Like many cosmetic innovations, the origins of what is commonly referred to today as permanent makeup or permanent cosmetics, micropigmentation (sic) has its roots firmly buried in medical history. From the standpoint of modern medical applications, in its earlier form, intradermal pigmentation was performed in the early 1940s when the use of a hypodermic needle and syringe using brown pigment was employed as an alternative to eyelash grafting.

When I first became interested over two decades ago, micropigmentation was in its formative years. Even then I was fascinated by the concept of implanting pigment for cosmetic purposes into the top most layer of the skin with permanent results. Initially my interest was ignited simply by the possibility of a cosmetics enhancement that would last, since at that time my work remained nothing more than transient. I knew I was crafting good work utilizing traditional cosmetics, all be it temporary, but the idea that my skills might benefit my clients on a more permanent basis was fantastic.

In the two decades since historic medical tattooing, the procedure system itself has advanced with breathtaking technological pace.

Superseded by its modern derivative micropigmentation is now recognised as a hi-tech clinical art form well meeting the demanding standards and licensing criteria of the medical profession, affording the skilled specialist cutting edge technology enough to reproduce a single human eyebrow hair natural in tone, almost microscopic in detail and in 3D.

The analogue system is replaced with digital, with computer-chip controlled multiple application settings and subtle speed control, the application device an incredibly light, slim line hand held pen, employing sterilised disposable needle cluster cartridges for each individual.

Not with standing the passion I have for cosmetic work that still fires me with enthusiasm every day, it is these advances that have spurred my special interest in medical application. Maxillofacial procedures range from burns, cleft lip, forcyde lip, sufferers of alopecia or vitiligo, to oncological procedures including nipple and areola complex reconstruction, scar camouflage and relaxation.

Medical procedures remain incredibly rewarding and challenging from the perspective of both the case patient and the specialist, and an increasing recognition within the NHS of the benefits and validity of micropigmentation in terms of tertiary healthcare, in tandem with education and information more and more readily accessible to the general public, must see those benefits increasingly wide spread and available.

As referred to earlier cosmetic medicine time and again acknowledges its roots in the conventional, however quid pro quo, thankfully the furtherance and popularity of cosmetic applications will only afford a specialist the opportunity of considerably more practice, and, practice as we must consider, goes a long way to making perfect.