PMU Prep, expectations & Aftercare

You'll get great results when you properly prep. It all starts with a good canvas! The procedure area must be healthy, strong, non-sensitive and non-irritated. Here’s how to get ready...

• Do not pick/tweeze/wax/tint or perform electrolysis one week before the procedure
• Do not tan two weeks prior or have sunburned face/skin. Email us at least 48 hours prior to your appointment to reschedule. 
• Do not have any type of facial 2 weeks prior to treatment. Avoid chemical peels at least 4 weeks prior to your appointment.
• Do not work out the day of the procedure.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, or any blood thinning medication 24 hours prior to your appointment to avoid excessive bleeding and poor color deposit.
• 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.  

• 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.
• Plan your vacations and holidays accordingly. It is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 10 days after the procedure due to the aftercare maintenance.

Immediately following your procedure, the tattooed area will appear darker and bolder in color and sharpness. This will last for 3-4 days. Do not panic! It is completely 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. 

The day of the treatment: Absorb

Gently blot the area with a clean tissue to absorb excess lymph fluid. Do this every 5 minutes for the full day until oozing has stopped.  Removing this fluid prevents hardening of the lymph.

Days 1-7: Wash

Wash daily to remove bacteria and dead skin. (Don't worry...THIS DOES NOT REMOVE THE PIGMENT!)

Gently wash the tattooed area each morning and night with water and an antibacterial soap (Cetaphil or Neutrogena). With a very light touch, use your fingertips to gently cleanse the affected area. Rub the area in a smooth motion for 10 seconds and rinse with water ensuring that all soap is rinsed away. To dry, gently pat with a clean tissue. DO NOT use any cleansing products containing acids (glycolic, lactic, or AHA), or any exfoliants.  

Days 1-7: Moisturize

Apply a pea size amount of aftercare ointment with a cotton swab and spread it across the tattooed area. Do not over-apply, this will suffocate your skin and delay healing. The ointment should be barely noticeable on the skin. Never put the ointment on a wet or damp tattoo.

Important Reminders

• Use a fresh pillowcase
• Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. Picking can cause scarring or loss of color
• No facials, botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks
• Avoid hot, sweaty exercise for one week
• Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 4 weeks after the procedure. Wear a hat when outdoors.
• Avoid heavy sweating and long hot showers for the first 10 days.
• Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days
• Avoid swimming, lakes, hot tubs for the first 10 days
• Avoid topical makeup including sunscreen on the area
• DO NOT rub, pick or scratch the treated area.
  

Remember, with the proper prep and aftercare routine you will have much better results with your microblading procedure. Don’t forget your new favourite acronym: AWM - Absorb, Wash, Moisturize!

Important note about showering:

Limit your showers to 5 minutes so you do not create too much steam. Keep your face/procedure area out of the water while you wash your body, then, at the end of your shower, wash your hair. Your face, or procedure area, should only be getting wet at the very last end of the shower. Avoid excessive rinsing and hot water on the treated area.