Permanent makeup is a form of cosmetic tattooing and as such, it should be avoided by people with certain conditions.
Diabetes is one of those conditions that raise some concerns about its safety and potential complications in combination with permanent makeup. Some people think that diabetes is a contraindication for permanent makeup, but is this really true?
Let’s discuss permanent makeup and diabetes.
Permanent Makeup and Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels and as such, it carries certain contraindications.
Since permanent makeup includes piercing the skin or making incisions, there might be some concerns about whether it’s safe to get it if you have diabetes.
Basically, diabetes itself is not a direct contraindication for permanent makeup, however, some complications may occur.
What Are the Complications?
People with diabetes may experience problems after the procedure, mainly during the healing process.
Excessive Bleeding During the Procedure
Diabetes tends to make blood vessels more fragile which can lead to excessive bleeding during a permanent makeup procedure.
Some amount of bleeding is normal during a PMU treatment, but excessive bleeding impedes the artist’s vision, especially if the procedure is a delicate one, such as hair strokes. They may find it difficult to see where to place the next hair stroke.
Also, if a client bleeds too much during the procedure and bleeding continues even after the treatment, there will also be thick scabbing, which can affect pigment retention.
Longer Healing Process
The complete healing process after eyebrow permanent makeup is usually 4-6 weeks long. The surface healing is usually done by day 14 after the procedure, but the skin underneath continues to heal for a bit longer.
When it comes to diabetes and permanent makeup, the healing process may last longer. This shouldn’t be too problematic if the healing is normal and no complications occur.
Higher Risk of Infection
However, since the healing is slower, and the immune system of diabetics may be compromised, the risk of infection is higher. Also, if the body doesn’t manage to deal with the “wound” and doesn’t heal properly, there’s a risk of scarring.
Image source: Freepik
What Are the Solutions?
Even though the risk of infection and other complications is higher and the healing process may prolong, it is possible to get permanent makeup if the diabetes is controlled.
Get Doctor’s Approval
First of all, you’ll need a doctor’s approval that it’s safe for you to get permanent makeup and diabetes.
Your doctor should give you the appropriate guidance to help you regulate your blood sugar and prepare for the procedure properly. Ask them to advise you on what to do during and after the procedure, to make sure your blood level is controlled.
Take Precautions
Secondly, you may need to take extra steps of precautions for permanent makeup. This involves closely monitoring your blood sugar levels and delaying the procedure until the condition is better managed.
Image source: Freepik
Follow Aftercare Tips as Closely as Possible
The permanent makeup aftercare instructions are not just there to ensure good-looking results. Aftercare instructions are necessary to avoid complications, such as getting an infection.
Some of the basic rules of permanent makeup aftercare instructions, whether it’s the eyebrows, permanent eyeliner, a lip tattoo, or something else, include:
- Wash your freshly done wound. Remove all the lymph buildup gently and clean the tattoo thoroughly. Dry it afterward and apply a moisturizing cream if advised.
- Stay away from the sun.
- Avoid sweating and swimming in the first days after the treatment.
- Avoid getting the area soaking wet.
- Don’t pick the scabs.
- Don’t use makeup or other unapproved products.
Find the Right Artist
If you are really interested in a permanent makeup procedure, one of the most important things you need to worry about is finding a good permanent makeup artist.
Your PMU artist needs to be someone experienced, and most importantly, someone who has worked with people with diabetes before. That way, they will know what to do to prevent complications and to react if anything goes wrong.
For the PMU Artists
If you have a client with diabetes, make sure they have their doctor’s approval. That way, you will be sure the diabetes is controlled and there will not be major complications.
Make sure you warn them of all the potential side effects, such as excessive bleeding and a longer healing period. Also, make sure they understand and follow the aftercare instructions, to avoid the risk of infection.
If you are not confident enough to perform the permanent makeup and diabetes procedure, it’s better not to do it, and recommend someone who is more experienced.
Don’t Forget the Patch Test
Checking whether a person is allergic to permanent makeup pigments, numbing creams and other products used during the treatment is always important but it’s especially important if a person has diabetes.
If an allergic reaction occurs, it will be more complicated for people with diabetes to cure. So, always do a patch test before the permanent makeup procedure.
To Sum Up
Even though diabetes is not a direct contraindication for permanent makeup, the risk of complications is higher.
The biggest problem is that the healing is slower. To make sure you’re a candidate for permanent makeup and diabetes, make sure you get your doctor’s approval and find an experienced permanent makeup artist.
Cover image source: Freepik
