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Permanent Makeup: Pre- and Post-Care

General Pre-Procedure Instructions

  • DO NOT drink coffee or energy drinks on the day of treatment. DO NOT drink Alcohol 24 hours before the day of treatment.

  • Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, fish oil or Ibuprofen 24 hours before treatment. 

  • Do not take Omega-3 (fish oil) 1 week before treatment.

  • Do not tan or have intense sun exposure 3 days before treatment.

  • No chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser or any other intense treatments 2 weeks before treatment.

lashes

For Eyeliner

  • Do not wear contact lenses during the procedure or for 24 hours after.

  • Bring sunglasses to wear home. Eyes may be light-sensitive.

  • If you have eyelash extensions, they must be taken off prior to the procedure.

  • Do not dye or perm lashes for 2 days prior.

  • Do not use eyelash curlers on the day of the procedure.

  • Discontinue use of eyelash-growing serums, like Latisse, 2 months prior to the procedure.

  • If you have had any type of eye surgery, consult with the physician about how long you should wait before having a permanent eyeliner procedure. Most physicians give a 2-month approval after cataract surgery, LASIK, and blepharoplasty.

pmu lip blushing

For Lips

  • Gently exfoliate your lips with a warm, wet towel or lip scrub. Afterwards, hydrate and soften with moisturizer or lip balm for a few days before the treatment.

  • If you get cold sores, you will definitely need an antiviral treatment (ex. Valtrex or at least L-lysine). Physicians usually instruct to begin taking it 3 days before the procedure, for a 7-10 day course. But even if you have never had a cold sore, 90% of the population has the virus that they are not aware of. A number of factors can TRIGGER (not cause) the virus, permanent makeup is one of them.

  • If you have had any type of lip surgery, consult with the physician about how long you should wait before having a permanent makeup procedure on the lips. Most physicians give a 3-week approval after lip filler injections. If the lip surgery involves an incision (like a lip implant), the incision needs to be healed for about 6 months before tattooing on top of it.

closed eye

For Brows

  • NO alcohol or caffeine 48 hours before the procedure (Yes, there is caffeine in decaf coffee and tea!).

  • Do not tweeze, wax, or dye brows for 2 days prior

  • Electrolysis should not be done for a week prior.

  • Avoid sun and tanning one week prior to the procedure.

  • Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Advil/Ibuprofen 48 hours before the procedure.

Aftercare Instructions

All Treatments:

  • All treatments normally require a touch-up for best results

  • Lighter colors fade faster and require more frequent retouching

  • It is best to wait 6 -10 weeks to have the touch-up done, to ensure the area is completely healed, and that the initial color has reached its final healed result

  • Your cosmetic tattoo may need to be refreshed every 12 – 16 months to maintain the color and shape

For Eyebrows:

DAY OF:

  • After the procedure, gently blot the area with a clean tissue to absorb excess lymph fluid. Do this until the oozing stops

DAYS 1 – 10:

  • DO NOT get the eyebrows soaking wet for the next 10 days

  • ONLY gently wash the area each morning and night with water and gentle soap or an unscented cleanser. With a very light touch, use your fingertips

  • To dry, gently pat with a clean tissue. DO NOT use any cleansing products containing acids: glycolic, lactic, AHAs, or exfoliants

  • Apply ointment 3 times a day for the first week. Use a very thin layer, and make sure brows are completely dry before applying

  • Be sure not to over-apply; this will delay healing. The product should be barely noticeable on the skin

  • NEVER put the product on a wet or damp tattoo

Important Reminders:

  • Use a fresh pillowcase while you sleep

  • Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. Picking can cause scarring or loss of color

  • No facials, botox, chemical treatments, or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks

  • Avoid hot, sweaty exercise for one week

  • Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 4 weeks after the procedure

  • Avoid long, hot showers for the first 10 days

  • Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days

  • Avoid topical makeup and sunscreen on the area

For Eyeliner:

Swelling is usually minimal. There may be a slight swelling on or above the area, which could last 1- 2 days. With eyeliner, the healing process is virtually invisible. If there is swelling, a cold compress for a few minutes at a time will help to bring it down – don’t apply ice directly to the area, wrap it in plastic wrap.

  • Avoid blood thinners, alcohol, and heavy exercise for 24 hours after the treatment

  • No application of cream or wiping is necessary; however, you can apply a small amount of ointment to the area if it feels tight or itchy

  • DO NOT apply makeup directly over the area for 2 weeks, and try not to touch the area

  • After 2 weeks, if using mascara, use one that is brand new. Clean makeup brushes properly before use

  • Eyelash extensions must be removed prior to eyeliner treatment and can be reapplied about 1 month later when total healing has occurred

  • A retouch can be done 4-6 weeks later if needed – sometimes eyeliner requires a retouch, and sometimes not, it depends on your skin type and how it heals

  • Wait 3 weeks to have any lash tinting or lash lifting treatments done, or to use any eyelash serum

For Lip Blushing:

  • Immediately afterwards, your lips will look brighter than they will heal, and they will be swollen. This swelling will subside in a few hours. There may also be some numbness to the lips and mouth. Avoid hot beverages/food until the numbness has worn off.

  • If you are predisposed to cold sores, it is highly recommended that you obtain anti-viral preventative medication. Cold sore flare-ups are very common following a lip procedure.

  • An aftercare pack will be given to you, which contains water wipes/cotton pads and aftercare ointment. Use the wipes to gently wipe over the area in the first 3 hours and apply aftercare ointment.

  • If there is swelling, apply a cold compress for a few minutes at a time.  Don’t apply ice directly to the area; wrap it in plastic wrap.

  • Continue to use your aftercare ointment for 2 weeks. Use only the ointment, no other lipsticks.

 Avoid:

  • Kissing 10 days post-treatment can cause infection

  • Very spicy or acidic food for at least 7 days, use a straw when drinking

  • Very hot (heat) food or drink for 7 days

  • Picking the crusts; allow them to fall off in their own

  • Swimming, sauna, or spa/steam exposure for 2 weeks

  • Heavy exercise/sweating for 2 weeks

  • Cosmetic treatments like lip filler for 2 weeks

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