SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP FAQS
MICROBLADING
What is Microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent brow tattoo performed with a small handheld tool, using a feather stroke technique to produce the appearance of fuller eyebrows or to enhance the natural features of the face. Microblading is a softer/more subtle cosmetic tattoo than some of older methods. Body tattoos use ink while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve pigments. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to color and shape over the years as client’s natural coloration and facial changes occur.
How Long is the Microblading Appointment?
Two hours on average. During your appointment we will consult with you the entire time ensuring we are on the same page. Much of the time is spent measuring and drawing on a symmetrical set of brows and agreeing on your perfect shape and color. The actual procedure itself takes 30min to an hour. The touch-up appointment will take about an hour.
Is the Follow Up Appointment Included in Cost?
In order to ensure that the brows heal perfectly a minimum of two treatments are usually needed 6-10 weeks apart on average. This first touch-up is included as it gives us the ability to correct any areas that possibly faded or allows the client to make suggestions if they want adjustments with the shape or color.
How Long Does Microblading Last?
The treatment is considered semi-permanent and will fade over time. Touch-ups are recommended every 1-2 years maintain shape, color, and detail. How often depends on a number of factors including:
- Skin type (oily skin fade faster)
- Pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster)
- Sun exposure (over time can cause fading and discoloration of the pigment)
- Use of daily anti-aging products e.g.- (Tretinoin (Retin-A) & Alpha Hydroxy). These products increase your cell turnover rate and will shorten the life of your cosmetic tattoo
Does it Hurt?
We do all that we can to ensure that the process is as comfortable as possible. Before the Microblading begins, a topical anesthetic is applied to the area to minimize discomfort, followed by a liquid anesthetic during the procedure. Some clients may feel a slight discomfort, but it’s relatively pain free for most.
(PLEASE NOTE that if you are a frequent smoker, or have your appointment during your menstrual cycle, the pain level could be intensified.)
Can I Exercise After My Mircroblading Appointment?
You must avoid working out for 7 days following your microblading appointment. Light exercising is allowed (minimal sweating), but you must clean the tattooed area with lukewarm water as soon as you are done exercising. The salt in sweat will fade the pigment very quickly and give poor results.
Can I Get Microbladed is I Am Pregnant?
As a precaution to avoid any complications, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant women.
High End Products and Equipment
To ensure the highest quality of safety, all of our tools are one time use only. ALL blades, hand tools, wipes, and any other product used during the procedure are disposed of as biohazardous waste after each appointment, giving each client peace of mind.
How Should I Prep Myself for My Microblading Session?
If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment.
You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we can take into consideration the shape you desire.
If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment.
If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you must wait at least one year before considering this procedure.
You must stop using Retinol 2 weeks prior to your appointment and avoid using it for the 2 weeks following your appointment.
If you get Botox regularly please get that done no later than 2 weeks before your appointment. This is to ensure we can make your brows as symmetrical as possible.
Avoid chemical peels at least 4 weeks prior to your appointment.
Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning for 2 weeks before and after your procedure. Do not come to your appointment with a sunburn. In this case, email us at least 48 hours prior to your appointment to reschedule.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, or any blood thinning medication 24 hours prior to your appointment.
If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 10 days after the procedure due to the aftercare maintenance.
What Should I Expect Immediately After My Microblading Session?
Immediately following your procedure, the tattooed area will appear to be darker and bolder in color and more sharply defined. This will last 3-4 days. Do not panic! It is normal.
Swelling and redness is minimal with most clients, and will disappear within 24-48 hours. In some cases, it may last around the eyebrow area for up to 3 days, but will not prevent working or socializing. The treated area may feel a bit like a sunburn afterwards but there should only be minimal discomfort.
The complete healing process takes about 6-8 weeks, at which time the true color of the tattoo is evident. During this process, your tattoo will soften and lighten. Be patient, even if you think too much color has been lost, as your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating. Wait at least 6 weeks to see the true color, as it seems to take on new strength, and it is only after 6 weeks that your touch-up/adjustment can be done. Keep in mind that microbladed brows healed up to 30% softer than the initial color.
Please note that final results can not be guaranteed as each unique skintype will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. The tattooed hair strokes tend to have a more crisp look once healed on dry skin compared to more blurry strokes on oily skin. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your touch-up appointment and make any changes necessary.
Healed results will vary with each individual client and using a pencil or powder may still be needed. Additional sessions (charged accordingly) may be required to obtain optimal results.
What is the Best Aftercare for Microblading?
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattooed area.
- Week 1: Keep the tattooed area clean by rinsing with lukewarm water and patting dry with a disposable paper towel 3 times a day, then apply thin layer of the after care ointment provided. Apply using a disposable cotton swab.
- Week 2: Keep cleaning them with lukewarm water twice a day for the second week, no ointment.
- You may shower or bathe normally, but avoid using any soaps or cleansers on the treated area for the first week as they can be detrimental to the bonding process that must take place for the pigment to stabilize in the dermis.
- Do NOT pick or scratch at the dry skin/flakiness; let the skin fall off naturally. Picking can cause scarring and premature loss of pigment. IMPORTANT: Once the flakes have fallen off, a shiny layer of healing skin will completely cover the hair strokes. It will appear as though the eyebrows are gone. Within 1-2 weeks, the hair strokes will slowly reappear at a lighter shade as your skin regenerates.
- You must avoid working out for 1 week following your appointment. Light exercising is allowed (minimal sweating), but you MUST clean the tattooed area with lukewarm water as soon as you are done exercising. The salt in the sweat will fade the pigment very quickly and give poor results.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for the first 14 days. You MUST wear a hat while outside during the healing process.
- Do NOT apply make-up to the tattooed area for the first 2 weeks. Chemicals of any kind may interfere with the healing and color of your tattoo.
- No swimming pools, jacuzzis or other bodies of water for two weeks.
- Do NOT soak your face underwater in a bathtub or allow the shower to spray directly in your face for two weeks.
LIP BLUSHING
General Precaution - COLD SORES
If you are prone to cold sores, lip tattooing can cause outbreaks. We ask that our clients take their prescribed anti-viral medication a few days prior to their appointment AND after the procedure to prevent that. Consult with your doctor for best advice.
If you have an outbreak, or any other type of abrasion and/or acne, we ask that you reschedule your appointment as soon as possible.
What do I expect after the Lip Blushing session?
-There will be moderate swelling, redness, and bruising for the first 5 days.
-Apply a Ziploc bag filled with water and ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
-During the initial healing period, there should be minimal scabbing or flaking of the skin. If there is some scabbing or flaking, do not pick, and allow the scab or dry skin to come off on its own.
-Expect the color to eventually lighten by up to 40% once the healing process is complete.
-Color may appear “sketchy” at different stages of healing. PLEASE, be patient. This is a process that does not yield immediate results. Can take a full 30 days to heal fully.
-Permanent makeup ink is not the same as body art ink, and by design it does not last as long as body art ink. Permanent Makeup does fade and is expected to last 2 to 5 years before requiring a touch-up. Maintenance touch ups are suggested for best results
If your lips are kept clean and moisturized then only a thin film (not a scab) will appear. The film will start peeling off by itself around day 3 and may not exfoliate evenly. During this time, your lips may feel tight, cracked, chapped and itchy as the flakes are coming away. Leave the film alone; picking will cause irritation, can lead to scars and will lift color from the treated area resulting in unevenness and blank spots. Let the area heal naturally for best results and keep your lips moisturized at all times to help soothe and heal them. The color implanted will fade by 50-60% during the first healing process.
While the film is peeling, it may seem as though the treatment hasn't worked well. The color may look weak or it may seem as though the pigment has disappeared. Why? Lip tattoos are not as deep as a 'normal' tattoo - your new healing skin is covering the pigment and when your skin and the pigment start to settle (between weeks 2-4), you'll notice that your lip tattoo starts coming back. It didn't disappear in the first place; it was just harder to see through a thicker layer of healing skin. If the color is still weak/patchy at weeks 5-6, don't worry! This is a delicate tattoo to heal, and is why we do 2 sessions.
Healing is specific to each client and it’s important to realize that you’ll need a color boost every 12 / 18 / 24 months to maintain the vibrancy of your lip tattoo. Your lifestyle choices, age, genetics, and skin type will contribute to the retention of your lip tattoo. If you regularly bite your lips, use lip exfoliator, use tanning beds, sunbathe, don't use sun protection, smoke, use anti-aging products (on your lips), or get your lips filled after having your lips tattooed, your lip tattoo WILL fade faster and you’ll need more regular touch ups.
Permanent makeup is an art, not a science. Your results will vary and using lip liner, lip gloss or lipstick may still be needed, especially when wearing heavy coverage make up. This is not necessarily a no maintenance treatment, but a low maintenance treatment.
Is Lip Blushing for Me?
It is for you if:
-You have pale natural lips
-You want to redefine the contours of your lips
-You want to achieve a fuller lip look without fillers.
How long does the Lip Blushing Session take?
The first procedure takes approximately 2-2.5 hours, the 6 week touch up is about 1.5 hours.
How Long does Lip Blushing Last?
Your Lip Blushing will last anywhere from 1-3 years depending on your skin type, lifestyle and after care of your lips.
How Can I Prepare for Lip Blushing Session?
-If you are prone to cold sores, it is recommended to take a regimen of Valtrex or Lysine prior to the procedure to avoid an outbreak.
-Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, Vitamin C or Advil/Ibuprofen 48 hours before procedure. Tylenol is OK.
-Avoid sun and tanning one week prior to procedure.
- Lightly Exfoliate Lips 2-3 times the week prior to Lip Blushing Appointment.
What is Lip Blushing Aftercare?
-Apply the given ointment as often as possible for 1 week. Do not let your lips dry out completely, since this can cause scabbing and cracking of skin surface.
-For at least 5 days, please do not consume any hot drinks or food. The hotness can result in the pigment fading faster and your lips will peel.
-For 5 days, please prevent going into a sauna, pool, and taking hot showers/bath.
-You can get your lips wet (i.e. when washing your face/mouth) but please do not get any hot water near your lip area. In other words, do not soak your face underwater in a bathtub or allow the shower to spray directly in your face.
-No exercising for 24 hours after the procedure.
-No lip fillers for 4 weeks post procedure.
-Do not scrub, scratch, or pick at the tattoo site at any time during the healing process – this can cause you to lose color that may not be repairable.
-No facials or masks for 15 days, and avoid them in the lips area indefinitely.
-No Neosporin, Vaseline, or other petroleum products while your lips are healing.
No anti-acne products (i.e. Benzoyl Peroxide, Pro-active) or lightening creams (bleach creams) – this will cause rapid fading.
No anti-aging products or facial products containing Alpha Hydroxyls (AHAs), Retin-A, Lactic or Glycolic Acids.
Does Lip Blushing Hurt?
During the procedure, skin numbing anesthetics will be used to minimize the pain by numbing your lips. Lips are prone to swelling due to their sensitive nature. Lip Blushing shouldn't hurt too much, but there may be slight discomfort. Swelling will typically subside in 3-5 days.
