Permanent Waterline Tattoos: Get Inked Or Think Twice?

Drawing a perfect winged eyeliner, complete with kohl on your lower lash can make a killer makeup trick. Only if the wings turned out perfect and even on both sides every single time. In reality, unless you have the steady hands and expert skills of a makeup artist (or surgeon!), there’s a good chance you’ve shared your frustration.

From lopsided wings and eyeliner stencils to seemingly waterproof waterline kohls that make us look like pandas with a little sweat- we’ve seen it all! So, imagine our surprise when the cosmetic beauty industry offered us a viable solution: getting permanent waterline tattoos! 

What Is A Permanent Waterline Tattoo?

No more wasting time and product, say hello to defined and sharp eyes 24/7! While this may seem like just another permanent makeup trend, getting work done around your eyes is particularly a touchy subject. Is it particularly safe, or are there any hidden permanent waterline tattoo side effects you need to know? Let’s find out in this article.

Permanent Waterline Tattoo: Procedure

Permanent waterline tattoos, often dubbed as “forever eyeliner,” have their roots tracing back several years. Experts in the field have constantly refined their skills to deliver seamless, authentic results that look just like makeup, only without the smudge. In a single session, you can attain flawless, everlasting eyeliner that accentuates your eyes.

So, what exactly is this procedure? It’s an innovative method where a specialist infuses pigment directly along your lash line, beneath the skin’s surface, mirroring the tattooing process. This technique ensures a long-lasting eyeliner look, yet it requires occasional touch-ups every few years to maintain its vibrancy.

Permanent waterline tattoo’s rise in popularity stems from the convenience they offer. The daily ritual of carefully applying eyeliner is replaced with a lasting solution that’s ready to showcase at any moment.

Permanent eyeliner offers flexibility in style, ranging from ultra-fine lines that provide a subtle touch, to bolder strokes, and even the classic defined look. Specialists advocate for a tailored design approach, allowing clients to visualize the best style for their unique eye shape. Some even propose starting with a less permanent lash line enhancement as a preliminary step before fully committing to the forever look. This serves as a valuable glimpse into the transformative power of permanent eyeliner.

Permanent Waterline Tattoo Pros

• Eliminates the daily application of eyeliner
• Complements and accentuates the natural contour of your eyes
• Provides a lasting effect, generally from two to five years before needing a refresh
• Favored by individuals with thin lashes or conditions like alopecia for an eye-enhancing solution.

Permanent Waterline Tattoo Cons

• Color longevity is subjective to one’s skin texture (dense skin might lead to quicker color loss)
• Over time, factors such as sun exposure, the body’s natural chemistry, and aging can influence the tattoo’s vibrancy.
• Maintaining it might strain one’s beauty budget.

Permanent Waterline Tattoos: Safety Considerations

While we all expect things to go well with cosmetic enhancement and permanent makeup procedures, things may go wrong. One of these events can be experiencing a number of side effects, be it a normal by-product of the tattooing session, or an unforeseeable factor. Listed below are three categories of side effects; a few that subside on their own, and others that need medical attention.

Permanent Waterline Tattoos: Expected Side Effects

1. Irritation And Discomfort 

It’s not uncommon for individuals to experience a certain level of discomfort and irritation post-procedure. The waterline is a sensitive area, and the tattooing process can make it feel itchy or slightly painful. This sensation typically fades after a few days but can be unsettling initially. Applying a cold compress can alleviate discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by a healthcare specialist, can help reduce pain. Avoid rubbing the eyes to prevent further irritation.

2. Swelling

Swelling is a natural response of the body to trauma. After the tattooing process, it’s expected for the waterline and surrounding eye area to puff up a bit. This swelling usually subsides within a couple of days. Permanent eyeliner tattoo side effects of headache can also be experienced along with swelling. Keeping your head elevated, especially during sleep, can help reduce swelling. Cold compresses applied gently can also help soothe and decrease puffiness.

3. Redness

A flushed or reddened appearance around the tattooed area is another common side effect. It’s the body’s way of reacting to the needle’s intrusion and the ink’s insertion. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh lighting conditions as they can exacerbate redness. Clean the area with a gentle saline solution to prevent infections(1). Over time, the redness should naturally fade. If it persists, it’s crucial to consult a specialist.

Permanent Waterline Tattoos: Unexpected Side Effects

1. Infection

Getting a permanent waterline tattoo means working with one of the most delicate areas of your face: the eyes. When done carelessly, there’s a risk of infections. Imagine waking up with redness, unusual pain, or even pus around your eyes. That’s not the morning look anyone aims for! So, when choosing where to get this done, cleanliness is key. And after you get it, following the aftercare is a must.

2. Allergic Reactions

While minor redness isn’t a problem, a full-blown allergic reaction is your cue to rush to the doctor. Some might be allergic to the ink used in tattoos, causing an adverse reaction. If you’re prone to allergies, consider doing a patch test first. It’s like giving the ink a test run on another part of your body to see how your skin reacts.

3. Scarring

If you have a history of keloids(2) or scar tissue developing on injuries, make sure you consult with a cosmetic surgeon to make sure you’re good to go. Sometimes, even with the best procedure, the tattoo may scar undesirably. If the needle goes too deep or the skin gets roughed up too much, scars might just crash your tattoo party. So, always go to a pro and treat your skin kindly afterward.

Permanent Waterline Tattoos Side Effects: Results Of A Job Not Done Well

1. Uneven Pigmentation

Let’s be blunt: if your waterline tattoo has uneven shades, it’s likely due to shoddy workmanship or slack aftercare. This isn’t a hiccup you can easily correct with a makeup wipe. Poor application by an unskilled artist or not sticking to aftercare guidelines can leave you with an inconsistent, blotchy look.

2. Migration of Pigment

No one signs up for eyeliner that strays from its course. When the pigment starts wandering away from the intended area, blame it on subpar technique or negligence in aftercare. Pigment migration can give you a smudged appearance, and trust us, it’s not the smoky-eye look you were aiming for. Choosing a top-tier professional and religiously following aftercare advice is non-negotiable.

While dealing with the first category is an after-care and waiting game, the next two categories must not be ignored. Make sure you keep in touch with your assigned professional to ensure the healing process goes as desired.

Does A Waterline Tattoo Cause Dry Eyes?

Want a waterline tattoo? Brace yourself for potential dry eyes. When those meibomian glands—your eye’s moisture controllers—are disrupted, you’re inviting dry eye disease. How? Well, during the tattoo process, an electric tattoo machine’s needle repeatedly punctures your skin, depositing pigments. That delicate, moist stretch between your lash line and eyeball, teeming with tiny ducts secreting tear film, is vulnerable. Needle damage can hinder these ducts and glands, compromising tear film production.

Also, the tear film’s watery component, the lacrimal glands sit in your upper lids. Trauma from the tattoo can obstruct their ducts, reducing moisture. This not only irritates the eyes, causing dryness but also paves the way for infections.

Does The Permanent Waterline Tattoo Make Your Eyes Look Smaller?

While waterline tattoos amp up eye definition, they can sometimes give the illusion of smaller peepers. Want to dodge that? Swing for nude or white eyeliner. You’ll snag that sought-after, open, doe-eyed vibe.

Wrapping Up

Opting for permanent cosmetics, especially waterline tattoos, requires a keen balance of research and caution. While these treatments promise enduring aesthetic benefits, it’s imperative to approach them with a well-informed perspective. Always prioritize your well-being by choosing certified practitioners and staying alert to potential risks. Remember, true beauty is achieved when it harmoniously aligns with overall health and safety. Make informed choices and tread confidently.

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