Frequently Asked Questions
What is microblading?
Microblading is a form of semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing, called micropigmentation where a very small sterile handheld disposable blade made out of many fine needles, deposits pigment under the top layers of the epidermis (skin) using fine hair-like strokes that mimics actual hair growth and gives a 3D illusion of real eyebrow hairs. Each fine hairline stroke is strategically placed throughout your brow to give you the ultimate "perfect brow" you have always dreamed of. So whether you already have great eyebrows and want a little more definition or fullness or have little to no eyebrow hair at all and need a full brow recreated all together. Microblading can achieve the finest, most life like results on the market today. Microblading is beneficial for over plucked brows, brows with loss of hair/patches/scaring, clients with medical hair loss or who want more of an arch, or a different shape all together.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Results will vary from client to client. It typically lasts 8-12 months. Results depend on how well you take care of them. Other factors include skin pigment, texture and oiliness of the skin. No guarantee can be made regarding benefits from the procedure because it is up to how you take care of it and how well your skin itself retains the pigment.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
Consultation plus the procedure takes about an 2.5-3 hours. Touch-up sessions generally take about 1.5-2 hours.
DOES IT HURT?
The procedure has very little to no pain at all. A topical numbing cream is applied 15-20 minutes prior to the procedure and throughout to maintain numbness of the area. Afterwards you can expect a certain level of discomfort such as redness, swelling, itchiness while healing- just like you after a permanent tattoo. Your aftercare instructions that will be given to you at the time of the procedure will contain instructions on how to take care of the area afterwards, what to expect and how to manage any discomforts. Most people go right back to work as usual or don't notice much discomfort at all. Everybody is different and it all depends on your body and how it heals.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAL?
Usually 5-7 days it will superficially heal. Color will be darker immediately after the procedure. The color of the pigment will gradually soften to about 30-80% after the first treatment depending on how well your skin retained the pigment. To fully heal it takes anywhere from 4-8 weeks and this is why your touch-up appointment should be scheduled immediately afterwards and no later then 12 weeks.
WILL I NEED A TOUCH-UP SESSION?
Yes. This is a two step process. A touch-up session should be booked between 4-8 weeks (after it's totally healed), and no later then 12 weeks after your initial procedure. Your touch-up session we will make any adjustments to the shape, color and fill any pigment that may have had poor retention from the first session.
You can expect follow up appointments after your initial blading session to be anywhere between 6 months to 2 years. Over time the implanted pigment color will slightly change or fade over time due to circumstances beyond control and you will need to maintain the shape and color with future applications. This is considered a semi-permanent tattoo.
WILL I NEED to still wax or pluck in the future?
Yes you will still need to pluck or wax any unwanted new growth or add eyebrow powder as filler depending on how you like your eyebrows and makeup to be finished, but the eyebrow template that microblading provides makes the process so much easier on you and anyone else involved.
Should I wax or pluck before the procedure?
No you should not. It is best to leave your eyebrow hairs as natural as possible that way during your consultation right before the procedure, that way I can see your hair growth patterns and what I am working with. Trust me it is helpful!
HOW IS THE COLOR AND SHAPE DETERMINED?
This will be part on your eyebrow consultation right before the actual procedure. Together we will choose the perfect color and eyebrow shape that compliments your natural beauty, bone structure and skin tone. State-of-the-art measuring tools are used to measure and draw out symmetrical eyebrows. An eyebrow template is NOT used, as each brow is totally custom, meaning hairlike strokes are done free hand to make the most realistic hairlike structure. Micropigmentation does not commence until we have a shape and color that is 100% agreed on by you and the artist.
CAN I DO THIS PROCEDURE IF I AM PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING?
The short answer is no. The long answer is that it is just too risky. The pigment enters into your blood stream, just like with any tattoo and there is not enough scientific data out there to ensure that it will not harm your unborn child or enter into your breast milk. Some research suggests that the pigment modules are too large to enter into the breast milk, but others can't be totally confirmed. So if you are breastfeeding then it's totally up to you if you would like to proceed or not. There is also always the risk of possible infection after getting a tattoo, an allergic reaction to the pigment, or other side effects that could possibly harm a fetus or if breastfeeding jeopardize your milk supply due to your level of stress hormones. It is always best to wait until you are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding, before doing any procedure like this.
WHO IS NOT AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR MICROBLADING?
If you have large pores on your forehead, extremely oily skin, Diabetes, Graves disease, Pregnant, Breast-feeding, or have a history of Keloids, Vitiligo or Rosacea.
AFTERCARE: Instructions will be discussed at your appointment and given to you in writing.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOUR MICROBLADING SESSION-
DO NOT:
* Take aspirin, ibuprofen or like medications/blood thinners for 1 week prior to appointment.
* Drink excessive alcohol 24 hours prior to and after the procedure.
* Use Retin A/ Retinol/ AHA skin care products close to eyebrows 2 weeks before and after.
* Wax, laser, chemical peels or get electrolysis one week prior to procedure.
* Get Botox or fillers a minimum of 2 weeks prior or 2 weeks post.
* Please discuss with your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medications.
If you have any other questions please feel free to email Sheera@LushBeautyandBrowtique.com