When you have a cosmetic procedure, the quality of the outcome is affected by the aftercare almost as much as the skill of the practitioner you use. Aftercare ensures that the effects of the operation last longer and that the likelihood of any infection will be significantly reduced. Microblading is a cosmetic service carried out by a professional to sculpt the eyebrows. Aesthetics experts use specialised tools to make very tiny cuts in the skin on the brow area and then insert pigment to make the eyebrows appear thicker and fuller.
The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) considers microblading to be a type of cosmetic tattooing. After attending a microblading appointment, you should always follow the relevant aftercare tips to avoid any complications or irritation.
For example, applying makeup to that area of the face should be avoided during the healing process to help avoid any complications, including skin irritation. The use of creams and ointments on the treated eyebrows is also discouraged until healing is complete, as these may irritate the skin.
After having the procedure, you should also aim not to expose your facial skin to prolonged sunlight. It’s best to refrain from rubbing the area or picking at any scabs that form as the healing process progresses. Intense physical activity that leads to breaking out a sweat or letting hair rub repeatedly against the eyebrows should also be minimised while healing is taking place.
When you wash your face in the immediate aftermath of your microblading procedure, you should do so gently and carefully – no abrasive exfoliation products, for instance. However, it is still important to keep the affected area as clean as possible, so ask your expert technician for advice on how to do this.
Typically, they’ll recommend using a wet sponge or facecloth soaked in warm water. Apply a small amount of mild soap, squeeze out any excess water and dab the cloth gently around the face while trying to avoid the eyebrows altogether. Patients should be especially careful when drying their skin with a towel.
As far as possible, experts advise you not to apply any product that may cause irritation to the skin or dry it out. The person or clinic you use will be able to supply you with the right product to maintain the skin’s moisture while providing ample protection for the affected area. The use of antibiotic ointments is also discouraged. If you suspect the area has become infected, you should see a doctor or ask the clinic you attended for advice.
A microblading treatment can cause tenderness and/ or slight bleeding and bruising around the treated area, and initially, your brows may appear darker than you intended them to be.
Rest assured, though, all of the above are only the temporary effects of tattooing. The SPCP also suggests that anyone who is taking blood thinners is more likely to experience bruising or bleeding during or after the procedure, which, again, is completely normal. However, if you are regularly prescribed blood thinners or have bleeding disorders, you should talk to your doctor first before booking the treatment.
To be transparent, the SPCP also states that infections can happen, but these are rare. Provided you have chosen a reputable clinic for the treatment, these almost always result from not following the aftercare advice correctly.
Signs of infection include abnormal redness and worsening of pain in and around the area. If there are itchy and painful red bumps around the brow area and these are accompanied by fever, chills, open sores, or pus, the patient must immediately seek medical help from a doctor or dermatologist.
In rare instances, some people also develop allergic reactions. Symptoms of these include itching, redness, swelling, scaly patches, skin crusting, blisters, or watery fluid. Again, speak to your clinic or your doctor if you notice any of these signs.
To prevent unwanted side effects, always check that the clinic you’re planning to use for any microblading procedure follows hygiene protocols. They should comply with the proper use of sterile and new needles, and they should show clients that the tools are new by unwrapping them before proceeding with the procedure.
The technician should also have new gloves, aprons, and other protective gear. The room where they’ll be carrying out the procedure should also be clean and sanitary; there should be no debris like dust and other unsanitary materials lying around.
After the procedure, you should follow the above guidelines (or the individual clinic’s advice) on taking care of your skin for around two weeks to speed up the healing process. By doing this, you’ll make sure you get the results you expect with few uncomfortable side effects.
Microblading can last for up to 12 to 18 months, but results vary depending on your skin type. If you suffer from oily skin, you can expect the effects to last for at least 12 months before any top-up is needed. But if you have a normal skin tone, you may get as long as 18 months out of your treatment before you feel the need to make another appointment.
Without regular top-ups, the colours will eventually fade completely.
The reason microblading is not permanent is that it only applies pigment to the surface layer of the skin. That has the benefit of looking more natural and means that the procedure is less painful and won’t require you to have any downtime. The results also look more precise, so it will enhance the appeal of your eyebrows.
Contrary to popular perception, this process is not as painful as you might think from the description. Numbing is applied to the area with a topical anaesthetic, and the most you will feel is a gentle scraping sensation. It’s also relatively quick to carry out, and an appointment will take no more than two hours.
If, for any reason, you’re unhappy with the results and want to remove the pigment sooner, there are special solutions that can be used. Once the initial two-week healing process is complete, a salt or saline solution can be applied to remove the pigment from the brows if desired. There will be no permanent marking or scarring.
Before attending your microblading appointment, you should refrain from drinking alcohol or taking ibuprofen for 24-48 hours. Patients should also not drink coffee in the two hours before their treatment.
Microblading Professionals
If you want to increase your self-confidence and give yourself a much-needed aesthetic treat by booking a microblading appointment, it’s important to find the best professionals for the job. This is more likely to give you the results you’re looking for and gives you the peace of mind of knowing that the procedure will be carried out with your best interests as a priority.
At Sculpt n Lift - Aesthetics Kent, we take enormous pride in keeping our clients happy and safe and looking beautiful. We provide a range of skilled services that will give you a youthful glow, so you look your best all the time.
Our team of professionals offer all clients a thorough consultation and guidance, so you know everything you need to know about the procedure before embarking on it and stay informed every step of the way. Call us on 01322 615099 or write to us at sculptnlift@gmail.com today!