Permanent Makeup in Tucson, AZ
Long-Lasting Beauty Enhancement
Permanent makeup, also called cosmetic tattooing or micropigmentation, is a simple procedure that implants pigments into the skin to simulate the effects of makeup. The most common types of permanent makeup are eyebrow pencil, lip liner, lipstick, eyeliner, and blush. At Maloney Plastic Surgery, we offer a range of different permanent cosmetics in Tucson, AZ. Call us now to schedule a consultation and find out if this procedure is right for you.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY
What is Permanent Makeup and when is it recommended?
What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup allows you to enjoy the long-term effects of makeup without the hassle of applying it each day. The procedure applies color to your skin to simulate the effects of makeup and enhance or conceal certain areas. Even if you work out, swim, sweat, use a sauna, or sleep, your makeup will remain perfect. While the procedure is called ‘permanent,’ the results will actually wear off in time. If you don’t like the way it looks or if makeup trends change, you can wait for the results to wear off.
Different Types of Micropigmentation
There are different micropigmentation procedures you can undergo depending on your goals and the effects you want to achieve. We can help you determine which ones are right for you:
- Microblading – Microblading can enhance the size, shape, and color of your eyebrows. Â
- Lip blushing – Lip blushing can enhance the color of your lips, adding lip liner and/or a sheer wash of color.
- Permanent eyeliner – Permanent eyeliner can line the upper and/or lower eye line to create a thick, sharp, skinny, subtle, or smudged look depending on your preference.
- Freckles and beauty marks – You can also get freckle tattoos or beauty mark tattoos.
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Am I a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you want to restore color to your face, camouflage scars and imperfections, even out your skin coloring, or just enjoy the effects of makeup without having to apply it. The procedure is especially helpful for people who:
- Don’t have time to apply makeup each day
- Don’t feel like they are skilled at applying makeup
- Have a condition that affects their dexterity, mobility, or the steadiness of their hands, such as Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or multiple sclerosis
- Have poor eyesight
- Want to cover up scars from cosmetic surgery or reconstructive surgery
- Have thinning, light, or missing eyebrows
- Have vitiligo
- Are allergic to traditional makeup

Risks and Benefits
The benefits of permanent makeup are that the procedure will give you flawless makeup, conceal imperfections, and ensure your makeup looks consistent every day, no matter what activities you’re participating in. You won’t need to worry about your application abilities or techniques or makeup allergies. If you have trouble applying makeup, you can still enjoy a flawless appearance. The procedure can also even out skin coloring and camouflage scars and other concerns.
Like any cosmetic procedure, there are risks and potential negative side effects. We will make sure you understand the risks so that you can decide for yourself if you believe they outweigh the benefits. The most common risks are allergic reactions, eye complications, skin rashes, changes in skin texture, nodules, scar tissue, and discoloration. The ink pigment may also interfere with your ability to undergo an MRI procedure.
What to Expect at Your Consultation with Our Skin Care Specialists
At your permanent makeup consultation, please come with your makeup applied as you normally would for daily wear. Our experienced certified medical laser technician will discuss your goals and expectations for permanent makeup. Based on your current applied makeup, she will work with you to determine which ink colors will work best for you and your goals.

Meet Dr Maloney
Preparing for Your Procedure
In the week or so before your procedure, you should avoid taking certain medications and substances, including:
- aspirin
- blood thinners
- alcohol
- tobacco products
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You should alsoÂ
- avoid sun exposure
- use of chemical peels
- skin lightening treatments
- hydroquinone
- Latisse
- laser treatments
- topical treatments containing retinoids or vitamin C.Â
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If you are having your lips enhanced with permanent makeup and have had cold sores/fever blisters in the past, please let us know so we can start you on Valtrex prior to your procedure.
Procedure and Follow-up Care
How the Procedure is Done
We ask that you arrive at your appointment with a clean face. Do not use makeup, lotions, deodorants, perfumes, or skin care products. We will clean our face and apply a topical anesthetic to numb your skin. We will use a pen-like instrument with a sterile, microscopic needle inserted. The needle will penetrate the first few millimeters of your skin, implanting an iron oxide pigment. Dr. Maloney will strategically apply this pigmentation to create the appearance of makeup or address specific concerns like scarring, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, and other issues. The procedure may take one or two hours, depending on the size and complexity. After we’re done, we will apply an antiseptic, ointment, and bandage.
Results and Follow-Up Care
After the procedure, you can return home or to work. You should avoid swimming, hot tubs, and baths. You should not soak the treatment area in water, and you should keep the area clean and untouched for at least 24 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating. After 24 hours, you can gently wash the area with water and a cotton round. You may experience redness, inflammation, swelling, and tenderness. You can use ice, over the counter pain medication, and ointment to treat any symptoms. Recovering should be within a few days.
Are the Results Really Permanent?
You may need more than one treatment to achieve your desired results. As the pigment fades, you will need to undergo additional treatments. In most cases, the results will last several years. The longevity depends on your age, your skin type and texture, your body’s healing process, how much sun exposure you get, the type and location of the treatment, and your lifestyle.
Schedule a Consultation for Permanent Cosmetics
Permanent makeup is a simple way to enhance your appearance and enjoy long-term beauty enhancements. However, it may not be right for everyone. At Maloney Plastic Surgery, Dr. Maloney and our skin care specialists can evaluate your skin, discuss your concerns and goals, discuss your options for cosmetic procedures, and help you decide which ones are right for you. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation for permanent cosmetics in Tucson, AZ.