What is microblading?
The term “microblading” was started to be used a few years ago, and some celebrities including Madonna has been linked to the term. Microblading is a cosmetic tattooing procedure that fills in thin eyebrow areas to make them look fuller. It is also said to offer natural looking and defined eyebrows, but the process typically takes some time to perfect. Microblading is a good choice for people with thin eyebrows who are looking for some semi-permanent fill.
Microblading involves breaking into the skin, and infections are possible if untrained people practice under unhygienic conditions. The success of the microblading procedure will depend on the person performing it. A technician, or sometimes called esthetician, uses a hand-held microblading tool to apply color pigments that look like real hairs.
The color effect from microblading may last for about 2 to 3 years, unlike the traditional Brows tattoo, which is permanent. This is because microblading uses different tools and a fewer amount of pigment. The initial procedure may take up to a couple of hours.
During microblading, color pigments are applied to the eyebrow area, using the microblading tool, to give the appearance of hairs. The eyebrows will appear darker immediately after the initial treatment. Since the coloring will fade over time, maybe after a few weeks, some touch-ups may be necessary to maintain the desired look.
Here are some facts that you need to know, including the costs and the risks of microblading.
What to be aware of
Before considering microblading, it is essential to be aware of the risks of microblading Eyebrow after and before undergoing a procedure. Although, all cosmetic procedures, including microblading and permanent makeup tattooing, have possible risks associated with them. Medical complications may also be related to post-procedural care, but these risks decrease when a person follows aftercare instructions properly.
Cosmetic tattooing bears the same risks as other types of tattoo procedures. These risks can be minimized, and consumers can be protected with better education, information, and training.
The possibility of problems with Semi permanent makeup procedures is rare when all health standards are followed, especially in regards to the disinfection and sterilization of equipment. It is also important to remember that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the color additive substances of the pigments used in these cosmetic practices. Because microblading regulations can vary from state to state, anyone who is considering having the procedure needs to take precautions.
Have some research
One of the most important things to think about when considering microblading is to ask who and where. Know the salon that will be carrying out the procedure. In general, highly skilled and licensed estheticians at high-quality salons and spas or studios offer microblading, but a person considering microblading should check out each esthetician’s credentials before going ahead with the procedure.
The person doing the microblading should be a licensed esthetician who has undergone the appropriate training. The esthetician should also provide guidance on risks, preparing for microblading, and promoting recovery afterward.
Allergic reaction
It can be thought that microblading is different from a Eyebrow tattoo, but still, the skin is pierced during the process. Tattoos have risks to allergic reactions, so is microblading. Allergic reactions to organic pigments used for the procedure are rare, but it can happen. To be aware of what could happen, it is important to ask the esthetician what types of pigment they are using and how they confirm allergies.
Infection
Like tattooing, be aware that there is a serious risk for transmission of infectious diseases, including HIV and bacterial skin infections. Unsterile tools and other equipment are among the leading risks for transmitting infection. It is essential that all equipment is sterilized before the procedure has even started to avoid any infectious complications. The salon should have procedures for treatment of every equipment to ensure the safety of the microblading process.
Semi-permanent
Since the pigment lasts for 2 to 3 years, microblading cannot be easily covered up if it is done incorrectly. If this occurs, a person will likely endure additional costs to manage complications and correct the procedure. To ensure the procedure is done correctly, the best way is by vetting the esthetician and the establishment where a person is considering getting the microblading done.
Preparation
These are the do’s and don’ts before microblading sessions.
- Avoid caffeine beverages or alcohol on the day of the procedure.
- Don’t tint brows before the appointment.
- Don’t have tanning or sunbathing for 3 days before the appointment.
- Don’t wax or pluck eyebrows within 2 days beforehand.
- No chemical peels and other intense facial treatments for at least 2 to 3 weeks before the procedure.
- Wash and style hair before the procedure, as the brows, must not come into contact with water for at least 7 days.
- Other spas and salons will likely recommend a similar set of instructions for preparation, which might include:
Discontinuing vitamin A (Retinol) and Botox treatments for at least 1 month beforehand.
Stopping taking fish oil or any other natural blood thinners, such as vitamin E, at least 1 week before the procedure.
Avoiding aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief (as these types of medications are blood thinners).
Not working out the day of the appointment.
Procedure
On the day of the procedure, it is important to talk carefully with the esthetician and voice any questions or concerns. The esthetician should also explain the procedure and the options, including style and color, and make recommendations.
Before the procedure starts, the esthetician will use a topical numbing ointment on the brow area, which helps reduce discomfort during the microblading procedure — although there are other various options for topical anesthesia available.
Once the client is comfortable, the technician begins the procedure. The process is very detailed and can take 2-3 hours. It is important for the esthetician to take their time because the result will last for a few years and needs to be done well.
The client may feel a scraping-type of sensation in the brow area, but the process is usually only minimally painful and very tolerable.
Recovery
After the microblading procedure, and for at least 1 week afterward, it will appear much darker immediately following the person’s treatment than after the first week of healing. It is also normal to experience some redness and mild swelling.
The esthetician will give their clients aftercare instructions, which might include:
Applying Vaseline 3 to 4 times per day during the first week is critical to proper healing.
Using a minimal amount of moisturizing ointment.
To prevent infections, avoid swimming pools, saunas, sweaty equipment in gyms, and touching your eyebrows during the first week.
Avoiding putting makeup on the brow area while it is actively healing to keep the area as clean as possible.
Not picking at the scabs.
Avoiding direct sunlight or tanning for at least 4 weeks after the procedure.
Not using facial scrubs or peels for at least 4 weeks after the procedure.
Not sleeping on the face for at least 10 days after the procedure
Outcome and costs
The goal of microblading is to create a natural-looking fill for thin eyebrows. The results can last anywhere from 1–2 years, sometimes even longer. The quality of the eyebrows will depend on the quality of the job, which confirms the necessity of choosing a licensed and skilled esthetician.
Microblading is low maintenance. After healing, you can rub them and enjoy swimming. No special care is required, except for a brief touch-up once a year. The smudge-proof solution will cost you anywhere between $500 and $800.
Once the skin has healed, a person can protect their eyebrows and help prevent the color from fading by applying sunscreen on the microblade area. Some people may require a touch-up to finalize the brows 4-8 weeks after the procedure.
After that, touch-ups may be done after about a year or as directed by the esthetician.
Please feel free to call us at 214-432-3077 to book your microblading appointment today!