PRE/POST AFTERCARE FOR PERMANENT COSMETICS
General Micropigmentation (semi-permanent makeup) procedures are affected by the “canvas” (your skin) that they are performed on. Lifestyle, medications, smoking, metabolism, facial surgery and other procedures, and age of skin all contribute to fading. The initial application is always applied conservatively because every person’s skin is different and the final color can only be precisely determined and adjusted during a follow-up appointment after the initial application has fully healed. Because of this, the micropigmentation process is not complete after the initial procedure. In all cases, a follow-up appointment is required approximately 30 days after your initial application to fine tune and ensure the best result. If needed, the use of sterile bandages, or dressing can be used if necessary, but not required by any means. Though rare, infection is possible. If you see signs of infection such as persistent/increased redness or swelling, fever, drainage, or oozing, contact your doctor immediately.
Pre Instructions:
*No alcohol or caffeine 48 hours prior to appointment. This is very critical to how well you get numb, how much you *bleed*, how much you swell and how well you heal. Having to reschedule your appointment would not only waste both of our time, but prevent someone else from getting your appointment time.
*Must be off of fish oil a week prior to appointment.
*If you're getting Lip Blush and are prone to cold sores, you must be on a preventative dose of Valtrex prior to your procedure. Please call your doctor and have 500mg, twice a day called in with a refill for your 6 week appointment. You will be on a 10 day dose- 5 days before your procedure and 5 days after.
*If you are on Accutane, you are not a candidate for permanent makeup. You must be off of Accutane 12 months before you can get any permanent makeup services.
*If you are currently undergoing chemotherapy, it's best to wait 6 months after you're done with treatment. However, if you have a note from your oncologist clearing your treatment and understand that the chemo might interfere with pigment retention, getting treated sooner is possible.
*If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, you must wait until you're done breastfeeding.
*Discontinue use of glycolic, retinol, Tretinion, Hydroquinone or other products with acid a week prior to procedure and throughout the healing process (10-14 days).
*Cannot be on antibiotics for procedure. Please schedule your appointment two weeks after you have finished your final dose.
Post Instructions:
The day of your treatment your brows will secrete lymphatic fluid. This is your natural stem cells that secrete to form scabs when you have an injury. It's okay to blot, not wipe, the fluid after your appointment. That night wash them with the cleansing gel provided to you in your aftercare kit. Gently wash the area and dab away the soap with a wet paper towel. Pat to dry and add a thin film of the antibacterial gel also provided in your aftercare kit.
You will wash them morning and night on days 2 and 3 following with the gel. Days 4-6 you'll use the healing gel morning and night. Days 7-14 still avoid getting them directly wet in the shower and follow all of the following aftercare below. Always feel free to text if you have any questions at all.
* Apply ice packs to eye and lips as necessary to prevent or reduce swelling.
* When the area starts to flake, leave it. Do not pick, peel or pull on the skin.
* ONLY apply a thin coat of antibiotic ointment provided to you in your aftercare kit with a cotton swab. Nothing else is allowed on the treated area. Over use of the ointment can potentially draw out pigments, so use very little. Only reapply once previous layer has completely absorbed. Please never use your fingers.
* Avoid sweating such as from vigorous exercise for 48 hours.
* Keep your hands clean and avoid touching the affected area.
* Please do not let anyone else touch the affected area.
* Do not scrub or pick treated areas. Do not cleanse over them, or use any cosmetic or skincare product on them until the shedding process is over. Wash the treated area separately and carefully for the first 72 hours. Antibiotic ointment should be the ONLY thing applied to them until the shedding and flaky phase is over.
* Avoid exposing the area to excessive moisture or humidity, such as: facials with steam, swimming, whirlpools (hot tubs), saunas, steam rooms, and steamy showers until shedding process has taken place.
* Avoid Retin-A, moisturizers, glycolic acids, exfoliants and anti-aging products at all times (not just during healing) on all affected areas. These can cause pigments to fade and lighten prematurely.
* Avoid tanning beds, sun, chlorine spas and pools, soap and chemicals (including skin cleansers, makeup removers, clarisonic brushes, alpha hydroxy creams etc.)
* Pigments will slowly fade over time according to one’s metabolism, skin type, sun exposure, medication, facial surgery, and smoking.
* Schedule maintenance visits as needed to keep it the defined shape and added density.
* Periodic touch ups will ensure longer lasting results.
Micropigmentation Healing Expectations & Schedule:
If you’ve never had micropigmentation before, there are a lot of unknowns. One of the most common questions we are asked is what to expect during the healing process. While every person is different and some heal more quickly or slowly than others, here’s generally what to expect.
• Temporary side effects from micropigmentation include but are not limited to: redness, swelling, puffiness, bruising, dry patches and tenderness.
• You should expect to lose approximately up to half of the initial color during the healing process. We have selected the optimal pigments for you with this in mind. Lips typically pull more teracotta on day one and will warm up on day two.
• Once the initial healing phase is over, the pigment will seem like it went away. The pigment will pull back through in a few days. Trust the process!
• It will appear softer compared to day one when completely healed.