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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that full eyebrows have been in vogue for quite a while. This is great news for millennials who have grown up in the haze of Instagram and YouTube tutorials that teach you how to lovingly tend those brows. But if you came up through the 90s and 00s, chances are your eyebrows have suffered at the hands of thinner eyebrow trends.
Microblading has been a hot topic in the cosmetic world, and it’s not just for people who have over-tweezed in the past. It can be a great solution for anyone suffering from hair loss conditions and can even be used to camouflage a scar in the brow area. However, the vast majority of folks are simply in search of a well-shaped eyebrows without the hassle of having to draw them in every day.
What Exactly Is Microblading?
Microblading involves using a cluster of small needles in various shapes and sizes of blades to deposit pigment into the papillary layer of the dermis which sits directly under the epidermal surface. This is often achieved by “scratching” or dragging the needles across the skin. Sometimes the results mimic natural-looking hair, and sometimes the hairs look quite dramatic. They key determining factor is how the brows looks once the skin has fully healed and not how the brows look immediately after a microblading procedure.
How Safe Is Microblading?
Microblading is generally safe when performed on healthy, uncompromised skin. Older, thin, and excessively sun damaged skin may not be able to hold up to the microblading procedure and extra caution should be taken. Like all invasive cosmetic procedures, there are some risk factors and considerations to take into account regardless of the type of skin you have, and with careful planning and forethought you can minimize the chances of an adverse result.
1. Choose a Reputable Technician
With so many people with varying degrees of competency now performing these services, it’s vital to ensure that your technician is properly licensed and trained.
During the initial consultation, the practitioner should be professional and be able to address any concerns or issues that should occur. The procedure should be performed in a licensed establishment and adhere to all the protocols of proper handling and disposing of equipment. A client should be happy with the shape and color that is first drawn on before getting the work tattooed or microbladed. Going to a technician who exclusively works out of a licensed establishment also enables the client to know where to return for any necessary follow up visits that are needed and get a hold of the technician should any problems arise.
2. Perform a Patch Test
The chances of developing an allergic reaction is minimal. But it is also possible to develop an allergy to anything at anytime, for which a patch test then may not be helpful. Still, for those who tend to have reactive skin and be allergic to things in general, a patch would be recommended for the peace of mind. It involves scratching the skin, usually in an inconspicuous area such as behind the ear, with a lancet that has been dipped in the pigment. This is then left to sit for at least 24 hours before being checked for any sign of a reaction. You can also opt to patch test the numbing cream that will be used during the procedure.
3. Inform your Practitioner of Medical Conditions and Medication
Before any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to discuss your medical history with the technician. Some conditions, no matter how minor, and taking certain medications could have a bearing on your suitability for microblading and other forms of cosmetic tattooing.
Common conditions that may affect your suitability include:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- A history of keloid scarring
- Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
- Recent Accutane usage
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Heart conditions
- Blood clotting disorders
Although these factors may not entirely rule you out for microblading, you should still review the potential complications with the practitioner.
4. Follow Aftercare Advice
After the treatment, you will be given aftercare advice to reduce any risk of infection and ensure that you heal properly. Standard guidance includes keeping the eyebrows clean and makeup-free and applying any aftercare ointment as directed.
What Signs Do I Need to Watch Out For?
You may experience some discomfort during the treatment, and it’s typical to feel a slight stinging sensation for a while afterwards. However, if you are experiencing anything more severe than mild soreness, or if the area hasn’t healed after 10 days, you should contact your technician for further advice and instruction.
JuvEssentials provides a wide range of professional cosmetic tattooing solutions located in San Francisco, CA. We pride ourselves on delivering service of an exceptional standard from the initial consultation to the after care stage and beyond. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help with your needs.