Microblading - Procedure, Risks, and Precautions

Introduction

Microblading is an excellent option for shaping up your eyebrows which best suits your face. It involves using a tool like a pen with needles in it. These needles are not designed to penetrate the skin but to scratch away the skin surface. The needle is placed on the eyebrows with featherweight strokes and the pigment is implanted along with it.

How Is Microblading Different From Tattoo and Microshading?

In microblading, the needle does not penetrate deep into the skin and it is not permanent like tattoos and fades in 12 months to 18 months. They also appear natural when compared to tattoos. When compared to microshading, both are semi-permanent methods of eyebrow makeup. But in microshading, tiny dots are etched along with the eyebrows and it appears less defined.

How Is Microblading Performed?

• Initially, threading is done, and the area is cleaned and prepared for the treatment.

• The topical ointment is applied to make the area numb. It is allowed to stay for about 40 minutes to start its action. Numbing takes more time than the actual procedure.

• During the numbing process, the technician looks forward to the shape, size, symmetry, and facial features.

• After deciding the features of the eyebrows, the needling process starts with the impregnation of pigment with featherweight strokes. If there is discomfort, a layer of numbing cream is applied to numb the area again.

• A final layer of pigment is added and allowed to stay for five minutes.

• Then completely clean the area, and after six weeks to eight weeks, a touch-up session is planned to fill the incomplete gaps.

• The color of the eyebrows will appear dark for the first ten days which later on fades off and gives you the desired look.

How Long Does Microblading Last?

Microblading usually lasts for about 12 to 18 months. However, it depends on the skin type and longevity of the pigment used. The treatment lasts for about 12 months for an individual with oily skin and lasts for 18 months for an individual with normal skin. Besides the skin type, topping up at regular intervals will allow the microblading to stay longer.

Touch-ups for microblading are comparable to hair touch-ups at the roots. A person can just have the color filled in if they go when their microblading first starts to fade.

If they wait longer than is advised, they could need to have both eyebrows microbladed completely from the beginning. This takes a lot longer and costs a lot more money than a touch-up application.

How Will Your Eyebrows Heal Day by Day?

The individual who undergoes the procedure should not expect the desired result on the same day. It requires some time to achieve a natural look. It goes through certain phases day by day to reach the expected eyebrow architecture.

Days 1 to 3: It appears bold, dark, and full.

Days 3 to 5: The skin shows signs of healing.

Days 5 to 8: The skin scabs and peels further.

Days 8 to 12: Flaking stops.

Days 12 to 21: The texture of the eyebrows appears natural.

Days 21 to 30: The skin completely heals.

Who Can Get Microblading?

• Individuals who want to reconstruct their eyebrow shape.

• Individuals with thin eyebrows.

• Individuals who want to enhance their eyebrows with an esthetic appeal.

• Individuals with alopecia.

Who Cannot Get Microblading Done?

• Pregnant women.

• Breastfeeding mother.

• Individuals with a weak immune system.

• Individuals under blood thinners.

• If the individual has acne and a wound near the eyebrows,

• Individuals under cancer chemotherapy.

• Individuals with a recent history of laser treatment, chemical peel, eyebrow wax, and botox.

What Are the Advantages of Microblading?

• Provides a natural look.

• Well-shaped eyebrows.

• Does not smudge like a tattoo.

• Lasts for a couple of years.

• Painless.

• Saves time.

What Are the Risks Behind Microblading?

• Infection: If the technician uses dirty and contaminated water, it can lead to the serious spread of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. This can be treated by antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals.

• Allergic reactions: People can be allergic or sensitive to the pigments used, which is usually rare. However, a patch or a scratch test will be performed before starting the procedure. If allergic reactions such as redness and itchiness arise, antihistamines are prescribed.

• Granuloma: As microblading involves the incorporation of a foreign substance into the skin, an inflammatory reaction takes place which forms a granuloma in that area. It may occur after a few months or years of exposure.

• Keloids: These are scars that are bigger than normal. If you are an individual who already had keloids before, you can present with a keloid after the procedure.

Can Microblading Be Removed?

The pigment used in the procedure does not usually scar or discolor the area. It can be removed by using salt or saline solution.There are numerous other ways to accomplish this. The most popular is laser therapy. Microblading has the advantage that, in contrast to other types of tattooing, it can typically be eliminated with a few laser treatments. The drawback of laser use is the possibility of hair removal.

Saline Microblading Removal: The pigments can be removed from the skin by microblading or injecting saline. By effectively opening the skin and letting the saline solution penetrate into the epidermis, remicroblading with saline works. Although this technique purports to remove tattoo pigment, the skin may become damaged.

What Are the Precautions to Be Followed?

Before The Procedure:

• Two weeks prior to the procedure the individual should not undergo any chemical peel, laser treatment, and waxing. They should also stay away from direct sunlight.

• One month prior to the treatment, avoid products containing retinol or vitamin A.

• One week prior to the procedure, the individual should avoid intake of vitamin E or fish oil as they are blood thinners.

On the Day of Procedure:

• Do not exercise.

• Avoid drinking coffee two hours before the procedure.

• Avoid drinking alcohol on that day.

• Avoid taking Aspirin 24 hours before the procedure.

After the Procedure:

• Avoid rubbing or scratching the area.

• Wash gently with antibacterial soap and pat dry.

• Avoid using cleansers and exfoliants.

• Use antibacterial ointment for the first 24 hours.

• Use vaseline ointments for one week after the procedure.

• Apply coconut oil morning and night.

• Use a clean pillow.

• Do not wear makeup until the eyebrows heal.

• Avoid direct exposure to the sun for one week.

• Avoid working out for one week.

When to Consult a Doctor?

It is better to consult a doctor if any signs and symptoms of infection or allergy appear such as-

• Fever.

• Redness.

• Pain.

• Bad smell.

• Bleeding.

• Any liquid or pus oozing out from eyebrows.

The doctor will then prescribe the appropriate medication to treat the any infection, inflammation, or allergy. Seldom, infections from microblading can cause sepsis and other negative outcomes.

Conclusion

With the help of a needle and pigment, the cosmetic technique known as microblading can give you well-defined, realistic-looking eyebrows. Results typically last between 18 and 30 months, depending on your skin type, life style and frequency of touch-ups. Though microblading is a procedure that involves the usage of needles, it does not hurt, but the individual will be able to sense. It is the sound of the blade that people find worse. So if you are looking for a better solution for enhancing the look of your eyebrows, microblading is worth a shot.