Proper aftercare is essential to achieving the best results from your permanent makeup procedure. Please keep in mind that some fading and uneven healing are normal after the initial application. This is why we schedule a perfecting session 8-12 weeks after your first visit to address any light areas, enhance color or thickness, and adjust shape if needed. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth healing process and optimal results.**
General Aftercare Instructions:
- Always wash your hands before touching the treated area.
- Cooling the area: You can use cool (not frozen) packs to reduce swelling. This is most beneficial in the first 24 hours. For eyeliner, sleep slightly elevated to minimize swelling.
- Blotting: After the procedure, your skin will naturally weep fluids. Blot these fluids off with the wipes I provide to prevent excess peeling or flaking. Blot every 15 minutes for the first few hours after your appointment, continuing until bedtime. The first hour is especially important! If you have brow hair, make sure to blot the skin underneath the hair, and remember this applies to eyeliner as well.
Cleaning and Washing:
- Cleanse gently: Use a mild, non-acidic cleanser (e.g., Dial, Cetaphil, or Neutrogena) around the procedure area. (I will provide my favorite soap).
Avoid anything with acids (Glycolic, AHA, lactic), anti-aging products, or exfoliants.
- Be gentle: Clean the area once or twice a day with a light touch. After washing, pat dry and wait 15 minutes before applying ointment. Never apply ointment to damp skin.
- Showering: It’s safe to shower, but avoid direct water pressure on the treated area and be gentle.
- Avoid pools, hot tubs, saunas, lakes, or any water that could harbor bacteria until your skin is fully healed.
Ointment:
- For eyebrows: Use only the ointment I provide. Apply starting the night of the procedure, and continue daily after cleansing, as needed, until the skin feels normal again (usually 7-10 days). Keep the area moisturized.
- For eyeliner: Do not apply ointment on the first day. Starting on day 2, apply a light coat as needed. Keep ointment above and below the lashes, not in your eye. If you experience discomfort in the eye, stop use immediately and contact an eye doctor and me.
- Important: If you notice any allergic reactions (such as bumps, rash, or discomfort), stop using the ointment, cleanse the area, and contact me right away.
Restrictions:
- Avoid any activity that involves dust, dirt, or dander for at least 72 hours—ideally five full days. Wearing sunglasses outdoors is a great way to protect healing eyeliner.
- Do not wear makeup on or around the treated area for at least five days, as makeup can introduce bacteria. You may apply makeup around, but not on, the healing area.
- For eyeliner: Use a new mascara after the procedure. Avoid eyelash curlers for two weeks, as they can pull on the healing tissue. No contact lenses for five full days.
- Tenderness, puffiness, redness, and itching are normal during the healing process. Resist the urge to pick, peel, or scratch the treated area to avoid uneven healing, scarring, or infection.
Relax! Your tattoo will soften and heal beautifully over the coming days. Follow the guidelines carefully. Complications are rare.
Healing Timeline:
Eyebrows:
- Days 1-3: Your brows will appear 15-20% darker and thicker than the final result due to swelling and oxidation. Redness may also be present.
- Day 4: Peeling begins. The dark outer layer will flake off, revealing the softer, lighter color underneath.
- Days 5-8: Peeling continues, and your brows will become lighter and thinner. Some areas may look ashy or have a grayish tint for a few days until the color clarifies. The true color will appear after about three weeks.
Eyeliner:
- Day 1: Expect swelling and possibly bruising. The eyeliner will look darker and thicker than the final result.
- Day 2: Swelling will peak. Continue to use cool packs and follow aftercare.
- Days 3-4: Swelling subsides, and the peeling process begins. The eyeliner may itch slightly, but avoid scratching.
- Days 5-7: Peeling continues, revealing the softer, final eyeliner. You can resume wearing contact lenses on day 5.
Note: Avoid lash extensions and lash serums (like Latisse) for 8 weeks, as these products may affect the healed color.
Safety and Health:
All procedures follow OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards for safety. Once you leave my facility, it’s crucial to follow aftercare instructions to avoid complications. Tenderness and slight discomfort are normal, but if you notice any signs of infection (pus, red streaks, unusual discharge, eye irritation), contact a doctor and notify me immediately at 775-842-0840.
Thank you for choosing me as your cosmetic tattoo artist! I’m excited to work with you and look forward to a long-lasting relationship.
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