Healing Process
What to expect?
The healing process for brows can be an emotional rollercoaster for many clients. Although it is generally considered a non-invasive procedure, permanent makeup implies breaking of the skin surface, after which the skin needs some time to recover and close up the micro-wounds. This period is referred to as the permanent makeup healing process, and it’s an inevitable part of the procedure. The treatment area is on their face and they go through many phases of healing, therefore, it’s important for you to thoroughly understand what to expect after the procedure for the peace of mine.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PROCEDURE
(DAY 1)
The brows will appear dark, bold, and thick. Brows are always darker and slightly larger in size initially because the healing process causes the brows to lighten and shrink slightly. If the brows are perfect in color and shape, it may end up healing too light and thin after the healing has completed.
IN THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS
(DAY 2-5)
The brows will continue to darken even more and it will appear as if there’s a thick layer on top. This is normal because in the first 24-48 hours, the brows are considered an open wound. Lymph fluid will begin to excrete from the wound to try to remove any foreign bodies and then in the next couple of days, a scab is going to start to form. This is similar to when your body has a wound and a dark and thick scab begins to form on top as part of the healing process. Itchiness can be expected as a side effect of the scab formation.
AFTER APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK
(DAY 5-14)
That thin crust/scab that has been forming will begin to crack and dissolve. Pieces will begin to naturally fall off. Please allow the scabs to fall off by themselves, do not pick, pull or tug at them. Everyone heals at different rates so this process may begin and finish at different times for each individual. A longer healing process may be due to the immune system being compromised because of stress, poor nutrition, age, etc. More mature clients usually take longer to complete the healing.
AFTER APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS
(DAY 14)
The scabs should almost be done falling off if they haven’t completely fallen off yet. After the thin crust has fallen off, the brows will appear light and patchy. The color of the brows is currently lighter than what it will be once the 4-week healing process is completed.
The brows will be slightly lighter and dull during this time period because there is a layer of dead skin that still exists on top. This layer of dead skin will shed off eventually. The brows are also expected to be patchy, especially with just one session.
AFTER APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH (DAY 28)
The true shape and color of the brows should begin to reveal. At this point, the layer of dead skin should have completely shed off and the epidermis layer of the skin should have completely regenerated and regained its initial thickness (more on the layers of the skin later). The brows should be completely healed at this point.
Aftercare
KEEP THE AREA CLEAN
The most important thing during the healing process is to keep the area clean. Avoid touching the treatment area and absolutely avoid picking or pulling on the brows during the healing process. Itchiness is normal and expected. Please allow the brows to naturally fall off. No makeup or skincare products should be applied on the brows or near the brows until the healing process has completed.
NO WATER CONTACT
Strictly avoid any water contact on the brows for 7 days. This includes sweat and recreational bodies of water. Please avoid working out for a week.
OINTMENT
Apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment twice a day starting on the 3rd day. Avoid over-saturating the brows and continue to apply a rice grain amount of amount until the brows have completely peeled and scabbed off. Please use a clean applicator or wash your hands prior to application.
DIRECT SUNLIGHT
Avoid excessive sunlight for at least 2 weeks. This includes sunbathing, tanning, etc.
LONG-TERM CARE
For better retention and results, please avoid excessive sunlight and apply sunscreen on the healed treatment area. Please avoid applying any active skincare products that contain anti-aging properties and exfoliants around the treatment area. This includes skincare products that contain retinol, vitamin A, AHA, glycolic acids, salicylic acid, etc. After a year, it is expected for brows to lose their color freshness and begin to slightly look dull. Annual touch ups are recommended to freshen up the color of the brows and to maintain the shape.