Permanent Makeup Cost and Procedure Guide

Did you know that the average American spends an estimated $897 on beauty products each year?¹ While most people enjoy the beauty-enhancing look of makeup, having to apply it daily can become tedious, time-consuming and costly in the long run.

Permanent makeup may be a great alternative for individuals who want to reduce or eliminate the daily routine of applying makeup. It may also be a solution for those who are sensitive or allergic to traditional makeup. Permanent cosmetic procedures can even help camouflage skin conditions such as alopecia or scars and reduce the need to continually reapply eyebrow, eye and lip products, among others.²

Let’s dive into the types and costs of permanent makeup and why they might be right for you.

What Is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup, also known as cosmetic tattooing or PMU, is a process that uses micropigmentation to enhance the color and shape of your facial features. Unlike traditional makeup, the results are long-lasting and don’t require daily application of products to achieve a made-up look.²

While the term “permanent makeup” sounds like it will last forever, a better descriptor may be “semipermanent makeup,” as the depth at which the pigment is placed, along with the regeneration of the tissue, can lead to variations in how long the results from permanent makeup can last.²

Types of Permanent Makeup

There are several different types of permanent makeup, depending on the area of the body treated. To get the look of a freckled face, for example, your technician can apply permanent makeup to the area around your nose and cheeks. Or, you might want to opt for a beauty mark on your cheek.²

See below for an overview of six common types of permanent makeup.

How Much Does Permanent Makeup Cost?

The national average cost** of permanent makeup varies widely from $295 to $1,284, depending on the area of the body and procedure used.³

Average cost of permanent makeup by type

Below are the average costs** and cost ranges of common permanent makeup procedures.³

The overall cost of the procedure can also vary based on the type and quality of the pigment, the number of required sessions or touch-ups and the artist’s experience.³

Calculate the cost of permanent eyebrow makeup near you**

Average cost of permanent eyebrow makeup by state/district

Geographic location can also impact the overall cost of permanent makeup. Below is the average cost** of permanent eyebrow makeup across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.³

Does Insurance Cover Permanent Makeup?

Because permanent makeup is not considered a medically necessary procedure, it is typically not covered by insurance. However, things like areola restoration or nipple tattoos may be classified as medically necessary as a type of reconstructive surgery after procedures such as a mastectomy.⁶ Check with your healthcare plan to see if these types of reconstructive permanent makeup are covered.

How Can You Pay for Permanent Makeup?

There are several ways to pay for permanent makeup, depending on what your provider offers and your budget. Some pay up front with cash, check or a credit/debit card. Others may choose a payment plan offered through the practice.

If you’d prefer to pay over time, the CareCredit credit card is another option many patients use for out-of-pocket health and wellness services. If approved, you can make monthly payments (with promotional financing options where available). Promotional financing options vary, so review the details and ask the office whether they accept CareCredit before deciding.

How Does Permanent Makeup Work?

Similar to tattooing, permanent makeup involves the insertion of cosmetic pigments into the dermal layer of the skin to render definition and color to areas such as the eyebrows, eyelids and lips.⁷

Any permanent makeup procedure should start with a consultation where your preferences, desired results and medical history will be reviewed.⁷

During the permanent makeup procedure

During the permanent makeup procedure, the aesthetician may outline the area to check the position, shape and symmetry of the design. The aesthetician may also do a color test to ensure the pigment is a good fit with your skin tone and desired results.⁷

Then, your aesthetician will use a handheld device, a rotary machine or pen, or a tattoo coil machine to apply the pigments to the area.² You may feel a stinging or scratching sensation while the pigment is applied.⁷

Permanent eyebrow procedure

During a microblading appointment, an aesthetician uses a small blade to create hairlike strokes that give you the look of natural brow hairs and then fills them in with pigment. Microshading is less invasive because the aesthetician won’t make any cuts into the skin, instead using a rotary pen to deposit pigment directly into the epidermis of the skin of the brows.⁴

After the permanent makeup procedure

Once the pigment has been applied, the area will likely be red and swollen. Follow directions from your provider about how to treat and protect the treated area. After five to seven days, the area where the pigment was applied may begin to itch and peel. The healing process can take seven to 10 days, during which it may seem that the pigment is fading. The pigment should return as the healing process completes.⁷

Keep in mind that permanent makeup procedures usually require multiple appointments — a longer initial appointment and one or more shorter follow-up appointments to touch up the area. After each treatment, the skin will need to go through the healing process again before you’ll be able to see your final results. Yearly touch-ups may be recommended as well to maintain your desired look.⁷

How Long Does Permanent Makeup Last?

Permanent makeup can last from 12 months to eight years, depending on the area and type of pigment used. Permanent makeup treatments such as eyebrows, freckles and eyeliner can last the shortest amount of time, while areola, scalp and lip tattoos can last longer.⁸

Simplify Your Beauty Routine With Permanent Makeup

Permanent makeup can be a convenient option for those looking to simplify their makeup routine while achieving long-lasting enhancements to their natural features. With options for enhancing areas such as the eyebrows, eyes, lips and more, permanent makeup can help create a look that fits your beauty goals. If you’re interested, talk with a qualified provider about which types of permanent makeup may be right for you.

Financing Permanent Makeup With the CareCredit Credit Card

When getting permanent makeup or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 20 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women’s Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.