- Initial Appearance: It is normal for your eyebrows to appear very dark immediately after the procedure. They will lighten by 10-50% within the first 1-3 weeks. Individuals with darker or oily skin may have brows that heal less defined. Redheads, blondes, and those with fair skin might experience more swelling, redness, and crusting, and their eyebrows might fade more, sometimes appearing more powdered or with no pigment retention.
- Previous Work: If you’ve had your eyebrows done previously by someone else, pigment retention is not guaranteed. It may fade sooner or not take at all.
- Healing Process: Keep the area dry for the first 7-14 days, or until the epithelial skin flakes off, to help the tattoo hold color and heal evenly. Full skin healing takes about five weeks. As your eyebrows heal, it is normal for some areas to lighten or fade more than others, which will be addressed during your touch-up appointment.
- Healing Responsibility: Once you leave the office, the pigment is intact. Your body’s healing process, which is beyond our control, determines the outcome. Even with proper aftercare, fading, blurring, or poor retention can occur.
- Avoiding Infection:
- Do not touch the tattooed area with your fingers to prevent infection.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before applying any aftercare products.
- Use a fresh Q-tip or cotton pad for each application to avoid contamination.
- Avoid exposing the tattooed area to dirty environments or surfaces.
- Do not allow pets near the tattooed area during the healing process.
- Change your pillowcase regularly to keep the area clean.
- Avoid sweating excessively and stay away from activities that might cause you to touch or rub the area, such as vigorous exercise or certain sports.
- Swelling Management: If you experience swelling, apply an ice pack using a thin protective barrier, such as a paper towel. Ice is most effective within the first 24 hours post-procedure. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can also reduce swelling.
- Makeup: Avoid applying makeup to the tattooed area until it is completely healed. If necessary, purchase new makeup to avoid contamination or bacterial infection.
- No Scrubbing or Picking: Do not scrub or pick at the tattooed area, as this can pull out the pigment. Allow the skin to flake off naturally.
- Avoid Makeup Remover and Pools: Do not use makeup remover or creams and avoid pools and hot tubs for two weeks. When showering, avoid direct water contact with your brows.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Keep the tattooed area out of direct sunlight during the healing process to prevent fading and irritation. After healing, always apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater to protect the area and minimize fading.
- Avoid Pools, Hot Tubs, and Saunas: Stay away from pools, hot tubs, saunas, and other bodies of water that can expose your tattoo to bacteria and delay healing for at least two weeks.
- Itching: If you experience itching, apply a very thin layer of Vaseline using a Q-tip.
- Long-Term Care: Permanent makeup is an art, not a science. Results vary, and you may still need to use a pencil or powder. After your eyebrows have completely healed, use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater to minimize fading.
- Avoid Certain Products: After healing, do not apply Retin A®, Refiisa®, Tretinoin, Retinol, Alpha Hydroxy, or Glycolic Acid products directly to or near the tattooed area, as these can lighten the tattoo.
- Touch-Ups: Schedule a touch-up appointment within 4-5 weeks to avoid an additional fee. One touch-up is included in the initial fee. It is recommended to have a touch-up every 1-2 years to maintain the color. As your skin ages and scar tissue forms, future procedures might not be possible.
- Future Procedures: Note that if you go elsewhere for any touch-ups after Lee Nguyen has tattooed your eyebrows, he will no longer provide future procedures.
Additional Instructions For Lips Permanent Makeup
- Use a Straw: If you need to drink beverages, use a straw to minimize contact with your lips. However, avoid using a straw for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid Hot, Spicy, and Acidic Foods: These can irritate your lips and interfere with the healing process. Stick to bland, soft foods for the first few days.
- Initial Swelling: Swelling is normal and will subside within a few days. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a clean, soft cloth for 10-minute intervals during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- Be Patient: Full healing can take up to six weeks. During this time, your lips may go through various stages, including swelling, peeling, and color changes. The final color may not be fully visible until after this period.
Additional Instructions For Eyeliner Permanent Makeup
- No Contact Lenses: Avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Use your glasses instead.
- Avoid Eye Treatments: Do not undergo any eye treatments, such as eyelash tinting, lifting, or extensions, for at least four weeks.
- Initial Swelling: Swelling is normal and will subside within a few days. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a clean, soft cloth for 10-minute intervals during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.