Dermagraphics by Miller

I've debated whether or not to review this business since my permanent lipstick adventure happened about 4 years ago, but ultimately I think my review will provide insight for future patients, specifically patients who desire results similar to the ones I strove to achieve.  Or maybe just give people a good laugh!

Ah, to be young and carefree!  Rewind 4 years back to Erie, PA.  I was finishing up my final year of undergrad and awaiting word as to whether or not I'd be accepted into medical school.  At the time I was working 3 jobs and had more money than any girl from a small blue collar town and humble family life should ever have at that age.  When it was all said and done my experience with Dermographics by Miller was a waste of $575 and a good learning experience.

My natural lip color is quite deep for a white lady, so dark that it shows right through light lipstick shades.  I've always liked the look of nude-colored lips and have found it impossible to achieve the look I've always wanted without mixing stick concealer in with my lipstick color.  It was in 2006 that I decided to schedule a consultation with Stephanie Miller to see if I could benefit from permanent make-up.  Stephanie said that she wouldn't be able to tattoo my lips to make them quite as light as I desired but that the significant results would make me happy.

I won't go into detail about the appointments and procedures, but please take my word:  THE PAIN WAS IMMENSE, much worse than I expected.  The topical anesthetic seemed useless, and the whole process made me wonder if my lips were being sloooowly cut off with a knife.    

One of my jobs at the time was being a shot girl--classy, I know!--at a club, and I was scheduled to work the day after the procedure.  Looking back on the situation and knowing full well what exactly was going to be done to my lips, I find it hilarious and incredibly naive that I trusted Stephanie when she advised that I'd be "a little swollen" as though I had "some work done" but that I should look natural enough to work.  Yeah right; imagine Angelina Jolie x100.  I had the most ridiculous duck lips for a few days, lips that make Heidi Fleiss' frightening lips look natural in comparison.

In the end I was left with a lip color that was very similar to my natural lip color, and hardly lighter at all.  It was a 100% disappointment and a 100% waste of money, and not-so-outspoken-at-the-time me didn't have the guts to explain to Stephanie just how displeased I was with the results.

I think that a 3-star review is fair, although my personal experience based on my results was worthy of barely 2 stars.  Stephanie's portfolio, expertise, and personality are fantastic; I would absolutely recommend her...just not to individuals who want to achieve a lighter lip color.