Caring for the eyebrows properly after microblading can lead to satisfactory and long-lasting results and reduce the risk of complications.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a cosmetic treatment that can enhance the shape of the eyebrows and increase their volume and thickness. This non-surgical procedure is highly similar to tattooing, as it uses fine needles to deposit pigments into the top layers of skin. Compared with tattooing, microblading produces semi-permanent results that last up to 18 months.
Microblading is typically ideal for those who have fine or little to no eyebrow hairs and who want a natural-looking alternative to penciled eyebrows. This treatment is usually performed by trained and experienced skincare specialists, given how symmetrical results are key to enhancing the overall appearance of the brows.
Also known as 3D eyebrow sculpting, microblading does not cause any downtime. However, aftercare is essential to reducing the risk for infection and to ensuring this procedure produces the best results possible.
Why Does Microblading Require Aftercare?
The tiny cuts made in the skin during microblading require proper aftercare to reduce the risk of infection and to promote efficient healing that produces satisfactory and aesthetically pleasing results.
Symptoms that are common after microblading include:
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Sensitivity
- Itching
- Scabbing
- Flaking
Some patients may be tempted to use a variety of skincare products—including makeup—to soothe irritation and cover up flaking and scabbing. However, this is typically discouraged because some products or ingredients may cause infection and compromise results. Keeping the eyebrows clean and dry after microblading is essential, as is avoiding most skincare products.
5 Tips for Self-Care After Microblading
Below are 5 important self-care tips to practice after microblading and information on how to request a consultation for this procedure at North Shore Med Spa on Long Island.
1. Keep the Brow Area Clean
Cleaning the eyebrows and surrounding skin can prevent bacteria from entering the tiny open wounds and causing infection. For the first several days after microblading, the brows may darken and produce itching and flaking. Washing the eyebrows to “clean” away the darkness and flaking may be tempting, but this can increase the risk of infection, scarring, and uneven pigmentation.
During this time, keep the surrounding skin as clean as possible without touching the eyebrows. Use antibacterial soap and water to wash the skin, as well as cotton pads to remove any lymph fluid that leaks from the wounds.
2. Moisturize the Eyebrows
Aftercare ointments, healing balms, and medicated creams can moisturize the eyebrows and prevent dryness. They can also form a protective barrier over the eyebrows, which promotes the healing process.
Use only the ointments and creams provided by the microblading specialist. It may also help to ask for recommendations on products that are safe and efficient at healing the skin after microblading.
3. Avoid Water Exposure
The eyebrows should not come into contact with water for the first seven days after microblading. Water can loosen the pigments that are deposited in the skin and lead to patchy, uneven results.
Exposure to water for the first week after microblading is not recommended, and certain activities that may cause water to collect on the brows should be avoided, including:
- Sweating
- Showering
- Swimming
- Sitting in a hot sauna or bath
- Using aerosol or cleaning sprays that produce mist
- Driving in open-air vehicles such as convertibles, motorcycles, boats, or bicycles that may result in water or rain exposure
4. Avoid Makeup
Makeup and beauty products may contain traces of bacteria along with ingredients that can increase the risk of infection. All makeup and skincare products should be avoided for at least the first week after microblading unless approved by the microblading specialist.
5. Abstain From Alcohol and Tobacco
Alcohol and tobacco products may increase the risk of infection and delay healing of the skin.
Try to avoid alcohol until the eyebrows have fully healed, and abstain from all tobacco products during this period as well—including vape pens and e-cigarettes.
Following the above aftercare tips can lead to fuller, thicker brows and pleasing results that can last well over a year. Microblading can also be combined with other aesthetic services, including dermal fillers and body contouring.
North Shore Med Spa offers a wide range of aesthetic services, including Long Island microblading. Contact us today at (516) 441-5110 to request a consultation and learn more about all of our medical day spa services.