Microblading FAQs

FAQ

How do I prepare for my microblading procedure?

If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment. You may fill in your eyebrows as you usually would so I can take into consideration the shape you desire. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded, or tinted, please do so at least three days before your appointment. If any stray hairs fall outside of our final shape, we can remove them. If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. I require my clients to avoid any blood-thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours before their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen. Do not drink any alcohol the night before or day of your appointment and limit the amount of caffeine you consume. If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure. It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.



How do I care for my brow after microblading?

Microblading will appear darker and more intense than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Redness and swelling is minimal.

It is highly beneficial to follow these instructions to ensure a comfortable healing process and to achieve the best results.

Each client's skin responds differently to these treatments. This information acts as a guideline only.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR NEW MICROBLADED EYEBROWS: I have had the best results with this simple healing method! I recommend washing the tattooed area GENTLY 3-5 times a day (every 4-6 hours) with lukewarm water and a disposable paper towel, gauze, or cotton round and always pat the area dry. Apply a THIN layer of the barrier cream that has been supplied to you. Keep out of the sun throughout the healing process. Do not use ANY cosmetics in this area and avoid sweating for AT LEAST 10-14 days. Keep the area clean and let it breathe! WHAT TO EXPECT: Immediately following your procedure, the eyebrows will appear to be darker and bolder in color and more sharply defined. This can last up to a week after the treatment, while the initial healing process takes place. The treated area may feel a bit like sunburn, afterward, but there should be minimal discomfort. During the initial healing period, there should be minimal flaking of the skin. If there is some flaking, do not pick, and allow the dry skin to come off on its own. The complete healing process takes about 6-8 weeks, at which time the true color of the microblading is evident. During this process, your brows will soften and lighten. Be patient, even if you think too much color has been lost, as your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating. Please wait at least 8 weeks to see the true color, as it seems to take on new strength, and it is only after 8 weeks that your touch-up can be done. WHAT NOT TO DO: You may shower or bathe normally, but avoid getting any soaps, shampoos, or other cleansers on the treated area for the first five days as they can be detrimental to the bonding process that must take place for the pigment to stabilize in the dermis. DO NOT pick or scratch at the dry skin/flakiness; let the skin fall off naturally. Picking can cause scarring and premature loss of pigment. IMPORTANT: Once the flakes have fallen off, a shiny layer of healing skin will completely cover the hair strokes. It may appear as though the microblading has completely disappeared. Within 1-2 weeks, the hair strokes will slowly reappear at a lighter shade as your skin regenerates. DO NOT apply make-up to the brow area for the first two weeks. Cosmetics of any kind may interfere with the healing and color of your microblading. DO NOT use Vaseline, Neosporin, or other petroleum-based products while healing. DO NOT bleach, tint or dye the tattooed area for one month following the procedure. DO NOT apply any anti-acne products (e.g., Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Proactive, etc.) or lightening creams (skin bleaching creams) such as hydroquinone to the treated area while healing. DO NOT use anti-aging products or facial products containing Alpha Hydroxyls (AHAs), Retin-A, Lactic or Glycolic Acids while healing. DO NOT thread, wax, or use hair removal products on the treated area while healing. DO NOT exercise or sweat for a few days before getting tattooed and for two weeks after. DO NOT get into swimming pools, jacuzzies, or other bodies of water for two weeks. DO NOT soak your face underwater in a bathtub or allow the shower to spray directly in your face for two weeks. ONCE HEALED: Exposure to the sun over time can cause fading and discoloration of the pigment. Once completely healed, you may apply sunscreen on the treated area. Wear large sunglasses and a hat for further protection. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly when in contact with chlorine. Glycolic acid, microdermabrasion, and chemical face peel products must be kept away from the area as continued use could lighten the pigment. If you are having laser resurfacing or laser hair removal after your tattoo has healed, please inform the laser technician. Continue at your own discretion. Laser procedures may darken, lighten, or discolor the microbladed area. Once the treated area is completely healed, any changes or additions that need to be made can be done no sooner than 8 weeks later. There are no implied or written guarantees if you do not take care of your microblading.



How long does microblading last?

Microblading will not wash off. However, it will fade over time and may need to be refreshed every 1-2 years. The frequency of sessions depends on many factors, including the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), and if any chemical peels or anti-aging products or treatments come into contact with your brows. Please note that final results CAN NOT be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your second session and make any changes necessary. *Multiple sessions are standard for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring a minimum of 2 visits. Your second session can be booked no sooner than 2 months after the initial appointment. *Additional sessions will be charged according to our current pricing. For most clients, a minimum of two treatments are usually needed, at least 8 weeks apart. With most procedures, the color looks dramatically lighter after the first week. Some clients prefer this, while others opt for a bolder look. At the second session, we will assess the color retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly after the first session, do not worry! We can always go darker and add more density at your next appointment



What factors will affect microblading?

Sun exposure: The sun will extremely soften the look of your tattoo, so sunblock should be used (once healed) to prolong your enhancement. The regeneration of skin cells: The longer the recovery takes, the longer the pigment holds. The speed at which the skin absorbs the pigment: The slower the absorption, the longer the pigment will hold. The choice of color: Some colors fade quicker than others, e.g., a blonde color will fade faster than a dark brown color. The area of treatment: Enhancements to the face, for example, fade more quickly due to constant exposure. Bleeding during the procedure: Any bleeding during the procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol and certain medications act as blood-thinners and should not be taken before or following your appointment. Aftercare: Failure to follow the aftercare diligently during the first 2 weeks of healing can contribute to less than desired results. For example, sweating during healing can affect the appearance of the hair strokes when fully healed. Iron Deficiency: If you suffer from Anemia or low iron, this could affect the way your body reacts to the pigment. The pigment used contains iron oxide, which can result in the hair strokes to fade or change in hue due to your body absorbing the iron.



What will my microblading look like in the future?

During your appointment, I will analyze the undertone of your skin to anticipate how pigment colors will fade in the future. I will also mix pigments to ensure color blends well with your existing eyebrow and hair color. The majority of my clients' microblading stay true to color and lighten naturally over time. There are some cases, however, where colors may fade to different tones according to the individual's response to the pigments (like lifestyle and iron deficiencies). Many factors affect these changes. At your second appointment, we will re-analyze how your body has responded to the initial color. Special formula alteration to correct and prevent further color change is made at this time. Your microblading will eventually look softer and have more of a "powdered" look. This happens with all clients as the skin ages. To keep your hair strokes looking good, a refresher appointment is suggested every 1 to 2 years. Results vary with each client. A good sunscreen should be applied daily AFTER healing and is required to help keep color true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the color soften faster. Fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, and if any chemical peels, anti-aging products used or treatments were done after your procedure. If you are planning a chemical peel, laser treatment, or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had microblading. Careful application must be taken to avoid affecting the brow area.



Will microblading work for me?

If you have extremely oily skin, the microblading technique will NOT work well for you. The constant production of oil will cause the hair strokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered than you would expect. If you have little to no existing hair, your tattoo will appear more 2-dimensional than those clients who have more hair naturally. If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment may fade sooner. If you are iron deficient or Anemic, your pigment may fade sooner, and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure. PLEASE NOTE: If you have had your eyebrows previously tattooed, I cannot guarantee results for cases such as these. In some instances where the previous work is too dark, dense, discolored, or large, tattoo removal will be highly recommended before my services will be considered. Previously tattooed areas will almost always require additional sessions and will be charged accordingly.



What are some contraindications to consider?

A list of skin conditions that may cause poor results during or following microblading.

Ingrown hairs and opened bumps on the eyebrows

Injured/inflamed skin cannot be tattooed.

Eczema

Flaking/itching/irritation/shedding of the skin cannot be tattooed.

Psoriasis

Flaking/itching/irritation/shedding of the skin cannot be tattooed.

Dermatitis

Flaking/itching/irritation/shedding of the skin cannot be tattooed.

Rosacea

Acne-like skin indicated by redness. The skin bleeds easily and will not retain pigment well.

Moles/ raised areas on or around the brows

Anything raised will not retain color.

Deep wrinkles in the eyebrow area

Hair-strokes will not lay properly in the creases, giving the eyebrows an uneven look.

Hair transplant in the eyebrows

The pigment may not take where the plugs were placed.

Fitzpatrick Skin Type 1

Redheads/translucent skin/light eyes

Due to the hypersensitivity and thinness. This skin type bleeds very easily and does not take the pigment well.

Accutane (acne medication) within the last year

Skin will not heal well. Must wait one year.

Retinol or Vitamin A/Tretinoin use

Must discontinue use three months prior to the procedure.

Extremely thin skin

Transparent or translucent skin bleeds easily and cannot hold pigment due to its thinness.

Tanned/Sunburnt skin

Avoid sun and tanning bed exposure thirty days prior to microblading

Use of Latisse or eyelash/eyebrow growth conditioner

Hair follicles are sensitive and will bleed easily. Must discontinue for two months prior to the procedure.

Face or body dysmorphic disorder

Expectations cannot be met

A list of medical conditions that may cause poor results during or following microblading.

Pregnant or nursing

At-risk and sensitive due to change in hormone levels

Hemophilia

High risk - cannot stop bleeding

Heart conditions/pacemaker/defibrillator

High risk - on blood-thinning medications

Body runs hot

Increased bleeding which prevents pigment deposit

Bleeding disorder

Increased bleeding which prevents pigment deposit

Thyroid condition and taking medication for this condition

Hypo/Hyperthyroidism, Graves’ Disease, Hashimoto’s, etc. The skin is thicker and compromised.

Trichotillomania (compulsive pulling of hair)

Due to constant pulling, scar tissue is prominent and pigment will not heal evenly or properly.

If you are any of the following medications you may have excessive bleeding and the pigment MAY NOT retain.

  • Accutane
  • Retina-A - Retinol - Tretinoin
  • Zioptan
  • Latisse
  • Coumadin
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
  • Xalatan (latanoprost)
  • Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
  • Cilostazol (Pletal)
  • Ticagrelor (Brilinta)
  • Travaton Z (Travopost)
  • Trifusal (Disgren)
  • Dipyridamole (Persantine)
  • Xarelto (Rivaraxaban)
  • Savaysa (Edoxaban)
  • Pradaxia (Dibigatran)
  • Eliquis (Apixaban)
  • Prasugrel (Effient)
  • Vorapaxar (Zontivity)



What is Microblading?

Microblading, also referred to as semi-permanent makeup, is the process of implaninting color pigment beneath the surface of the skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable neddles to produce the apperance of hair strokes. The purpose of microblading is to enhance the natural features of your brows. Microblading is softer and more subtle. It is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. Microblading involves the use of pigments that are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows your artist to make changes to the color and shape of over time as your natural color and facial changes occur. A highly-effective, topical anesthetic cream and gel are used for numbing before and during your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure. Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure. If you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.



Disclosure & Release Agreement

Please read this “Disclosure & Release Agreement” completely, making certain that you understand all information provided, and that your information is correct. You have the right to be informed so that you may make the decision whether or not to undergo the procedure, after knowing the risks and hazards involved. This disclosure is simply an effort to make you better informed so you may give, or withhold, your consent to the procedure

Name: ______________________________________________________________

Date of Birth: __________________ Phone Number: _______________________

Please answer yes (Y) or no (N):

___ Are you pregnant or nursing?

___ Are you or have you been on Accutane in the last 12 months?

___ Have you had Botox and/or filler in the last 3 weeks? If so, in which part of the face? _______________________________

___ Are you iron deficient or anemic?

___ If yes, do you understand that you results may fade quicker, and that there is a possibility that the color tone may fade warmer or cooler?

Please list all known allergies, if any. If none, write “none” ___________________________________________________________________

Please list all current medications, if any. If none, write “none” ___________________________________________________________________

Do you have any skin conditions? (i.e., Psoriasis, eczema, keloid scarring, etc.) If none, write “none”. ____________________________________________________________

Do you consent to photos?

___ YES, full face photos.

___ YES, only close up photos of the tattooed area.

___ NO

Please read and initial the statements below to indicate you understand the following completely:

__ I understand that no food, drinks, or phone calls are allowed in the procedure area.

__ Minimal texting or email is acceptable as long as it does not interfere with the procedure. (this applies to all guests of the client as well.)

__ I understand that no warranty has been made to me as a result of this microblading procedure, and that the final result cannot be guaranteed by Tactical Aesthetics.

__ I understand that there may be a risk of infection if aftercare instructions are not followed.

__ I understand that there is potential discomfort during the procedure and during the healing process.

__ I understand that there is a possibility of bleeding, swelling, and allergic reactions to the pigments used.

__ I understand that microblading is considered semi-permanent, and will fade with time.

__ I understand that any tattoo can only be removed with surgical or laser procedures, and that any effective removal may leave permanent scarring or disfigurement.

__ I understand that misplacement, migration, or discoloration of the pigment can occur, under rare circumstances, requiring a correction and/or excision of the misplaced pigment.

__ I agree that I have reviewed and fully understand the FAQ, pre and post care on www.tactical-aesthetics.com prior to my appointment, and have had any further questions answered prior to my appointment.

__ I understand that my technician will not, under any circumstance, perform any procedures on me if I am known to have any allergies related to the products used.

__ I understand that I must inform my artist of any and all medication(s) I am currently taking. Pain medications such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen may cause the blood to thin, and excessive bleeding may occur during or after the procedure.

__ I understand that I must inform my technician if I have a history of Anemia as it can affect the longevity of the pigment or the healing of the tattoo as stated above.

__ I understand that I must inform my technician of any skin condition(s) I may have. Including but not limited to Psoriasis, Eczema, Keloid, Hypertrophic Scarring, etc.

__ I understand that it is my responsibility to advise my technician of any concerns I may have before they begin the procedure.

__ I am not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.

__ I am not pregnant.

__ I am actually reading these.

__ I fully understand the questions, terms, and conditions of this Disclosure & Release Agreement.

__ I accept to waive my rights for any claim against my technician or Tactical Aesthetics for any reason whatsoever.

__ I believe that I have sufficient information to give this informed consent.

__ I certify that this Disclosure & Release Agreement was completed by me and that all entries and information are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

__I understand that the color outcome may be slightly modified due to the undertone and health of my skin and that individual results will vary depending on a variety of factors.

__I understand that if I have any health conditions, I may have less than desirable or unsatisfactory results.

__I understand the aftercare instruction, and I am aware that failure to follow the instructions could result in less than satisfactory results.

__I am requesting this microblading procedure and accept the permanency and impermanency of the process as well as the possible complications and consequences of this procedure.

__I acknowledge that no guarantee has been given to me concerning the results of this procedure.

__I consent to this microblading/permanent makeup procedure and the above-listed items.

__I release Tactical Aesthetics and its representative, Stephanie Ollikainen and subsidiaries, of any injury claims, seen or unseen, that may occur as a result of this procedure.

Full Name: __________________________________ Date: __________________

Signature: __________________________________________________________



 

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