General Aftercare
MICROBLADING AFTERCARE
For a quick, uneventful healing process - I have seen the best results by having my clients do a mixture of “dry healing” and applying a colloidal silver gel (that I will supply to you) to their new cosmetic tattoos. Allowing your skin to breathe and your body to heal itself will allow your brows to heal without excess swelling, “weeping” or scabbing. The gel I supply will help to sooth and protect from bacteria. Following these instructions to your best ability will result in optimal healing for your body and your new eyebrows!
Within minutes after your procedure the tattooed area will begin to oxidize and appear darker. You may experience minimal swelling and localized redness depending on your sensitivity level and overall health. Don’t panic! This is your body forming the protective barrier (or scab, for a lack of better words) that will allow your brows to heal underneath. Swelling and redness should subside within 24-48 hours. Once the dark area begins to flake off – which can begin to happen as soon as a couple days after your procedure – that area will appear lighter, even lighter than what it looked like immediately after your procedure! This is because there is a shiny, foggy layer of new fresh skin on top of your eyebrow tattoo that needs to go through the final regenerative stages of the healing process. Please be extremely careful not to pick at your brows while they are flaking. Picking at your brows during this stage will more than likely result in color loss and excess scarring in the area. Allow your body to naturally exfoliate itself. Over the next 4-6 weeks your skin will be settling and the shininess will dissipate leaving you with your final healed results!
For the first 7-10 days (or however long it takes your eyebrows to flake completely) I recommend washing the tattooed area in the morning and at night by gently splashing them with warm water and then pressing dry with a clean disposable paper towel. After the area is dry you will want to apply a very thin layer of the colloidal silver gel that I have given you. Please do not use any ointments because they leave a barrier over the freshly tattooed skin and can sometimes cause the skin to “weep” which will lead to thick scabs that can pull pigment out of your skin once they come off. The gel is lightweight and water based and it will soak immediately into your skin to sooth and protect from bacteria. You only need to apply this twice a day – however if you feel like you need it once or twice throughout the day to sooth it will be fine. Please don’t exceed 4 applications per day. Remember – microbladed eyebrows heal the best when you allow your body to heal itself with minimal irritation.
Once your brows have healed for at least 8 weeks you will be able to have your first touch up or adjustment done. Most people need the first touch up anywhere from 8 weeks and 1 year from the first procedure to reach the desired healed results. Because the microblading technique is quite different from traditional tattooing the pigment is a lot less stable in the skin. Having a few areas where the pigment fades more than others or even falls out is common – which is why I include the first touch up! Your first procedure is almost like an experiment for me to see how well your body holds onto the pigment. I take very extensive notes on every aspect of your procedure and healing process so that when you come back for touch ups I can look at my notes on your procedure along with the before/after photos I take and can almost pinpoint what I need to do to ensure optimal healing and results for your body specifically!
IMPORTANT:
DO NOT pick at your eyebrows once they begin to flake. This is crucial. It will result in pigment fallout and scarring. Allow your body to naturally exfoliate and regenerate on it’s own!
AVOID getting shampoos, cleansers, skincare or any soap on the freshly tattooed area while your skin is flaking (7-14 days) as it may negatively effect how the pigment bonds with your skin. You may shower or bathe as normal but do not allow the shower to hit your brows directly because the pressure could knock pigment out and DO NOT submerge your new eyebrows under water at all (i.e. bath, swimming pool, hot tub, etc.).
DO NOT apply makeup over your eyebrows until they have COMPLETELY flaked off and your skin is closed. Cosmetics can interfere with the bonding of your pigment to your skin, discoloration, cause irritation and even infection depending on the cleanliness of your makeup or brushes.
DO NOT thread, wax, tint, bleach etc. near the tattooed area for AT LEAST 1 month after your procedure.
AVOID excessive sweating for 5 days after your procedure.
DO NOT use tanning beds or sunless tanning products at all and avoid sun exposure for at least a month after your procedure. Always be sure to apply sunscreen or wear sunscreen or wear large hats or sunglasses to protect your eyebrows from excessive fading.
ONCE HEALED:
Although I will do everything to ensure an uneventful healing process for you - it is your responsibility to follow the aftercare guidelines provided to you and follow them to the best of your ability. Once your skin has healed you must make sure to limit sun exposure - the sun (and tanning beds!) will cause fading and discoloration. Once your skin has completely healed make sure to apply sunscreen to protect your new tattoos! You can purchase sunscreen sticks that are easy to toss in your bag and have readily available for touch ups during the day! Unless its eyeliner - don’t put sunscreen in your eyes! Wear large sunglasses for further protection. Face peels, laser treatments and microdermabrasion will cause the pigment to lighten quicker. If you plan on receiving any of the aforementioned treatments make sure to inform your technician.
Always feel free to contact me if you have any questions during or after the initial healing process! :)
THERE ARE NO IMPLIED OR WRITTEN GUARANTEES IF YOU DO NOT TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEW TATTOO. AND REMEMBER - EVERYONE HEALS DIFFERENTLY. HAVE PATIENCE AND LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.
FOR EYELINER AND LIPLINER PROCEDURES -
EYELINER:
I recommend gently washing the tattooed area 2-3 times a day with warm water and then patting dry with a clean disposable paper towel. I will supply you with an aftercare gel called Armor Gel (explained in the eyebrow section above) that you may apply a couple times a day to sooth and protect against bacteria if needed. What to expect: Eyelids are quite delicate so swelling and minimal redness are more common however will diminish over the first few days after your treatment. You may use a cold compress or ibuprofen to sooth and reduce swelling. Eyes may feel dry or irritated so you may use lubricating refresher drops. Be sure to have sunglasses available because your eyes may be light sensitive. Try to avoid wearing contacts for 3-5 days after the procedure. Eyeliner will soften after the 6-8 week healing period.
LIPS:
Lip procedures tend to need a little more attention during the first stage of the healing process. For lips I suggest applying Aquaphor (which is a water based ointment) for moisture and protection. I will also give you a small sample of Armor Gel (which is described in the eyebrow section above) to help sooth and protect from bacteria and can be applied 2-3 times a day. I also suggest, especially for those who have a history of cold sores/fever blisters/herpes simplex, to take L-lysine supplements to prevent any breakouts. I will supply you with the tablets if you aren’t currently prescribed a preventative. What to expect: Moderate swelling is common after having a permanent lip tint treatment and will gradually subside during the first 5-7 days. You will experience dryness similar to having chapped lips; you may apply the Aquaphor as needed to prevent excessive dryness. After the 6-8 week healing period your lip color can fade up to 60%, which is why I go deeper when choosing a lip tint pigment.
