WHAT IS MICROBLADING?
Microblading, also known as “eyebrow embroidery,” “3-D brows,” and “microstroking,” is a procedure categorized under permanent makeup; however, unlike traditional cosmetic tattooing, microblading is only semi-permanent. Microblading typically lasts 1 to 2 years, depending on skin type, skincare routine and other factors. The procedure is done by using a hand tool with ultra-fine needles and each “hair” is gently etched into the skin to provide realistic hair-like strokes.
HOW LONG IS THE APPOINTMENT?
Your first microblading session should take about 3 hours. The session includes a thorough consultation, grooming, shaping/mapping, numbing and color matching. A touch-up service is recommended 6 to 8 weeks following the intial session; this session takes approximately 1.5 to 2.0 hours.
WHAT TO EXPECT
• Directly after the procedure: The eyebrow area will be slightly red and feel like a sunburn. This will dissipate within 24-48 hours.
• Days 2-4: The brows will scab over and appear very dark.
• Days 5-7: Peeling of the scabs starts to occur.
• Days 8-10: When the scabs peel off, the pigment will “disappear” underneath as the skin works on healing.
• Days 14-28: Pigment will start to resurface and appear patchy in the areas where the color did not take.
• The final healed result will be approximately 40-60% lighter than initial application.
• At the 6-8 week touch-up, we will address filling in any gaps and polishing up the final look. The pigment retention will be better after with this session.
After healing is complete the pigment will continue to fade. Certain factors such as skin type, certain face products and lifestyle will cause expedited fading. Oily skin, sweat, sun exposure, facial treatments, using AHAs, glycolic and lactic acids are all examples of factors which would cause faster fading.
IS THE PERFECTION SESSION NECESSARY?
Yes! The first session lays the foundation for the final outcome. The healed results will be significantly lighter and some areas will not take the pigment as well as others—resulting in gaps. Once we see the healed results, we can adjust color, shape, and fullness as needed, and the pigment will hold better as well. This touchup session will perfect your look and help your results last longer. In some cases, clients may need an additional touch up (not included) to achieve the best results. For example, clients with oilier skin types, larger pores, that are more active, use certain products or are not diligent with their aftercare.
CAN I GET MY TOUCH UP SESSION SOONER THAN 6 WEEKS?
Touch-ups can be made no sooner than 4 weeks’ post-procedure. However, the recommendation is 6 to 8 weeks to ensure your skin is fully healed. Touch-ups scheduled past 8 weeks will be charged for a 6 month touch-up. Please see the Services list for current pricing.
IS IT PAINFUL?
The pain level for microblading procedures is considered mild to none. A topical anesthetic is applied to the area to keep you as comfortable as possible. However, each person’s experience will vary depending on their pain tolerance and receptiveness to numbing agents. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine, and epinephrine. After the procedure, redness and slight swelling in the area are normal. Clients compare the feeling to a light sunburn. You may take Tylenol but not aspirin or ibuprofen.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Because microblading pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade over time. Microblading typically lasts 6-18 months and each individual’s retention will vary based on skin type, facial products, and overall lifestyle. To maintain fresh-looking brows, maintenance touch-ups are recommended. Without touch-ups, your pigment will eventually fade away.
PREP AND AFTERCARE
To achieve the best results, please follow the instructions below. Not following these directions may cause undesired results, including; discoloration, scarring and loss of pigment.
PREP:
• No alcohol or caffeine at least 24 hours prior to your appointment
• No vitamins, supplements, or medications that cause blood-thinning (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, etc.) in your system during your appointment
• No tan (UV or spray) at time of appointment
• No face scrubs or facial peels at least 2 weeks prior
• No vitamin A/retinol products at least 1 month prior
• No exercising the day of your procedure, or for 10 days after
• No Botox at least 2 weeks prior
• Do not tweeze, wax, or tint your eyebrows at least 5 days prior
• Please bring any pictures of your desired outcome
AFTER CARE:
• No alcohol for 24 hours.
• Use clean tissue to blot any fluids remainder of day 1.
• Follow steps below based on your skin type. Discontinue washing and aftercare application once peeling starts, which is typically between days 5-7. You will notice peeling when the edges of the strokes start to turn white from lifting off the skin.
DRY TO NORMAL SKIN- Hour 1 blot every 15 minutes with provided wipes. For the remainder of the day gently blot the brows EVERY HOUR with provided wipes. At bedtime tonight gently wash your brows in a soft circular motion for 10 seconds with an antibacterial soap and lukewarm water! Splash off and gently pat dry with a tissue or cotton round once dry apply a very thin layer of provided aftercare. (about 1 grain rice)
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The aftercare product should not be noticeable on the brows. If it is, very gently blot to remove excess.
After day 1: Wash and apply aftercare twice per day (morning and night) until peeling starts. Once the scabs start to lift, discontinue touching at all.
*DO NOT overuse the aftercare product- use only as directed. Too much moisture will cause early scab peeling.
OILY/COMBO SKIN- Do not use aftercare products; your natural oils will lubricate the area. If brow area becomes excessively oily, use blotting sheets or wash up to 5x per day to remove excess oils. Be careful that additional washes do not cause over drying.
• All skin types AVOID the following until all peeling is 100% complete
(typically 10-14 days); o Getting brows too moist or too dry. Skin that is too dry or too moisturized will cause early lifting/peeling. Ideal skin consistency is only enough moisture to not be dry. Avoid long/steamy showers or washing brows directly after shower as they will be to moist and touching them will likely cause peeling. o Makeup products on or around the brows. o Any and all products other than the aftercare product provided.
o Exercise/sweat
o Sun exposure to the treated area
o Absolutely no touching at any time other than when washing or applying aftercare.
o DO NOT pick, peel or scratch scabs. They must fall off naturally in order to avoid scarring and pigment loss.
o Facials, scrubs or chemical peels for at least 4 weeks post treatment.
o Please inform your facial technician at any future spa treatments so they know to avoid the area.
o Exfoliating products on the brow area, even after they have healed.
WHO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR THE PROCEDURE?
Microblading is not suitable for people who:
• Have a pacemaker, heart conditions, or are taking heart medications
• Are undergoing chemotherapy (will require a physician’s note)
• Have diabetes (will require a physician’s note)
• Are anemic
• Have HIV, AIDS, or Hepatitis
• Have epilepsy
• Have had an organ transplant
• Have skin disease(s)
• Have any viral infections or diseases
• Are prone to infection
• Are prone to keloids
• Pregnant or nursing
• Have skin irritations or psoriasis near the treated area (e.g., rashes, sunburn, acne, etc.)
• Are generally not feeling well (e.g., cold, flu, etc.)
• Have had Botox in the last 2 weeks
• Have gotten a deep tan or chemical peels in the last 2 weeks
• Are allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine, or epinephrine
• Have used Accutane within the last year
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS?
All proper precautions are taken for a safe session. Sterilized equipment and new tools are used in a sanitized environment. When clients follow the prep and aftercare instructions, there will be minimal risks or complications. Although allergic reactions to the pigments are rare, it could be possible for certain individuals. A pigment patch test is suggested for individuals who have skin sensitivities or are specifically sensitive to:
• Topical makeup products
• Gold, silver, and nickel
• Hair dyes
Patch tests should be performed at least 5 days prior to the procedure. If you are concerned about sensitivities/allergies, schedule a consultation for a complementary patch test.
WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE IT?
As with all cosmetic procedures, it is recommended that you do your research and take your decision seriously. We will work together to thoroughly go over your shape, color, and overall desired look to set expectations realistically and ensure that you are happy with your outcome. Every effort will be made to achieve an even appearance (i.e., tone/color/shape); however, please keep in mind that faces are never perfectly symmetrical. Uneven appearance can be corrected during the touch-up session. Color correction can also be done during the touch-up session. Microbladed brows will eventually fade away if no additional touch-ups are done. If you are unhappy with your results after the second session has healed, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
VP BROW BAR reserves the right to refuse service to anyone that is deemed not suitable for this procedure, or for any other reason. Cancellation/No Show appointment policies:
• A $100 non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking for permanent cosmetic sessions.
• A $50 non-refundable deposit is required for all other treatments, including touch-ups.
• Missed appointments and appointments rescheduled or cancelled without a 48-hour notice will forfeit the deposit.
• No call, no shows will be charged the full treatment amount.
• If you no show, and plan to rebook a $35 Inconvenience Fee will apply. If you no show a 2nd time, we cut ties.
• Rescheduling more than 2x will forfeit deposit.
• If you are more than 15 minutes late, we may need to reschedule to avoid interfering with the next client’s appointment.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU ACHIEVE YOUR BROW GOALS.
