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term “permanent makeup” may mean different things to different
people, depending on their experience. For Patricia Thomas, a licensed
aesthetician who has been in the beauty industry for more than 30 years,
it means yet another option she is able to offer her clients. Patricia
began her journey as a hairstylist and one-time salon owner. After a
number of years, her interests expanded to include skin care as well
as the field of micropigmentation. Sometimes referred to as permanent makeup or permanent cosmetics, micropigmentation is the implantation of a pigment suspended in a medium under the skin instead of on top of the skin like traditional makeup. It can be used for cosmetic and/or corrective enhancement of eyebrows and eyelashes, to camouflage or improve the appearance of scars, and to re-pigment the areola following surgeries such as mastectomy and breast reduction. Today Patricia is board certified in micropigmentation and is able to offer a wide range of services. Her passion is to combine her skills as an artist with the best products and procedures available, using technology appropriate to each client, she says. In order to provide the best possible options and outcomes, Patricia continually seeks education and training in permanent makeup techniques. She has recently returned from one of the premiere training facilities on the East Coast, where she received instruction in advanced color theory/color correction, scar camouflaging, and areola re-pigmentation. Patricia offers beauty enhancements that are classic and always in style, never what would be considered “trendy,” she says. Her extensive experience in color selection gained during her years as a hairstylist gives her a unique perspective for choosing the proper color based on the individual’s skin color and pigment undertones. One of the tools she refers to is the color wheel, an organization of color hues around a circle that shows relationships among primary colors, secondary colors, and complementary colors. Without knowledge of the color wheel, she says, one cannot choose the correct color and/or correct an improper color. Color is corrected by first implanting a neutral color and then implanting the correct color. The hair- stroke method in which one or more colors is applied to resemble individual hairs, gives a soft, natural appearance to the eyebrows rather than a shaded, “tattooed” look. Patricia is able to provide color correction for eyebrows that appear gray, orange, or any other color that may be the result of older methods and/or an inexperienced technician. If the ink has been in the skin for a long time or has “bled out” into the surrounding area, correction isn’t always possible with one visit. Because it is not uncommon for a client to require several visits, color correction is referred to as a process rather than a procedure. The application of eyelash extensions enhances the appearance of the eye by adding length and fullness to fine, thin lashes. Perming for straight eyelashes is also available. For individuals who prefer an option they can apply themselves, Patricia now features SD Lash and Brow Conditioning Gel. This new product is ophthalmologist-tested and was developed by a medical professional in Kansas City. Patricia says SD Lash and Brow Conditioning Gel promotes healthy, long, strong, and shiny eyebrows and eyelashes in as little as two months. Individual clients can purchase this product from Patricia for $100 per tube. Wholesale pricing is available to salons. Revitalash is also still available. Patricia is very enthusiastic about the new methods she has recently learned for scar camouflage and areola re-pigmentation. However, the difference between what someone wants and the results they end up with are not always the same. Helping the client to have realistic expectations will increase their post-procedure satisfaction, she states. “Before” and “after” pictures are always taken. With scar camouflage, perfection cannot be guaranteed. In some cases, the goal will not be complete elimination of the scar, but a reduction in its appearance. Because it is not uncommon for a client to require several visits, scar camouflage is also referred to as a process rather than a procedure. Most scars are white, so a color somewhat darker than the person’s natural skin tone should be selected since color fades over time, Patricia says. Sometimes color isn’t needed since the breaking up of the scar tissue with the needle allows for return of melanin to the area. In the past, few choices for areola re-pigmentation were available for women who had undergone procedures such as mastectomy and/or breast reduction. Many were either intimidated or too embarrassed to seek corrective measures in places where traditional tattooing was offered. As a result, these women did not receive procedures that would aid in the process of helping them to feel “normal” or “whole” once again. At La Jolie Spa of Leawood located within Vein Centers for Excellence, Patricia is able to offer her clients the procedures they are seeking within a sterile, medical environment. This includes the correction of previous areola tattoos that were too light, as well as those that may have faded over time. Based upon the needs of the individual client, Patricia has a number of methods available to her including the Nouveau Contour digital device, the SofTap manual method, and the Midas rotary method. At La Jolie Spa of Leawood, Patricia is able to offer her clients a wide range of skin treatments under the medical direction of Craig Schwartz, DO, FACOS, FICS, including face and body skin tightening, laser hair removal, and photofacials in conjunction with Obagi skin care products. Patricia says the Obagi line is the best choice for treating brown areas of the skin commonly referred to as “age spots,” which are often found on the face, neck, and the upper area of a woman’s chest just below the neck. “If you want to benefit your skin, go to a skin care specialist who is knowledgeable in what they are doing,” she states. This increases the chances that you will choose the right products from the beginning, rather than spending an endless amount of time and money trying several products that are not effective for your skin’s needs. Patricia is currently serving clients in the following locations: In the Union Bank Building at 222 W. Gregory, Suite 217, in Kansas City, Missouri (816-289-5483); at La Jolie Spa of Leawood located within Vein Centers for Excellence at 11409 Ash St. in Leawood (913-451-8346); and at Soma Salon, 8370 W. 151st St. in Overland Park (913-851-1667). More information may be obtained by visiting her two Web sites at www.permanentfaceink.com and www.divalash.com. |
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