of the equipment.
Thanks to my latest equipment and a soothing cream, pigmentation or tattooing is virtually painless. You may always take a painkiller such as paracetamol or Dafalgan beforehand.
Are you menstruating? Then permanent make-up and medical tattoo application may be more painful.
I do not recommend alcohol, caffeine and aspirin on the day of treatment. This affects sensitivity.
You can also apply Emla cream yourself beforehand. This is available on prescription from pharmacies. Read the instructions for use of the Emla ointment carefully and remember to cover the ointment with the foil patch provided.
In the Netherlands and Belgium, the regulations differ for each insurance company.
I advise you to contact your health insurance company yourself about the conditions set by your health insurance company/mutuality for reimbursement of this treatment. Before you inquire with the health insurer, contact me first so I can help you with this.
First, we have a comprehensive telephone consultation after you have been referred by the plastic surgeon. With that, I try to understand your personal profile and medical status. Then I can properly map out the pigmentation, as the shape and colour of the nipple and areola reconstruction ultimately determine the result.
You must wait at least six weeks after the last surgery (nipple reconstruction), permission from the surgeon or doctor is needed and your physical and mental condition must be in order. And when you are ready yourself, you will close a chapter of your life with this medical tattoo. Not that you forget this period, but you have to give it a place. Click here for more information on nipple tattooing.
Usually, medical cosmetic application is done in 2 treatments of 1.5 to 3 hours. This includes preliminary consultation, preliminary drawing, colour selection, pigmentation and handling. Of course, the duration greatly depends on the technique chosen and the size of the skin surface. A minimum of 2 treatments are required at 6-week intervals.
When you can start colouring a burn scar with medical tattooing depends on the type of scar and the degree of the burn. More information on different stages and type of scars can be found on the page on Colouring scars. You can read more about burn scars and how I tailor each treatment to the need in the blog A solution to burn scars.
Yes, scars can be coloured in with permanent make-up. This is also known as medical tattooing, or dermopigmentation. But, not every scar is suitable for permanent make-up, you can read more about this under Colouring scars.
Nee, permanente make-up is niet gevaarlijk. Er is altijd, zoals altijd bij behandelingen, een kleine kans op bijwerkingen of complicaties. Ik leg je alles uit tijdens een gratis telefonisch consult. Mijn praktijk en materialen die ik gebruik voldoen aan de eisen die worden gesteld door de overheid. Ik heb een vergunning van de GGD. Bekijk hier de registratie bij de GGD
I use numerous colours to suit all skin types. I am happy to advise you which colour best suits your skin and colour. This is how I put permanent make-up true to nature.
You can find that information on the procedure on my site, page procedure for permanent make-up step by step. Still in doubt? Read the reviews, more than 1,000 men and women went before you. Reviews
What is Permanent Makeup? A common question where people also sometimes ask What is PMU? That is the abbreviation for permanent make-up. Among other things, here you can read what the difference is between permanent make-up and regular make-up. And in the article on What is permanent make-up? you can read more about the possibilities offered by permanent make-up. With a permanent make-up treatment, eye liners and or eyebrows can be applied by pigments into the skin using a thin needle or blade, for microblading, just under the epidermis. It is an ideal solution for anyone who wants to look beautiful and groomed at any time of the day (and night), without any effort.
No way, luckily I can reduce those for you from unpleasant stimuli to an absolute minimum. This is possible thanks to our computer-controlled pigmentation machine and soothing cream. You can always take a painkiller such as paracetamol or Dafalgan beforehand. Application of permanent make-up during menstruation is often more painful due to hypersensitivity. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and aspirin on the day of treatment. These affect blood vessels and anaesthesia. You can also apply Emla cream yourself beforehand. This is available on prescription from pharmacies. Read the instructions for use of the Emla ointment carefully and remember to cover the ointment with the foil patch provided. Take a look at the video I made on permanent make-up and pain below. Frequently asked questions
Powder brows, also known as powder brow or ombre brows, are a great option for anyone looking for a long-lasting eyebrow solution. You no longer need to touch up your eyebrows. Compared to microblading, powder brows have some minimal drawbacks, I list them below: One of the disadvantages is that the treatment can take longer than microblading, usually around 2-3 hours. ‘He who wants to be beautiful must suffer pain’ goes the saying. That does not apply to this treatment. But rather ‘Whoever wants to be beautiful must be patient’. It is important to realise that this extra time is needed to create an even surface that looks natural. Another disadvantage may be that the initial cost may be slightly higher than for microblading. The effect of powder eyebrows is different from microblading. This is certainly not necessarily a disadvantage. Instead of drawing individual hairs, I actually create an even, pigmented layer. This creates a softer and more powdered look. However, the end result can be very similar to that of microblading, especially when microblading hairs come together. Creating symmetry can be slightly more challenging with powder eyebrows, as it involves working on a larger area. Microblading, on the other hand, is applied more airily, making any symmetry issues less visible. Read more about microblading and powder brow. See the general page on eyebrows and how they work here.
Permanent make-up always remains visible, but over time the intensity does fade. That fading depends on person to person. Lifestyle, natural cell renewal, immune system and the influence of UV light all play a role. Frequent exposure to UV light contributes to fading. The lighter the pigment colour chosen, the faster the permanent make-up will fade. Read more about touch-ups and permanent make-up fading in the blog. Frequently asked questions
Actually, there is no such thing as a temporary tattoo. Permanent make-up pigments do fade and sometimes, over time, do not stand out between the eyelashes and along the lip edge. This may be because they are set less deeply into the skin, for example. With a temporary tattoo, the pigment will also fade, but it never disappears completely. So there will always be a fuzzy patch left in the skin. This is why I do not apply temporary tattoos. Read the procedure for applying permanent make-up here
Having permanent make-up professionally applied is not cheap. But what is expensive when you notice what you get in return. Many have gone before you. I often hear after the treatment: I should have done this much earlier. And if you can give yourself ease and comfort with permanent make-up and medical tattooing, why not? That way, you get up every morning with a radiant and expressive face. And even after swimming, sports or other exertion, your make-up will sit perfectly. So permanent make-up is not just about a line. You go home with a dose of confidence, daily comfort and the luxury of an always radiant face. You can read about that and more in the blog. Frequently asked questions
Yes. You can still apply extra party make-up or make certain parts of the face more highlighted. Permanent make-up accentuates your natural face shape. Applying extra make-up is always nice for a night out. Test yourself if you are suitable for permanent make-up.
For the first 2-3 days after treatment, the pigmentation is very much darker than the intended final result. Due to natural cell regeneration, the final colour result of the pigmentation will only become clearly visible after 3 to 5 weeks. After the treatment, you can walk the streets with peace of mind. Read all about the procedure, aftercare and follow-up appointment
After applying the permanent make-up, you do not need to undergo any special treatment. I will give you instructions so that the final result will be optimal. After the treatment, I go through all the guidelines with you thoroughly. Take good care of your permanent make-up and you will enjoy it for longer
Usually, permanent make-up application requires 2 treatments of 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes preliminary consultation, preliminary drawing, colour selection, pigmentation and handling. Of course, the duration strongly depends on the chosen technique and the size of the skin area to be treated. We also discuss this in advance, so you know where you stand.
At Permanent Beautiful, every treatment starts with a telephone intake. This is how we get to know each other and your medical background. Together, we determine the method that will provide the best and most natural result for you. You easily make this appointment yourself online.
The virus itself is not dangerous to the person undergoing PMU treatment. However, an active cold sore can affect the pigment, making the result blotchy or keeping the pigment unevenly distributed. This can usually be corrected during the second treatment. During a PMU treatment, the skin experiences a slight ‘stress’. This is normally not serious, but in people who are carriers of the herpes virus, it can activate the virus.
If you have ever had a cold sore, you can ask your GP for a course of antiviral drugs (for example, Aciclovir or Valaciclovir). Start this 1 day before or on the same day of the PMU treatment. The GP determines the correct dosage and frequency. With this preventive approach, the chance of a breakthrough is still only about 7%.
So are you prone to a cold sore or other herpes outbreaks? Get more information from your GP beforehand and report it to the permanent make-up specialist. Send a if you want more information.
