Permanent make-up contraindications — when you should avoid PMU
Permanent make-up is a wonderful procedure that gives millions of women worldwide a better quality of life. Yet it is not suitable for every woman or at every point in time. There are clear medical and health reasons that may require a treatment to be declined or postponed. At Kosmetikinstitut Expert in Berlin, Olga Keller places the highest importance on honest, thorough consultations — because the safety and health of her clients always come first.
Absolute contraindications — when PMU must not be performed
Certain factors categorically rule out a permanent make-up treatment. These include active skin conditions in the treatment area such as eczema, psoriasis flare-ups or herpes simplex — with the latter there is a risk that the virus may be reactivated by pigmentation, especially with lip PMU. Severe autoimmune diseases, blood clotting disorders and the use of blood thinners are also absolute contraindications, as wound healing may be impaired and there is a risk of excessive bleeding.
Treatment must likewise not take place during acute infections, fever or general unwellness. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is a clear exclusion — only after completion of treatment and in consultation with the oncologist can PMU be considered. Insulin-dependent diabetes requires particular caution since wound healing may be slowed.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, Olga Keller advises against permanent make-up as a matter of principle. Hormonal changes can unpredictably affect pain sensitivity and the skin's colour uptake. Additionally, during this sensitive phase, even the slightest risk to the child should be avoided. The numbing cream contains active ingredients whose effects during pregnancy have not been sufficiently researched. The good news: once breastfeeding is over, nothing stands in the way of microblading or powder brows.
Relative contraindications — case-by-case decisions
Alongside the absolute contraindications, there are also relative ones where treatment may be possible under certain conditions. These include well-controlled diabetes, managed thyroid conditions or the use of certain medications such as retinoids. Anyone taking Accutane or similar preparations must wait at least six months after stopping, as the skin remains extremely thin and sensitive during this period.
Allergies and sensitive skin also require special attention. Olga Keller works exclusively with certified German-made pigments that are free of heavy metals and iron oxide — a significant safety advantage over many other studios. Where a known hypersensitivity exists, a patch test can be performed beforehand to rule out an allergic reaction.
Medications and supplements
Certain medications and dietary supplements can affect the treatment and should be discussed before the appointment. Aspirin, ibuprofen and other blood-thinning agents should — in consultation with your doctor — be stopped at least 48 hours before treatment. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and St John's wort can also influence blood clotting. Heavy alcohol or caffeine consumption the day before can likewise increase sensitivity and affect results.
Olga Keller discusses all these points thoroughly during the personal consultation. With nearly 13 years of experience and thousands of successful treatments, she immediately recognises when caution is needed and when a treatment can proceed without concern. Permanent eyebrow make-up and other techniques always require an individual assessment.
Why an honest consultation makes all the difference
Unfortunately, not all studios conduct a thorough medical history. Olga Keller will decline a treatment if the health prerequisites are not met — even when the client has travelled a great distance. This consistency is not a limitation but a sign of the highest professionalism. A permanent make-up is only a true benefit when it is performed safely and heals without complications. Her philosophy of naturalness and safety is one of the reasons clients travel from across Germany and abroad, and hundreds of five-star reviews confirm her work.
Your safe path to permanent make-up with Olga Keller
If you are unsure whether a contraindication applies to you, a personal consultation is the best first step. Olga Keller, state-certified cosmetologist and permanent make-up pioneer in Berlin, takes the time to assess your situation individually. Speak openly about your health, medications and medical history — this way the best decision can be made together. Book your consultation and explore all PMU treatments at Kosmetikinstitut Expert.
