Does Microblading Leave Scars or Keloids?
Are you thinking about getting microblading done?
Do you have a history of scarring, even after small procedures or cuts?
Do you tend to form keloids?
If you answered yes to these questions then this is the post for you!
Learn everything you need to know about microblading including the risks associated with the procedure and how to reduce the chance of scarring and keloid formation in this post:
Is Microblading Dangerous?
Before we talk about whether or not microblading leaves scars or keloids you need to understand exactly what microblading is.
The short answer is that microblading, if done correctly, should never leave a scar.
The short answer to whether or not microblading causes keloids are more complex, but the general answer is that it probably doesn’t but it might (so beware).
For the in-depth answers please see below, but before we talk about those let’s discuss microblading basics so you can walk into your procedure without any questions.
Microblading is really a superficial type of procedure.
This means that microblading is predominately done in the superficial (or top) layers of the skin.
*Note: Example of keloid on the skin after trauma (notice how the scarring is larger than the initial trauma).
The goal of microblading is to cut the skin down the dermal-epidermal junction and place the pigment in this area.
Scarring really isn’t seen until the dermis is broken.
When you have a deep cut, and it bleeds a lot, and you see tissues like fat or blood vessels, then there is a good chance that your cut will leave a scar.
The reason for this has to do with how the body heals and what is required to put the skin back together.
As long as you only enter the top layers of the skin no scarring will take place.
One way to know if your microblader is only in the superficial layer of the skin has to do with the amount of bleeding you see during the procedure.
Microblading should NOT result in significant bleeding because most of the blood that makes it to the top layer of the skin occurs through diffusion.
A tip-off that your artist is going too deep is if you are bleeding excessively during your procedure.
Does Microblading Leave Scars?
The answer to this question is that microblading should not leave scars.
There are only two exceptions:
The first is if your artist goes too deep during the procedure (this one is usually obvious and very easy to avoid).
And the second has to do with some complication, such as an infection, that occurs AFTER the procedure.
Infections can cause local inflammation and increase the damage done to the surrounding tissues or skin cells.
This complication is VERY rare and does not happen very often.
We are talking probably only 1 in 10,000 people will experience scarring after microblading – this is an exaggeration, but you get the point.
Should you get Microblading done if you are Prone to Keloid Formation?
Another frequently asked question has to do with keloid formation and whether or not microblading will leave a keloid.
But what is a keloid?
A keloid can be thought of as an overreaction from your body to a cut or other damage to the dermis of your skin.
If you’re prone to keloids then you probably know what they look like, but if you aren’t then you may not be aware of what they are.
A keloid looks like large purple (or flesh colored) scarring over an area of a burn or cut.
The keloid is often much bigger than the cut, burn or wound which caused the scar and that’s the problem.
But back to the question at hand:
Does microblading cause keloid formation?
There is a small, but real, chance that microblading may cause keloid formation, but only in those individuals who are prone to developing them, to begin with.
People who form keloids know that they do and will always ask prior to the procedure.
Generally, keloid formation only occurs if the dermis is included in the procedure (or damage in the case of trauma) but it is still possible to cause a keloid formation from the procedure.
My general advice is to avoid the microblading procedure if you are a known keloid former.
The reason?
It’s generally better to be safe than sorry when it comes to dealing with your brows or anything around your eyes.
If you are a keloid former then you can always use alternative methods to get your brows looking on point (such as make-up, etc.!).
If you REALLY want to get microbladed AND you are a keloid former then just make sure you have your artist stay very superficial.
You can probably get away without any issues by reducing the pressure during your cuts and staying in the very superficial parts of the skin.
This will reduce the longevity of your results (meaning you’ll have to get it done more often), but at least the keloid risk will be much smaller.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line?
When it comes to microblading it’s so important for you to look for and find an artist who knows what they are doing.
As long as your artist knows what they are doing, has plenty of experience, and knows to stay in the superficial layers of the skin then the risk of complications is very low.
Scarring is not usually a problem with microblading unless something goes wrong with the healing process or if your artist goes too deep.
Keloid formation, on the other hand, may be a reason to think twice about getting microbladed.
While very rare, it’s still a real risk and you should consider it before you get the procedure done.
Now I want to hear from you:
Are you worried about getting microbladed?
Do you form keloids?
Are you prone to scarring?
Did you get the procedure already? Are you thinking about it?
Leave your comments below!
Is Microblading Permanent? No & Here’s How Long it Lasts
This post will help you understand how long microblading lasts, if it is permanent and how to determine if it’s a good idea for you to get this cosmetic procedure done!
More…
Microblading Definition
Is Microblading Permanent?
Before we jump into why it isn’t permanent it’s important for you to know that microblading is NOT permanent (more on that below, but just to get it out of the way).
This is actually a question that I get all the time.
Many women (and some men too) see the results that other people are getting with microblading and their initial impulse is to get it done!
This isn’t necessarily a problem, but I think you should take pause for a few minutes and think about it.
While microblading is NOT permanent it does last quite a while, and unless you get it done by a talented artist there is a small risk that you might not be happy with your results.
This puts some people in a tough situation!
So what exactly is microblading and why isn’t it permanent?
Microblading should be differentiated from tattooing which IS permanent.
A tattoo is different from microblading in that a tattoo goes DEEPER into the skin and into an area known as the dermis.
Microblading does NOT go that deep and enters into a place in the skin known as the dermal epidermal junction.
Microblading Is Semi-Permanent
Because microblading enters the dermal-epidermal junction it means that your body will eventually “push” out the pigment over time.
You can compare this to tattoos which may slightly fade over time but they are ALWAYS going to be there (unless you get laser removal therapy).
Because of this microblading is known as a “semi-permanent” cosmetic procedure.
So what basically happens is that some pigment is placed at about a medium depth in the skin which will eventually fade over time and on its own.
It’s considered semi-permanent because this pigment will be there for an intermediate length of time (about 12-15 months if you get it done right).
During this time it will appear like a tattoo does, meaning you will see the pigment and the strokes, but it WILL eventually fade over time.
Which brings us to our next point:
So How Long Does Microblading Last?
If you have any interest in getting microblading done then you should know exactly how long it will last.
This is important because it can help guide your decision to help you know if this is a procedure for you.
Unlike a tattoo which you only pay for up front, microblading will require a touch up (more on this below) in order to continue on with your results – which means it will cost more long term.
You can think about a touch-up as a quick refresher in which your artist will re-apply the microblading strokes and continue to put pigment into your skin.
This process is really considered an integral part of the microblading procedure and a step that shouldn’t be skipped.
So under normal circumstances you would go in for your initial appointment (which is generally 2-3 hours long) and then you would recover from this for about 4-6 weeks.
During this initial procedure your artist will lay down pigment and you will walk out with some pigment on your face and brows.
This pigment that was placed will naturally fade in about 3 months UNLESS you get your touch up.
This is kind of a good time frame for people to get used to the “new look” that they have and allows them to determine if they do indeed want to keep their brows looking a certain way.
It’s also an important time for you to determine if you want to make any changes.
Sometimes the shape of your brows can be altered at the touch-up to fit your idea of what you want them to look like.
But what’s important here is that the actual procedure of the touch-up helps “solidify” your results and helps them last even longer.
So if you only get the initial microbladed procedure you can expect your results to last around 3-6 months.
If you go back in about 6 weeks to get your “touch-up” then you can expect your results to last even longer – around 12-15 months.
Other factors will influence the length of time that your results will stick around such as people who have naturally oily skin.
Those people who have naturally oily skin will probably only see their results last up to 9 months or less unfortunately!
In addition the skill or your artist also plays a role:
If your artist doesn’t go “deep” enough into the skin then your brows will naturally fade faster as the body pushes the pigment out of the skin.
If the pigment is placed in the epidermal area (which is not very deep) then your body will probably kick out all of the pigment over the course of 60 days or so which is the natural life cycle of your skin!
If you want your results to last as long as possible then I encourage you to follow the after-care instructions from your artist as close as possible!
Because this will help your results last long and stay beautiful 🙂
Microblading Before & After Photos
If you decide to look into getting your brows microbladed you will want to look closely at the before and after pictures of each artist!
Make sure that you find examples of brows done immediately after the initial appointment but also brows done after the touch-up so you can compare.
You also want to make sure that you see a finished result.
Some artists may produce amazing results immediately after the appointment but if they don’t get the right depth or use the right pigments then the results may fade rapidly.
Because of this it’s always a good idea to look for after pictures (around 3 months) of the touch-up.
You can see some before and after pictures below to help you get an idea of this:
Look for before and after pictures that show ALL of the stages of microblading, including a head on shot of the brows.
This will help you determine if the brows are symmetrical and even as well.
Final Thoughts
As a word of caution:
One of the worst things you can do is go to an inexperienced microblader!
This is your face we are talking about and they are putting a sharp blade and pigment into your skin.
Many women have had poor results by going to inexperienced microbladers and have been in a situation where they want to fade their brows as quickly as possible.
If you fall into that category you can read more about fading your brows here.
Now I want to hear from you:
Are you thinking about getting microblading done?
What are you concerns, if any?
Leave your thoughts and comments below!
Microblading too thick? Here’s Why & What to Do
This post will teach you everything you need to know about how to deal with your brows if you think that your microblading is too thick including why they might appear that way and most important what your next steps should be.
More…
Are your Eyebrows Too Thick?
Does this sound familiar:
You saw all of the amazing microblading before and after pictures on the internet so you decided you wanted to get it done.
You carefully researched the best microblader in your town and you scheduled an appointment.
You were super excited the whole time but when your artist uncovered your brows to show you them for the first time you…
Were shocked.
They looked incredibly dark or too thick and you felt like they didn’t match your face at all.
Does this scenario sound familiar?
Well let me set your fears at ease because there is a good chance that this is completely normal and not even something you should worry or stress about.
It’s actually not uncommon for people to feel this way (if you don’t believe me just read the comments around this blog and you will soon agree!).
If you fall into this boat then read through this entire post because it will help you understand what is happening and why.
Potential Reasons Your Brows are Too Thick
There are 3 main reasons that your eyebrows may appear to be too thick.
Two of the 3 reasons are very normal and easily fixed (hint: you just need to have patience!) while the other is something that may need correcting.
The bottom line, no matter what the cause of your thick brows is, is that you want to have some patience and try your best not to freak out.
With that in mind let’s discuss the reasons your brows may be too thick or too dark:
#1. They may only appear too thick (Like an optical illusion)
The first and most common reason that your brows are too thick is simply because of what I like to call an optical illusion.
Basically what is happening is that you are seeing your face in a new light, you’ve been used to seeing your brows, to having control over them and suddenly they have changed and it’s a little bit scary.
This change may be caused by a number of reasons:
The first is simply because of the change in the color or the darkness of your brows.
Darkness will change the appearance of the brows without actually changing the width.
Basically your brows may appear to be thicker simply because more attention is drawn to them because of the color.
This is a very normal and common thing that happens after microblading.
Often times the brows are made to be darker than normal because your artist knows that they will naturally fade over time and during the healing process.
Most of the time once the brows lighten up the color fades and your brows will appear more normal.
Just realize that you’ve been looking at your face for years and years and you are accustomed to it looking a certain way.
Once any change occurs it’s absolutely natural for you to instinctively reject that change.
Do your best to just hold out and wait for 2 weeks and everything should be ok.
By the way, this reason accounts for probably 95% of all people who think their brows are too thick.
You can learn more about the healing process including what to expect here.
#2. They may actually be too thick!
This is probably the reason you are most worried about and let me tell you that it does happen from time to time – but don’t freak out!
Sometimes, due to a number of reasons, including how your artist originally shaped your brows, your microbladed brows may actually just be too thick for your face.
This could be because of a mistake, it could be because you wanted to replicate brows of someone else that shouldn’t be on your face or for any other reason.
But again, just like #1 listed above, don’t freak out!
The reason you don’t need to stress too much is because this CAN be fixed in the touch up which you should have in 6-8 weeks.
The good news is that as long as you trust your artist, and they know what they are doing, this can be fixed.
In addition, your brows will most likely fade and become more natural over the following 2 weeks so worst case scenario is that you have to walk around with thick brows for a few weeks.
#3. They may actually be a normal size now
Another potential reason for brow thickness is because your artist did increase the thickness of your brows but he/she did so to match your face.
Sometimes women, again due to a variety of reasons, have thin brows as a starting canvas.
While it is totally up to you to pick the thickness of your brows, the shape and style, sometimes your artist may take artistic liberties to “normalize” your existing brows.
This can cause a freak out for you if you are used to super thin brows and suddenly you have thick brows.
Just like #2 above though, it is definitely fixable.
This one also holds true for people who have medical conditions such as thyroid disease which result in a reduction of your brows.
What to do Next
So what are you supposed to do if you feel that your brows are too thick?
For best results please, please, please listen to the guide below.
The last thing you want to do is make a huge decision such as fading your brows when time may be the only thing you need!
#1. Don’t freak out
The first step is not to freak out.
You may feel that your face isn’t your own or that you don’t feel comfortable in your own skin but just realize that this won’t last forever.
The absolute worst case scenario is that your brows will fade naturally over the next few months and you will be back to normal in that time.
Best case scenario is that your brows will fade slightly and you will absolutely love them.
Before you decide to do anything make sure you follow the next step:
#2. Talk to your artist!
Make sure that you get into contact with your artist.
I promise that they deal with this kind of stuff on a daily basis so they will know exactly what to do.
Your artist may help you understand why your brows are the way that they are, and he/she may be able to guide you further to help determine if they can be fixed at the touch up.
Even if your brows are indeed too thick it most of the time it can completely be reversed or fixed in your touch up.
#3. Wait for the Touch Up
During your touch up (which should be mandatory for people who get their brows done) your artist will be able to re-shape (to some degree) your brows.
This means that they can fix the color, the thickness, the depth, the tail and so on.
But the key is to let your artist know what you are happy with and what you aren’t happy with.
As long as you communicate with your artist they will be able to help you.
If you are absolutely 100% sure that you hate your brows then you can consider fading them early by using certain techniques that I’ve discussed here.
I do not recommend you go through this step because it is so natural for my clients to have a little “freak out” once they see their brows.
This freak out session tends to fade away very quickly though and over a few days as they get used to them.
So don’t run and jump into the fading process unless you are 100% sure.
Your Thoughts?
Microblading your brows can be an amazing experience but it isn’t without its ups and downs.
Having said that please make sure that you don’t make any snap decision regarding whether or not you hate your brows!
Give the healing process some time and TRUST THE PROCESS!
Following these rules will help you get the most out of your brows.
But I want to hear from you:
Are your brows too thick?
Do you love them or hate them?
Leave your comments below!
What to do if your Microblading Didn’t Take
Did you just get microblading done to your brows?
Are you worried that your pigment might be coming out, or that your brows don’t look like they did right after you had the procedure?
This post will go over the main reasons why microblading might not take and the entire healing process!
So you know what’s normal and what isn’t:
Reasons Why Microblading Doesn’t “Take”
There are many reasons why the skin may not accept the pigment or dye after your microblading procedure.
Recall that the microblading procedure is done by making small cuts into the dermal epidermal junction in the skin and placing pigment into the “well” that is created from these cuts.
The body then heals up over the pigment and the pigment remains in the dermal epidermal junction for up to 15 months.
This is what is supposed to happen in a PERFECT world and assuming everything goes the right way.
But what happens if your pigment is coming out during this healing process, what then?
Let’s go over all of the potential reasons this may be happening…
#1. What your experiencing is a normal part of the healing process
Remember that some loss of pigment is a normal part of the healing process!
The best case scenario you can hope for is about 85% pigment retention before your touch up (about 6 weeks after the initial procedure).
That means you might be freaking out from the normal healing process.
Let me give you an example.
You can see an example and picture from the healing process on day 7 vs day 12 below:
On day 7 you might be freaking out thinking that all of the pigment is coming out, when in reality this is completely normal.
Initially your brows are very dark, then they become patchy, then they lighten up.
This cycle can cause an emotional roller coaster – but remember, you have to trust the process!
By day 12 you can see that the majority of the pigment was retained in this client despite what it looked like on day 7.
You can see the entire process in pictures below as well.
#2. Your artist didn’t go deep enough
If it’s been more than 2 weeks and your pigment is gone, then it is most likely NOT normal and related to some other cause.
In this case it may be that your artist did not go deep enough.
In order to get lasting results your artist must go into the dermal epidermal junction.
If the cuts only go into the superficial epidermal layer then your body will basically push out the pigment or dye and it will NOT take.
You know if your artist went the right depth because you will hear a characteristic “tearing” sound in the skin.
There will also be SOME pain (but not a lot).
If this happens to you, you will know it because the pigment will come out as your scabs start to come off and all of the pigment will be gone within 2 weeks.
If this happens to you unfortunately you will need to get the entire procedure done again.
#3. You might have had an infection
Other factors can interfere with the normal healing process and one of those things is an infection.
An infection of the skin will push out the pigment and may result in scarring or other problems.
If you suspect that you have an infection please talk to your artist ASAP!
Most of the time you can prevent small infections from becoming big infections and interfering with the healing process.
Another potential issue which is separate from an infection is a sensitivity to the dye or pigment.
Sensitivities or allergies can act the same way as an infection where your body may reject the pigment and push it out.
Make sure your artist is using a high quality pigment and discusses any allergies you may have BEFORE the procedure! Especially allergies to nickel.
#4. Your artist used the wrong color of dye for your skin tone
It may also be possible that your artist didn’t use the right pigment color for your skin tone.
Using the wrong color can change what the final product looks like and may turn some colors gray.
If this happens the pigment may have taken, but it may look lighter than normal and you may feel like it didn’t “take”.
This ultimately comes down to picking the right artist for you and having a thoughtful discussion with your artist about colors, pigments and dyes prior to the procedure.
#5. You didn’t follow the aftercare instructions!
This is probably the single most important thing on this post!
You HAVE to follow the microblading aftercare instructions EXACTLY.
Talk to your artist about dry healing vs wet healing to determine which will be best for your skin type and make sure you follow their instructions!
Even something as simple as getting wet, putting on the wrong ointment, using a bleaching substance or going out into the sun can seriously impact your results.
I personally use the dry healing process because I think the results are more crisp than other healing types.
But this means that my clients can’t get their brows wet for at least 2 weeks.
That means no swimming or exercising!
Make sure to avoid facial creams and other products like the plague while you are healing.
You can also learn more about proper aftercare instructions in this post.
#6. You were picking your scabs or interfering with the healing process
If you have a tendency to pick at your skin then this one is extremely important.
If you are using the dry healing process then it’s absolutely critical that you do NOT pick your scabs.
Picking off your scabs will prematurely pull the pigment out of the well that we created and will make it look like the procedure didn’t take.
If you have a tendency to pick at your scabs or at your skin then please let your artist know.
It’s also a good idea to use the wet healing process if you fall into this category because scabbing is minimal.
#7. You have oily skin
The final reason your microblading may not take as to do with the amount of oil production in your skin.
Some people naturally produce more oils than others, but what’s important here is that the oil may push out your pigment making your retention less than desirable.
If you have really oily skin make sure to discuss that with your artist so you can determine if it’s worth undergoing the procedure.
In most cases you can deal with the excess oil production and it won’t interfere with your results.
Back to you!
I hope you found this guide helpful!
Remember that some degree of pigment loss is normal (but it should not exceed 30%).
Just make sure to follow the aftercare instructions exactly and keep in contact with your artist if you think something is wrong.
It’s not worth it to sit around waiting when something can be done!
Leave any questions or comments about the healing process below.
Microblading Scabbing: What’s Normal and What Isn’t While Healing
Light scabbing is a normal part of the microblading healing process.
While light scabbing may be normal, heavy scabbing is NOT.
Because the healing process is full of ups and down I’ve created this post about scabbing to help you along the journey.
Learn more about what you should expect in terms of scabbing and how to make sure that your results are 100% perfect below:
What to Expect
Scabbing can be part of the normal healing process after you get your brows microbladed.
What can freak people out is the fact that when a scab comes off it looks like it takes pigment away with it.
This process leaves a “patchy” appearance to the brows.
Because the microblading healing process has its up and downs I’ve had some of my clients take day-by-day pictures to help illustrate this process:
You can see from the process and images above that scabbing starts occurring around day 5 and persists through day 10.
You can see by day 9 that most of the scabs have fallen off revealing a lighter brow and color.
By day 12 you can see that the brows have lightened and softened up considerably, but they are no longer patchy.
You can also see that the pigment has retained (about 85%).
This is the normal microblading and scabbing healing process.
But let me take a few minutes to answer some basic questions that might help you out:
Why does scabbing occur?
Scabbing is simply a normal part of the healing process.
Microblading requires me (and other artists) to make a small cut into the skin to the level of the dermal epi-dermal junction.
This is the perfect place to set the pigment for lasting results, but also not deep enough to cause scarring or a permanent tattoo.
Scabbing results as part of the normal healing process.
But what if your strokes go too deep?
While some scabbing is normal, heavy scabbing is not.
We will go over this in the infection section below, but for now let me just say that hitting that “sweet” spot is required for optimal results and going too deep may cause deep scabbing.
Is it ok if the scabs fall off?
It is ok as long as the scabs come off NATURALLY and on their own.
While the scabbing process is normal, your scabs may take some of your pigment with them as they fall off.
This is the main reason that you shouldn’t pick your scabs.
Picking your scabs may result in a loss of pigment that may need to be re-applied.
If you have a tendency to “pick” scabs or wounds, then you need to disclose this information to your stylist because they may change your healing process.
How long does the scabbing last?
The entire scabbing process should only last about 5-7 days.
It usually doesn’t start until around day 5 and continues till around day 12.
If you had shading done to your brows in addition to microblading then the scabbing process might start earlier and last a little bit later.
Likewise, if your scabbing is very intense or becomes red/inflamed then it may be an early warning or sign of a developing infection (more on that below).
Should I pick my scabs?
Absolutely not!
Under no circumstances should you be picking or pulling at your scabs.
If you pick off your scabs then you may pull out the pigment along with the scab and then you will run the risk of losing all of the hard work you went through with your first visit.
You MUST let your scabs fall off naturally (no matter how gross it may look or feel!).
If you have an issue with picking scabs/skin/etc. then please let your stylist know prior to your appointment.
Scabbing with dry healing vs ointment healing:
Scabbing using the dry healing method tends to be more noticeable and slightly worse than ointment healing.
My opinion is that dry healing results in a more crisp and beautiful result, but it also requires more patience during the healing process.
Ointment healing usually has less scabbing but your brows may not look quite as crisp.
What if my eyebrows look patchy?
Your brows WILL look patchy throughout the healing process.
And this is NORMAL.
If your brows look patchy and abnormal or uneven after day 12-14 then that is abnormal.
You can see from the picture above that once all the scabs fall off you should still have normal and non patchy brows.
It’s not uncommon for your brows to fade slightly prior to your touch up (this is normal).
On average most people retain about 85% of their brows after their first appointment as long as they follow all of the aftercare instructions.
People who pick their scabs off prematurely may only have a 40-50% retention (which means you may need to start back over).
What if my brows don’t stay after the healing process?
If your brows didn’t “stick” or stay on after the entire healing process then your artist may not have gone deep enough to hit that sweet spot in the dermal epidermal junction.
This is assuming that you followed the aftercare instructions to the “T”.
If your brows didn’t stick after the initial visit then they will need to be re-applied during your touch up visit.
Normal Scabbing vs Infection
While some scabbing is normal you should not be experiencing heavy scabbing.
If you find that your brows are red and inflamed after day 5 with heavy scabbing then you may be developing an infection.
You can read more about evaluating your brows for infection by clicking here.
Infections may also reduce your pigment retention and they need to be treated quickly.
Normal scabbing should be light and flaky.
If your scabbing is heavy, red, inflamed or expresses a discolored pus then these are signs of an early infection.
If you develop this symptoms make sure to call your stylist immediately!
How to Retain your Pigment & Your Results
Remember that as long as you follow your aftercare instructions and avoid picking your scabs off your healing should be PERFECT.
Just make sure that you trust the process and you trust your stylist.
Make sure that you use your intuition during the healing process.
If something feels “off” or doesn’t feel “right” then please reach out to your stylist for further direction.
It’s really easy to snap a picture and send it to them for further evaluation.
It’s worth the small time and effort to ensure that you have perfect brows.
Leave any questions you have about scabbing or the healing process below!
– Kat
The Entire Microblading Healing Process Day-by-Day (with Pictures)
The microblading healing process is filled with ups and downs, no question about it.
But don’t let it scare you:
During the healing process it is NORMAL to experience some scabbing, some patching and even some loss of pigment.
I will walk you through what the process looks like day-by-day including pictures along the way.
This will help visualize what is normal and what isn’t:
The Entire Microblading Healing Process Day by Day
One thing that freaks out my clients is the fact that some scabbing and “flaking” of the pigment is actually quite normal.
Unfortunately it may look like your brows are coming completely off, but don’t let it freak you out because some of it is normal.
Because of this confusing process I’ve created an outline to help you understand what is normal and what isn’t (including daily pictures of the process):
Day 1: I LOVE MY NEWS BROWS! Your brows are fresh, perfect and brand new. What’s not to love?
<img alt=”Microblading healing days 1 through 14″ style=”width: 600px” src=”//browsandbody.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Microblading-healing-days-1-through-14-e1490482015629.jpg” width=”600″ height=”600″ data-attachment-id=”477″>
(You can see how the brows become “patchy” as some scabbing occurs and scabs flake off. During this period it is CRITICAL that you do NOT pick off the scabs because you run the risk of pulling the pigment out.)
Day 2-4: “These are way too dark and thick.” Your brows will actually get darker over this period of time, but don’t freak out! They will lighten again.
Day 5-8: During these days your brows may be flaking and scabbing off. Make sure to NOT pick or remove the scabs or you may inadvertently remove some of your pigment!
Day 9-10: “My brows have completely fallen off!!” Your brows will appear like they are completely gone during this time, but don’t worry – they will still be there! And this is also why it’s important to have your touch up.
Days 11-28: “My brows are coming back but they are patchy!” Your brows will appear to be patch and incomplete during this part of the healing process. Most of these patches will fill in over time but if for some reason some area doesn’t take the touch up will help fill the gap so to speak.
Day 42 (after touch up): “These are better than I could have ever imagined!!!” And now you are back to the way you felt after the first day Trust me when I say that this is a real cycle.
That is basically the process in a nut shell!
As you can see there are definitely lots of up’s and down’s that occur, and if you aren’t ready for them they can definitely cause some stress.
But don’t worry, as long as you listen to the aftercare instructions and follow them to a “T” you won’t have any long term issues.
I will go over my recommendations to get amazing brows below but I want to show you another picture that can further outline what the finished product will look like.
<img alt=”Microblading healing process 7 weeks” style=”width: 600px” src=”//browsandbody.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Microblading-healing-process-7-weeks-e1490481761634.jpg” width=”600″ height=”600″ data-attachment-id=”473″>
This picture outlines the difference between the initial visit (healed after 7 weeks) and the final product (after the touchup).
Remember that the majority of the pigment gets “glued in” long term after your touch up. (The touch up is required for your brows to stay semi permanent up to 15 months)
One of the benefits of the touch up is to fill in any gaps that may get pulled out as a result of scabbing.
The most important thing you can do is set your expectations up early and TRUST your artist!
It is absolutely critical that you follow your aftercare instructions and trust in your artist to get the best possible result.
Is Scabbing normal after the first visit?
YES!
Scabbing is definitely a normal part of the healing process.
I’m a big fan of dry healing (I think it’s better than ointment healing and you can read about why here).
Ointment healing results in a more crisp and defined brow when everything is said and done, but there is the issue of scabbing.
When using the ointment healing process some of the scabs are “covered” and are less likely to be “picked” off of your face.
The dry healing results in more scabbing (which is ok), but can be more tempting for people that have a tendency to “pick” them off.
Scabbing usually starts around day 5 (after your initial visit) and persists through day 10.
As the scabs naturally fall off it may look like your brow becomes “patchy”.
This is OKAY. Don’t let it freak you out.
Don’t worry if it looks patchy, it will only be temporary.
As long as you don’t pick the scabs off any pigment that is loosened in this process can be reapplied during the touch up.
Why you shouldn’t “pick” your microblading scabs:
The microblading pigment is placed in a shallow well in your brows.
The scabbing and healing process can adhere to the pigment and if you pick it off you are literally pulling the pigment off of your face in the process.
This can basically undo all of the initial work and may result in a longer visit.
If you let the skin heal naturally it will “let go” of the pigment through the process.
It is normal that about 10-15% of the pigment will fall out or fade during the initial healing process, but can be re-applied during the touch up.
(Video of the microblading healing process and what brows look like after 85%+ retention by following all of the after care instructions.)
Microbladed Brows 6 Months Later
I know what your next question will be:
Do the brows actually stay on long term?
The answer is yes, they do!
As long as you follow the aftercare instructions you will get your reward:
Long last perfect brows! (example below)
<img alt=”Microblading healing process 6 months healed” style=”width: 600px” src=”//browsandbody.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Microblading-healing-process-6-months-healed-1-e1490481963115.jpg” width=”600″ height=”600″ data-attachment-id=”476″>
This picture shows you the difference between fresh microbladed brows and what brows look like 6 months later.
The average length that brows last ranges from 9 to 15 months.
The two biggest factors for brow longevity include:
- Ability to adhere to the microclading aftercare instructions
- Getting in for your touch up within 6 weeks after your initial visit
As long as you do these two things you will ensure that your brows will last.
Some other factors that are out of your control may limit the longevity of your brows, but these aren’t under your control.
Things like: how much oil your skin produces, your hormones and your genetics.
Because you can’t change these factors it’s important to focus on what you CAN change.
Emotional hoops you might go through during the healing process
The physical part of healing is only part of the journey.
Because your brows are such a huge part of your self confidence (in some women) there is also an emotional component that many women go through as they heal.
This is also normal, and I’ve attempted to go over this in detail below:
#1.
Your brows will get much darker and thicker from the time you leave until around day 5.
Be prepared for your brows to look harsh and possibly unnatural during this time period.
If you have a spouse or significant other tell them before hand to keep comments to themselves because even though you’ll know they will heal better it can still be hard since the brows are on YOUR face.
You’ve seen my healed pictures so be patient and know they will look perfect with time!
#2.
After the darkness wears off you’ll start scabbing and flaking, and underneath your skin it’s going to look like there is no pigment left.
Don’t worry: it’s still there and it comes back in with time.
Your skin’s healing process is just that… a process.
You did not go through that entire process for it to all be gone at day 7.
As long as you are following aftercare instructions to the T you have nothing to worry about.
#3.
Around week 3 and 4 when your skin is closer to being complete healed you will notice there are some patches and strokes that didn’t retain as they should have.
Just realize that it’s impossible to get your brows perfect on the first visit.
Which is why everyone needs to have their touch up:
Any missing pieces or strokes we want to fill in will be done at the touch up so please make sure you make this appointment a priority as well.
Without it your brows won’t ever be completely “done”.
At this point (even around week 2 when you are completely scab free) you can put eyebrow makeup on to help even out any missing strokes.
Microblading Do’s and Don’ts
DO’s
- Do only use a baby wipe to touch them
- Do avoid brow area while you wash your face
- Do sleep on your back if possible
- Do put small bandaids on the ends if you are a side sleeper
- Do keep them as BONE DRY as possible
DON’Ts
- Do NOT get them wet
- Do NOT touch them for 24 hours
- Do NOT sweat or workout
- Do NOT put ointment, lotions or makeup on them
- Do NOT stay in direct sunlight or go to a tanning bed
- Do NOT pick, itch or rub your brows
- Do NOT have hair touching your brows (bangs)
- Do NOT use benzoyl peroxide, salicyclic acid, or retinoids
- Do NOT use a sauna
Following these basic Do’s and Dont’s will help you achieve the best results possible.
Remember that during this healing process your worst enemy is anything that can get into your brows and up root the pigment.
That means things like sweat, lotions, creams, etc.
Stay away from these as your brows heal.
Another important factor, which is somewhat out of your control, is infection.
Infection can cause issues with pigment retention but shouldn’t be a big problem if you follow the aftercare instructions.
You can read more about microblading infection by clicking here.
Back to you:
Remember that the microblading healing process takes time and requires a fair amount of patience and trust on your part!
But trust me when I say that it will all be worth it.
But I want to hear from you.
Did you have any issues with the healing process? Did your scabbing or flaking freak you out?
Leave your comments below!
Microblading Aftercare – Do’s and Don’ts + Instructions for Best Results
Following your microblading aftercare instructions is incredibly important for best results!
If you don’t follow the instructions 100% you risk reducing the length of your results and may increase your risk of infection.
Use these guidelines for the BEST possible results after your microblading procedure:
Microblading After Care Do’s and Don’ts
DO’s
- Do only use a baby wipe to touch them
- Do avoid brow area while you wash your face
- Do sleep on your back if possible
- Do put small bandaids on the ends if you are a side sleeper
- Do keep them as BONE DRY as possible
DON’Ts
- Do NOT get them wet
- Do NOT touch them for 24 hours
- Do NOT sweat or workout
- Do NOT put ointment, lotions or makeup on them
- Do NOT stay in direct sunlight or go to a tanning bed
- Do NOT pick, itch or rub your brows
- Do NOT have hair touching your brows (bangs)
- Do NOT use benzoyl peroxide, salicyclic acid, or retinoids
- Do NOT use a sauna
By following these simple steps you can and will enjoy long lasting perfect brows.
Just make sure to follow them as close to 100% as possible.
The last thing you want is to spend the 3 hours getting your brows microbladed and then have your results reduced by several months because you wanted to put some make up on or something similar!
I also recommend that you account for the healing process and make sure you don’t have any important dates such as pictures, weddings, etc. during the time you will be healing.
Because the healing process can change day by day, I’ve also included a walk through of what to expect and how long it takes to heal below:
<img alt=”Cindy shaping and after microblading” style=”width: 600px” src=”//browsandbody.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Cindy-shaping-and-after-microblading-e1490141202526.jpg” width=”600″ height=”600″ data-attachment-id=”238″>
Day-by-Day Healing Guide & Walk Through
Your microblading healing process can definitely have its ups and downs.
The color may change over time as you heal and as your body accepts the pigment, but trust me when I say you will LOVE your results.
Use this guide so you know that what you are experiencing IS normal and everyone goes through something similar…
Day 1: I LOVE MY NEWS BROWS! Your brows are fresh, perfect and brand new. What’s not to love?
Day 2-4: “These are way too dark and thick.” Your brows will actually get darker over this period of time, but don’t freak out! They will lighten again.
Day 5-8: During these days your brows may be flaking and scabbing off. Make sure to NOT pick or remove the scabs or you may inadvertently remove some of your pigment!
Day 9-10: “My brows have completely fallen off!!” Your brows will appear like they are completely gone during this time, but don’t worry – they will still be there! And this is also why it’s important to have your touch up.
Days 11-28: “My brows are coming back but they are patchy!” Your brows will appear to be patch and incomplete during this part of the healing process. Most of these patches will fill in over time but if for some reason some area doesn’t take the touch up will help fill the gap so to speak.
Day 42 (after touch up): “These are better than I could have ever imagined!!!” And now you are back to the way you felt after the first day 🙂 Trust me when I say that this is a real cycle.
Stick with it though and your results will be amazing:
<img alt=”Bailey before and after 6 months healed” style=”width: 600px” src=”//browsandbody.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Bailey-before-and-after-6-months-healed-e1490398160186.jpg” width=”600″ height=”600″ data-attachment-id=”365″>
Now that you have some idea what to expect let’s talk about the importance of aftercare and how it will impact your results.
In addition we will go over some of the variations to aftercare and how they may impact your results:
Is aftercare important?
After care is the most important part of the whole service!
The reason is simple:
I can create a beautiful brow but without the proper aftercare your healing and color retention may be less than optimal.
The microblading process requires that I only “scratch” the surface between the dermal and epidermal junction.
This means the depth is not as deep as with a regular tattoo.
There is a sweet spot that must be reached in order for the pigment to be properly placed, if the depth is too shallow the pigment won’t retain.
On the flip side, if I go too deep then we may risk scarring or getting discoloration from the pigment.
Since the pigment isn’t embedded deeply into your skin there are many factors that try to “push” the pigment back to the surface.
That is why I tell my clients they must undergo “dry healing”.
Dry healing is just that:
Healing without the use of any ointments, water, steam, sweat, moisterizers, skin oils, etc.
When I say dry I mean it: BONE DRY.
The reason is that these oils, creams, lotions, etc. will all be trying to get into your microblading wells and push out the pigment (reducing your results).
If you are working out and sweating your sweat will get into the wells we created and try to push the pigment out.
When water gets into your brows from your shower its loosening the pigment and again trying to take its place.
Even your natural facial oils are not ideal during the healing process, but they are a necessary part of the normal healing process.
While I know it is a complete pain in the butt to avoid water during the healing process I promise it will result in the beautiful brows you are looking for.
<img alt=”laurel split screen microblade before and after” style=”width: 600px” src=”//browsandbody.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/laurel-split-screen-microblade-before-after-e1490133573739.jpg” width=”600″ height=”600″ data-attachment-id=”161″>
Why do some technicians do ointment healing and some do dry healing?
I think some of this depends on your training and your preference.
I personally was trained to do aquaphor healing but have since switched to dry healing so I have experience with both.
I did some more research as I started doing my own clients and found the other technicians I admired had crisper and more pigmented results after their clients were completely healed.
While ointment healing with aquaphor can still create beautiful results I believe that dry healing results in the best and most crisp microbladed brows.
When you have ointment on your brows it can:
#1- Sometimes push the pigment out…
#2- And potentially blurs the strokes a little as they heal.
I have found that dry healing brings my clients back for their touchup with an 80-95% retention rate! (which is amazing).
Yes there are always exceptions and I will have a rare client do aquaphor healing but if you come to me be prepared to avoid water like the plague and endure dry healing.
What can I expect with dry healing?
You can expect them to get thicker and darker for the first 4-6 days.
After that they will start to crack and flake.
DO NOT PICK THEM!
If they are barely hanging on and come off that’s okay but if you are using any force at all you are literally pulling the pigment back out of your brows and risk scarring.
They will probably go through an itchy stage but don’t hate me for this because I promise that once you can wake up with them healed you will be so happy you got this done!
As the scabs/flakes are coming off you might feel like all the color is gone too.
Don’t worry:
The pigment is NOT gone and will come back as it heals.
There might be some patchy areas here and there (average retention is about 85%) but we will fill in any gaps during the touch up.
Emotional Healing
The healing process isn’t limited to just physical healing.
Some people don’t even think about the emotional process that goes on during this time period.
Some people handle it completely fine and some people cry and wonder what in the world they did to their brows.
Just know IT. IS. COMPLETELY. NORMAL.
After your brows are done they get darker and more full for a while then start flaking off leaving them “patchy” and light.
Please please don’t judge your brows until they are completely healed.
Even before your touchup they will still need some tweaking to make them perfect and this is normal.
I’ve had clients cry tears of joy after the initial appointment but I’ve also had some clients cry during the healing process wondering if they made a mistake.
I am not writing this part to scare you, but to educate you that you aren’t the only one freaking out.
It is a complete process but so worth it in the end.
My clients have said it has boosted confidence in so many ways and their only regret is that they didn’t do it sooner.
Back to you
As long as you follow the aftercare instructions to the letter you will have amazing results.
Remember that this is probably the single most important part of the entire microblading process so make sure to follow it!
As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
– Kat
How Long Does Microblading Last? & How to Get Lasting Results!
There’s no question that microblading can add a vibrant change to your brows.
But the question is:
How long will it last? and is it worth your time?
The results last anywhere from 9 to 15 months depending on several factors which makes the 3-4 hours it takes to place the brows worth it for sure.
As someone who does microblading I have to answer with the obvious YES it’s so worth it! But allow me to explain why:
More…
How to make sure you get lasting results
One of the biggest advantages to doing microblading is that you get all of the advantages of a tattoo without the permanent aspect.
That’s why microblading is considered to be semi-permanent.
And by semi-permanent I mean it lasts about 9 to 15 months.
The microblading procedure involves placing pigment in the dermal/epidermal junction which makes the pigment stay there, but not forever.
One of the benefits of not going as deep as a tattoo is the fact that it WILL eventually fade over time. Which can be helpful if you decide you don’t want to continue with the brows after 1-2 years or decide you want to change colors.
Another reason it’s beneficial for your brows to fade is as we age gravity plays a roll in our skin, so we don’t want brows on our face that fit us in our 20’s but in our 60’s is too low. We can keep changing the shape as your face and style changes.
You can see a perfect example below:
This client started with a small amount of natural brows but we were able to create basically a whole new set in a matter of hours.
But how can she maintain these amazing results?
I’ve included a list of recommendations which can help make your brows last as long as possible:
- Make sure to follow ALL of the aftercare instructions
- Avoid sunlight during the healing process
- Make sure to come in for your touch up within 6 weeks (do NOT forget this part, it is very important for long term results)
- Avoid placing any makeup over your brows while healing
- Make sure to continue with waxing every 6-8 weeks to maintain your brow shape after your procedure
- During the healing process make sure to eat as healthy as possible and consume as much water as possible to maintain hydration of the skin (you can also consider supplements to boost the healing process as well)
By following these simple rules you can dramatically increase the longevity of your results.
If you don’t follow these rules then you will still have results, but they may fade sooner than you anticipate.
For instance, your brows may fade in 6 to 9 months instead of 9 to 15 months.
What will reduce your results:
What factors will reduce the length of your results?
Some factors are in your control, and others may not be.
Factors within your control:
- Nutritional status (vitamin status and how healthy you eat can influence how you heal)
- Hydration of the skin (meaning you want to be drinking PLENTY of water)
- How closely you follow aftercare instructions (avoiding make up, sun, lotion, etc. on the wound while it is healing
- Smoking (smoking will reduce healing time and make your pigment fade quickly, please avoid smoking during the healing process)
Factors outside of your control:
- The age of your skin (older skin tends to retain pigment less than younger skin)
- Oily skin (the more oily the skin the shorter the results will last)
- Excessive sun damage
- Genetics and issues with immune function
- Hormone imbalances such as hypothyroidism or estrogen dominance can impact pigmentation of the skin
- Medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
- High levels of stress
By following the recommendations above and by controlling the factors listed in this section you can make your results last for as long as possible.
You can see an example of a client who followed all of the aftercare instructions perfectly below who also has very oily skin:
In the middle section you can see before her touch up that she retained about 85% of her pigment, but there is a huge difference in her brows after her touch up.
This is why being on time for your touch up within 6 weeks of your first appointment is so critical for lasting results.
How Long will Microblading Last Without the Touch up?
The touch-up is an extra procedure which actually helps solidify your shape and helps the procedure last a significant amount of time.
But what if you don’t want the touch-up or what if you can’t afford the touch up? What then?
Well, unfortunately that will definitely reduce the amount of time that your brows will last.
If you do NOT get the touch up then you can expect that your brows will probably only last anywhere from 2-6 months (depending on other factors such as oil production as so on).
So compare the 12-15 months WITH the touch up to the 2-6 months WITHOUT the touch up.
Because this difference is so big I recommend that if you are serious about getting your brows microbladed that you always get the touch up.
What if I want my Brows to Fade?
But what if you want your brows to fade?
What if you don’t like your brows or are unhappy with your results?
Will they still last the 12-15 months?
The answer is yes and no.
If you are unhappy with your results and actually WANT to fade them, then you can take several steps to help this process along.
By using certain steps, which I’ve outlined here, you can reduce the time that the pigment stays in your skin by months.
You can usually help your body push out the pigment over the course of 3-6 months depending on how aggressive you want to be.
I don’t recommend that you jump into this though unless you are 100% certain that you DON’T love your brows!
So make sure you understand what you are getting into if you decide to fade them quickly.
Make sure to find YOUR microblading artist
As always, if you plan on getting your brows microbladed make sure you find the perfect stylist for YOU.
Make sure you look at their work and you find that their style fits your needs.
If you have questions about microblading, about getting results or about my process please leave your questions below!
I am happy to help guide you, even if it is to another stylist.
Microblading Infection: Signs & Symptoms + What to look out for
Having an infection is a rare but potentially serious side effect from getting the microblading procedure done.
You should know that there is a small risk (around 1-3%) that you may have an infection after your procedure.
Most of the time these infections can be treated with over the counter antibiotics that can be topically placed on your skin.
In some serious cases you may need antibiotics, learn more about when you should and shouldn’t be concerned below:
More…
Quick NavigationSigns & Symptoms you may have an infectionOver the counter treatment optionsWatch out for Nickel reaction and RashesNever microblade over a wound, cut, burn or rash! When to see a Doctor
What is “normal” after the microblading procedure?
When talking about an infection it’s important to realize what is normal after your procedure and what is abnormal.
What is considered normal after you procedure?
- Some slight redness or swelling around the eyebrows (swelling that continues beyond 2-3 days may be an early sign of an infection)
- Some tenderness of your eyebrows that may last 2-3 days
- Scabbing of the eyebrows that may last up to 7 days
- Peeling of the skin or darkening of the pigment used
<img class=”tve_image” alt=”Nichole progress picture before and after” style=”width: 640px” src=”//browsandbody.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Nichole-progress-picture-before-and-after.jpg” width=”640″ height=”640″ data-attachment-id=”229″ scale=”0″>
(From the picture above you can see the redness directly around the site of the microbladed brow. Some redness immediately after the procedure is normal but it should subside very soon thereafter.)
These are considered normal changes to your skin after the procedure.
Remember that the microblading procedure does enter into the skin at the dermal-epidermal junction and any procedure that breaks the skin does require healing time.
Likewise any procedure that breaks that skin also carries with it a small risk of infection.
The biggest risk is developing a deep infection of the skin which turns into a condition known as “cellulitis“.
Cellulitis refers to an infection of the inner layer of the skin that can spread if not treated appropriately.
Most infections after your microblading procedure will be limited and can be treated with topical antibiotic creams.
If you do develop cellulitis, however, you will probably need antibiotic treatment.
This condition is hard to miss if you know what you are looking for and we will go over those symptoms below.
But first:
What should you do if you suspect that you have an infection?
The first thing you should do if you think you may have an infection is contact your microblader.
Each microblading artist (much like a Tattoo artist) should have a procedure on how to approach a possible infection.
This includes their recommended topical treatments or referral to a Doctor if necessary.
If they don’t have a procedure to follow then please consider using the recommendations that I use on my clients.
It’s important to note that infections are still VERY rare (in my experience about 1% or 1 in 100 people) but should be treated if you suspect it.
To date I have never had a client have an infection that required the use of oral antibiotics, but I have some some clients who do need temporary use of topical antibiotics.
Signs & Symptoms you may have an infection
Generally you will know if you are developing an infection based on your symptoms.
Below I will go over the most common symptoms on an early infection:
- Odor coming from your eyebrow
- Discharge that may be a greenish/brownish color
- Tenderness when touching(please avoid touching your eyebrows after the procedure!)
- Redness around the procedure site but not extending beyond it
These symptoms are early signs of an infection and may indicate an infection is starting.
At this stage you should contact your microblader and consider the use of topical antibiotics.
If the infection continues it may develop into a more serious infection with these type of symptoms:
- Swelling that extends into the eyelids or other places on the face
- Redness that extends beyond the eyebrow and up into the scalp or cheek area
- Warmth when touching the red areas
- Tenderness and/or pain to your face/eyebrows
- Fever or chills or increase in sweating (signs that suggest you have a systemic infection)
If you start to develop any of these worsening signs then you should see a Doctor ASAP.
These are early signs that you may be developing facial cellulitis and you may need oral or IV antibiotics.
Again, most of these symptoms can be treated as long as you catch it early, but you need to be aware of them.
Over the counter treatment options
If you are noticing the early signs of infection then you should consider using an antibiotic cream.
It’s also important to use other strategies to increase healing time and reduce the risk of developing cellulitis or a worsening infection.
Consider these tips if you have an early infection:
- Consider using an antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin (this is what I use if my clients have issues). Bacitracin will treat the most common skin pathogens such as staph and strep (even MRSA) and does not include ointments that can irritate the skin. This is the ointment that I use.
- Avoid using triple antibiotic ointment like neosporin which contains neomycin that approximately 1 in 10 people react to with a rash (that’s a LOT of people).
- Avoid covering up the microbladed brow with creams and gels such as vaseline or other emollients which can trap in heat and keep an infection in the wound (remember bacteria dies in the presence of oxygen)
- Consider using a cold pack on your eyebrows to reduce swelling and heat, this can also help alleviate some of the pain/tenderness
- Keep the area clean! Avoid using makeup or other topical agents (besides the antibiotic) on your skin/wound
Using these tips will allow your brows to heal quickly and should prevent the spread or worsening infection.
Watch out for Nickel reaction and Rashes
Another important consideration is that some clients may be allergic to the pigment that you place in their skin.
Reactions to pigment usually come from Nickel and should be discussed prior to your appointment (this should be on the waiver form and each microblader should go over this with the client).
People who have nickel allergies usually know it and will ask, but you should always double check.
A reaction to nickel looks like a rash or almost like a mini burn (image below):
<img class=”tve_image” alt=”Nickel reaction and allergy to microblading” style=”width: 441px” src=”//browsandbody.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Nickel-reaction-and-allergy-to-microblading.png” width=”441″ height=”234″ data-attachment-id=”286″ scale=”0″>
Rashes can create a site for infection but do not necessarily mean you have an infection if they flare up as noted above.
But because the facial area is so important it’s critical that you get evaluation by a Doctor if you notice swelling or redness like the picture above.
Never microblade over a wound, cut, burn or rash!
Remember:
If you have a wound, cut, burn or rash please push back your microblading appointment.
It is ok to microblade over a scar (as long as it is healed) but you should never microblade over a wound in the skin.
This will dramatically increase your risk of infection.
I have had several clients have to push back their appointments due to issues with cuts and/or burns from things like curling irons.
Just make sure that your canvas is pristine before your procedure!
When to see a Doctor
The bottom line is to always be safe.
If you notice something has changed or worsened quickly please make sure you seek medical attention.
Infections of the face can be very dangerous and should be treated with respect.
As long as you follow the proper guidelines you can reduce your risk of infection dramatically!
And remember that most clients tolerate the procedure VERY well and most clients do not end up with an infection.
Now it’s your turn:
Are you experiencing issues after your microblading appointment?
Do you have the early signs of an infection?
Leave any comments or questions below!