Permanent Makeup Scarring

The Food and Drug Administration recently issued an alert warning of possible disfigurements from injecting permanent ink as eyeliner, lip liner or eyebrow coloring.

The notice listed scarring and difficulty eating among the worst side effects of so-called "permanent makeup."

The FDA is investigating the 50 claims it has received thus far, according to an agency statement.

Swelling, cracking, peeling, blistering, scarring and the forming of granulomas -- chronic swelling and infection in tissue near the eyes or lips -- were listed among the side effects.

In some cases, the effects reported, caused serious disfigurement, resulting in difficulty in eating and talking.

Allergic reactions to permanent pigments can result in inflammation, itching, cracking, scarring and granuloma formation.

Allergic reactions to pigment can be severe and treatment is difficult.

Tattoos are cosmetics and ink pigments are color additives requiring federal approval before sale, the FDA states. But, traditionally, the FDA has not exercised oversight of tattoos or pigments. Local jurisdictions regulate tattooing.