Care for Your Permanent Makeup Procedure
Permanent makeup, otherwise known as permanent cosmetics, cosmetic tattooing, and micro-pigmentation, is becoming exponentially more popular with each passing day. If you have already had, or are planning on getting, a permanent eyebrow, eyeliner, or lip procedure, then the following steps may be of use. Although aftercare for each procedure differs slightly, these guidelines are generally beneficial.
Steps
- Immediately after your procedure, apply an ice pack for about 15 minutes on procedure area to reduce swelling. Area should be iced for 15 minutes on/ 45 minutes off for 4-5 hours after your procedure. Icing the following day will not help as much. Swelling usually lasts no longer than 48 hours.
- After icing phase is completed, apply thin coats of Vitamin A&D Ointment or Vitamin E Oil as often as needed to keep area moisturized and to prevent cracking in the skin. After about 3-7 days the surface layer of skin, the epidermis, should be healed. You may then discontinue use of ointments.
- Don't pick, scratch, or scrape off any dry skin. Simply moisturize to relieve any itching.
- Avoid using conventional makeup over your permanent makeup for about a week until the epidermis is healed. Eye shadows and other makeup contain bacteria which can cause an infection.
- Do not scrub or rub procedure areas in any way. Use only clean water to wash gently pat dry during your daily cleansing procedure.
- Avoid direct sunlight for the first week at bare minimum, although 3 to 6 weeks are recommended. Sunlight can greatly fade the procedure outcome. You should wait about a week until the epidermal layer of skin is healed before you begin use of sunblock.
- Avoid chlorinated pools and hot tubs as chlorine can fade the procedure. Note that permanent makeup procedures are in fact tattoos and puncture the skin leaving it susceptible to bacteria.
- Avoid swimming in lakes and oceans as these can also harbor harmful bacteria which may cause an infection.
- Avoid microdermabrasion, acid peels, and acne medications such as Retin-A, as these may greatly fade or damage your new cosmetic procedures.
Tips
- Plan your procedure at least one month in advance before any major event such as a wedding.
- Have ice packs on hand at home so you can continue icing for the first 4-5 hours after your procedure.
- Have Vitamin A&D Ointment or Vitamin E oil ready the day of your procedure.
Warnings
- Although your new cosmetic procedure may begin to itch after a couple of days, do your best to resist the urge to scratch as this may remove some of the flaking skin before its time and result in the loss of pigment. Simply moisturize to relieve any itching, making sure to apply ointment very gently and in a thin layer.
- If you notice any unusual redness, swelling, itchiness, or any other such reaction call your technician immediately. Some individuals experience a reaction to A&D or Vitamin E. In such case, discontinue use of ointments. If reaction persists contact your physician.
- Avoid swimming or soaking in pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans for a minimum of 1 -2 weeks post procedure.
- Avoid use of conventional makeup, creams, lotions, acne treatments, acid peels, and microdermabrasion during the first weeks of healing.
- Don't apply any ointment on eyeliner procedures until you arrive home as this may impair your vision while driving. It is highly recommended that you have someone who can drive you home after this procedure.
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Sources and Citations
- Aphrodite Permanent Cosmetics Clinic
