Is Microblading Painful?

This is the first question clients usually ask. The answer is that the pain is minimal!

We use a topical lidocaine anesthetic to numb the skin before beginning to microblade. We may use it again during the microblading session if needed. Most clients feel minimal discomfort during the procedure. 

Those who feel slight discomfort during the microblading procedure associate the feeling with the blade of the microblading pen scraping across their brow.

Some clients, on the other hand, feel no discomfort at all.

In fact, some clients have actually taken naps during their microblading session.

It all really depends on each person's threshold for pain, whether the client is on their menstrual cycle, whether they routinely or frequently use harsh chemicals for their skincare, etc. 

Whatever the case is, it is essential to relax and stay still during the procedure. Even if you don't take a nap, just relax, we got you.

Can microblading cover my scar or previous eyebrow tattoo?

Yes, microblading and all other brow techniques offered here can cover minor scars or previous eyebrow tattoos or microblading procedures that have faded.

Please contact us first to send us a photo so we can determine whether you are a good candidate for Microblading or if another technique is recommended for your cover-up or correction.

How Long Do Microblading Treatments Last?

Microblading, microblading combo, Ombre brows generally last 1 to 2 years. There are two appointments that go with each service. The first appointment and the touch-up.

After both procedures are completed (first + touch-up),  results can typically last 1-2 years before needing another touch-up.

Various factors like skin type and skincare routine affect the longevity of microblading and microshading treatments. About 10% or less of those who undergo one of these procedures will need to get another touch-up sooner than a year.

Can I Get Microblading or Any Other Procedures Done While Pregnant or Nursing?

Although there has been little scientific medical research done on this topic since microblading is relatively new, our policy is that we do not perform microblading or shading during pregnancy or nursing.

Who should avoid Microblading procedures, like Ombre brows or Microblading combo sessions?

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there are many cases where we don't recommend microblading procedures. Sometimes microblading, or microshading just isn't the right answer. 

In other cases we just don't condone, nor will we perform microblading procedures under certain circumstances. Below you'll find a non-comprehensive list of reasons to avoid microblading.

  • If you are under 18 years old, we will not perform microblading on you even with a consent form.
  • If you are pregnant or nursing.
  • If you have skin conditions on or near eyebrows. This includes rashes, eczema, etc. Minor scars are ok, as microblading can successfully cover most scars.
  • If you have had JUVÉDERM® or other fillers recently done in the area, you must wait at least 6 weeks and we may request a note from your doctor first. If you plan on getting fillers or JUVÉDERM® in the eyebrow area please get microblading done first.
  • If you are prone to post-inflammatory hypopigmentation or keloids.
  • Those with transmittable blood conditions like HIV or Hepatitis.
  • Those with hemophilia.
  • Those who are taking blood thinning medicines.
  • Those with active skin cancer in the eyebrow area.
  • Those who have healing disorders.
  • Those who have uncontrolled high blood pressure or had mitral valve disorder.
  • Those on any skin medication like ro-accutane and/or steroids which thin and make the skin more sensitive , AHA’s or any OTC creams and lotions for exfoliating, anti-aging, tone correcting and fading – these products may discolor your microbladed eyebrows. Please keep these away from the eyebrow area. Please wait 6 months after getting off any prescription medication for your skin before scheduling your appointment.
  •  If you are going through chemotherapy, we will request a doctor’s note before we can work with you to perform any of our microblading procedures.

Is Your Facility Clean?

Yes, we use only disposable tools and we are up to date with OSHA standards of sanitation and cleanliness, as well as all the licenses and regulations for the state of California. 

I, your Microblading artist is also Blood-borne Pathogens certified.

Before Your Appointment

There are some restrictions before your microblading or microshading appointment to ensure your skin is in optimal condition for the microblading procedure:

  • NO caffeine 24 hours before the procedure.
  • NO alcohol 24 hours before the procedure.
  • NO vitamin E, Ibuprofen, fish oils, niacin, aspirin, unless medically necessary, 48-72 hours prior to your appointment (Tylenol is  ok).
  • Make sure you don't schedule your appointment if you are on your menstrual cycle as you will feel more pain and bleed more.
  •  Avoid exercising the day of the procedure as physical exertion expands your pores.
  • Avoid extensive sun exposure and waxing at least 3 days before your appointment.
  • Avoid the following treatments within 4 weeks of your appointment:
    • laser treatments,
    • facials,
    • Botox or other fillers and chemicals peels.
    • Also avoid any fading/acne/anti-aging creams for at least 2 weeks.

What Should I Expect During My Appointment?

A typical appointment lasts from 2 to 3 hours depending on the amount of work that needs to be done.

A touch up appointment lasts from 1 to 2 hours depending on how your microbladed eyebrows healed. This is the perfect time to add a little more thickness to your eyebrows or choose a darker color if desired.

It’s important to understand before your appointment that the final results can only be seen after two appointments, some people may need additional touch-ups.

While you will see great results immediately after the first procedure, little parts of the eyebrows may naturally slough off during the healing process or the color may heal slightly lighter.

Results depend on each client’s undertones, whether they have very oily skin, or other unique skin qualities. 

It is very hard to accurately predict how the ink will heal for every person. That is why we recommend coming to a touch up appointment 6 to 8 weeks after your initial appointment to retouch the parts that need more work done and match the color as much as possible to your natural eyebrow hair.

The appointment:

  • The first 15 minutes are dedicated to profiling the person, taking before photos and finding out what kind of eyebrows they would like.

  • The next 20 minutes are dedicated to numbing the skin with a topical anesthetic and deciding on a color.
  • Once the topical anesthetic has taken full effect, the measuring and drawing of the shape begins. Once decided on the shape, the microblading/shading begins. This may take 1 to 2 hours depending on the thickness of the desired eyebrows.
  • After the microblading/shading is done, more ink is applied and let to set in your skin for a few minutes. The next step is to remove the excess ink and be astounded by your new, fuller and gorgeous eyebrows!
  • The last step is to photograph the eyebrows so we can see the amazing transformation in the before and after photograph. Although some redness may occur during the procedure, it is not very noticeable. You are now ready to step out in public and show off your new eyebrows!

What to Do After Your Appointment

Aftercare is very important to the longevity and appearance of your eyebrows post procedure.

Aftercare guidelines are the same for all eyebrow procedures: microblading, combo brows or ombre brows.

NO water, soap, lotion, or makeup on your eyebrows for one week! Be careful when you take showers to not get your eyebrows wet.

Try taking a warm bath instead (not too hot as you’re not supposed to sweat either). If you do get some water on them by accident, pat dry your eyebrows gently and immediately with a dry cloth.

Start applying the given ointment sparingly at night for the next 7-14 days.

Also please avoid the following during the first two weeks after your appointment:

  • Increased sweating and exercising (avoid sweating).
  • Swimming, hot sauna, hot bath, Jacuzzi, steam rooms.
  • Sun tanning or salon tanning.
  • Chemicals peels.
  • Laser treatments.
  • Skincare treatments containing Retin-A or glycolic acid.
  • Touching the eyebrows except when cleaning the area and applying ointment
  • Excess alcohol

 

What is the healing process like after microblading?

Depending on your age and body regeneration, the complete healing process may take 6 to 8 weeks.

There are several phases during the healing cycle. Right after your appointment your eyebrow color will look very natural. By the next day the pigment will appear much darker.

Do not worry!

They will not stay this dark permanently. During the following days your eyebrows may feel itchy and they will start peeling. It’s very important to not scratch or rub the area and let the dry skin/flakes fall off naturally.

Your eyebrows should be healed and the final look should be revealed 4-6 weeks after your original procedure. Some parts may look uneven and it’s normal to have some bald spots even. Some of the pigment may fall off during peeling if the cuts are not deep enough.

That is why we suggest coming in for your touch up appointment 6 to 8 weeks after to retouch your eyebrows and to solidify your beautiful brow.

If you experience any unexpected issues during the healing process please contact us for more instructions.

* Contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the following: fever, redness, swelling, tenderness, elevated body temperature, and or any green or yellow discharge that is foul in odor.