I love a good acronym so here’s one to help you out, just think of: A - W - M which stands for Absolutely Wonderful Make-up or better yet: Absorb, Wash, and Moisturize!
The day of the treatment: Absorb
After the procedure, gently blot the area with clean tissue to absorb excess lymph fluid. Do this every 5 minutes for the full day until the oozing has stopped. Removing this fluid prevents hardening of the lymphatic fluids.
Days 1-7: Wash
Wash daily to remove bacteria, build up of product and oils, and dead skin. (Don't worry, THIS DOES NOT REMOVE THE PIGMENT!)
Gently wash your eyebrows each morning and night with water and an antibacterial soap like Dial Soap, Cetaphil, Baby shampoo or Neutrogena. With a very light touch, use your fingertips to gently cleanse the eyebrows. Rub the area in a smooth motion for 10 seconds and rinse with water ensuring that all soap is rinsed away. To dry, gently pat with a clean tissue. Ointment should never be applied over damp skin. DO NOT use any cleansing products containing acids (glycolic, lactic, or AHA), or exfoliants.
Days 1-7 Moisturize
Apply a rice grain amount of aftercare ointment with a cotton swab and spread it across the treated area. Never use Polysporin,, Vaseline or any medicated ointment.Be sure not to over-apply, as this will suffocate your skin and delay healing. The ointment should be barely noticeable on the skin. NEVER put the ointment on a wet or damp tattoo.
AWM should have you covered, but here are some extra tips to help with a smooth and easy recovery:
Important Reminders
- Use a fresh pillowcase while you sleep preferably a satin pillowcase.
- Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. Picking can cause scarring or loss of color.
- No facials, botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks.
- Avoid hot, sweaty exercise for one week.
- Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 4 weeks after the procedure. Wear a hat when outdoors. You should not apply sunscreen to the treated area while it's healing, so it is very important that you monitor your daily exposure and keep it to a minimum. UV exposure is very bad for tattoo pigments!
- Avoid applying topical exfoliants (Retinoids of any kind, AHA, BHA, glycolic acid, lactic acids, etc.) to the treated area for at least 4 weeks post-treatment.
- Avoid long, hot showers for the first 10 days.
- Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days.
- Avoid face-down swimming, lakes, and hot tubs for the first 10 days,
- Avoid topical makeup and sunscreen on the area for 14 days.
- DO NOT rub, pick, or scratch the treated area.
Remember, with the proper prep and aftercare routine, you will have much better results with your microblading/brow procedure. Don’t forget your new favorite acronym: AWM - Absorb, Wash, Moisturize!
Important note about showering:
Limit your showers to 5 minutes so that you do not create too much steam. Keep your face/procedure area out of the water while you wash your body, then, at the end of your shower, wash your hair. Your face should only be getting wet only at the end of the shower. Avoid excessive rinsing and hot water on the treated area.
Some people heal slower, some heal faster, some scab and peel and some barely flake!
Although very rare, if you believe medical attention is necessary please notify Laura Sutherland and seek immediate medical attention should you experience any of the following symptoms: redness around your eyebrows, drainage or pain that becomes increasingly worse.
Long-Term Care - for all procedures:
- Using a quality sunscreen daily will help prolong the health of your skin! UV light quickly fades tattoo ink and so a daily use sunscreen will help it stay looking fresher, longer.
- Some of our pigments are iron-oxide based, which your body will slowly absorb as mineral irons. This means the colour will fade over time. You will likely need a touch-up every 1-3 years. The speed of fading is dependant on your skin type and daily habits.
- Avoid applying Retin A®, Renova®, Retinol, Alpha Hydroxy or Glycolic Acid products directly to the tattooed area after they are healed. These products can lighten the tattoo.
- If you are planning a chemical peel, MRI or other medical procedure, please inform your provider that you have an iron-oxide cosmetic tattoo.
For best results, it is important for you to follow aftercare instructions!
Please read carefully!
For the first 6-10 days post-treatment, the colour intensity will be significantly more dramatic (brighter or darker), as well as larger and sharper and more defined than what is expected for your final outcome. Although the area will appear healed after 10-14 days, it will not be fully healed for 4-6 weeks (up to 8 weeks for lips). The speed of your result will be based on how the outer layer of your skin exfoliates.
One procedure cannot guarantee desired outcome. In some cases, we need to see how our clients' skin works with the pigment and review the healing process after the first procedure. We offer one complimentary touch-up visit no sooner than 4 weeks and no greater than 8 weeks after your initial procedure. In more complex cases (including removal, colour correction, camouflage, scar tissue, or iron disorders/deficiencies) an extra charge may apply on touch-ups.
1) Eyelids may be puffy and tender for a few days. Itching is also common. THIS IS NORMAL.
2) Round make up remover pads dipped in ice water can feel very soothing or a regular ice pack wrapped with plastic wrap to protect your skin for when ice pack is against your skin. Icing is most effective for the first 1-2 days. You may ice area approx. 10 minutes at a time 10 minutes on 10 minutes off.
3) Sleeping slightly elevated can help reduce any residual swelling and puffiness of the eyes. Also do not use your best pillowcase the first two nights.
4) Swelling and or sticky or crusty residue sometimes occurs the following morning after your procedure. In the morning if eyes are stuck together, use a wet Q-tip or clean warm wet cloth and gently separate. Do NOT rub, peel or pick! Keep the area clean and use aquaphor (provided) or other ointment given sparingly. Do not let eyeliner become dry in the first 72 hours. Apply once in the A.M. and once in the P.M. for 7-10 days. Too much ointment tends to run into the eyes and can blur your vision. If sensitive to ointment or you cannot keep it our of your eyes, do not use.
5) Do not expose your healing skin to direct sun, hot weather, tanning beds, hot tubs, saunas, salt water, chlorinated pools, or extremely hot water for 2 weeks following your procedure. Try to avoid crying or exercise for the first 7 days. Sweat is made of saline and removes the pigment that we have just implanted into your skin.
6) Do not expose your healing skin to direct skin creams, ointments, or lotions other than what you have been instructed to use for at least 7-10 days following your procedure.
7) Eyes heal very well. However very rarely the possibility of secondary infection like conjunctivitis can occur. You may rinse with sterile saline eyewash and seek medical attention for an antibiotic steroid eye drop.
8) Eyes are sensitive to pet dander, gardening, dust and dirty hands. Sunglasses add protection. Do not wear makeup directly on procedure for the first 7 days while healing. Get new mascara for use after 7 days.
9) No soap, shampoo, cleansers on tattoo for 7 days. Avoiding direct shower spray on procedure area for 7 days. Shower with back to the spray and let shampoo run down your back, not your face. Pat area dry.
10) Any eyelash or eyebrow tinting or eyelash curling should be done no sooner than two weeks after the procedure.
11) DO NOT wear contact lenses within 48 hours following the eyeliner procedure. Remember to bring your glasses. You may resume wearing your contact lenses as soon as your eyes return to their pre-tattooed condition.
12) Although very rare, if you believe medical attention is necessary please notify Laura Sutherland and seek immediate medical attention should you experience any of the following symptoms: redness around your eyes, drainage or pain that becomes increasingly worse.
Please call with ANY questions or concerns. 425-210-2439
LONG TERM CARE
1) Use good sunscreen daily-. Sun exposure will fade your permanent cosmetics and may cause irritation even years later.
2) If you are planning chemical exfoliation, MRI or other medical procedure, please inform your physician of your cosmetic tattoo.
3) Some of our pigments are iron-oxide based, which your body will slowly absorb as mineral irons. This means the colour will fade over time. You will likely need a touch-up every 1-3 years. The speed of fading is dependant on your skin type and daily habits.
4) Avoid applying Retin A®, Renova®, Retinol, Alpha Hydroxy or Glycolic Acid products directly to the tattooed area after they are healed. These products can lighten the tattoo.
For new procedures schedule your free touch-up visit no less than 1 month and no more than 2 months from initial treatment. You are allowed one free touch-up within the first 2 months of procedure.
Maintenance or corrective procedures do not include additional complimentary touch-ups unless specified.
Remember to keep your appointment. A 48 hour cancellation is required otherwise it will be counted as your normal touch-up visit.
It is important for you to follow aftercare instructions!
Please read carefully!
For the first 6-10 days post-treatment, the colour intensity will be significantly more dramatic (brighter or darker), as well as larger and sharper and more defined than what is expected for your final outcome. Although the area will appear healed after 10-14 days, it will not be fully healed for 4-6 weeks (up to 8 weeks for lips). The speed of your result will be based on how the outer layer of your skin exfoliates.
One procedure cannot guarantee desired outcome. In some cases, we need to see how our clients' skin works with the pigment and review the healing process after the first procedure. We offer one complimentary touch-up visit no sooner than 4 weeks and no greater than 8 weeks after your initial procedure. In more complex cases (including removal, colour correction, camouflage, scar tissue, or iron disorders/deficiencies) an extra charge may apply on touch-ups.
Specifics for lips:
If you have EVER had cold sores/fever blisters/herpes on or around your lips, you MUST obtain a prescription for Valtrex (Valacyclovir)/Zovirax from your doctor. Start your prescription 3 days before your treatment day and 4 days after, or as prescribed by your doctor. Failure to take an antiviral medication will result in a cold sore outbreak, which will compromise the results of your lip procedure.
The lips will look very intense in colour and may become swollen post-treatment. This may last 2-3 days depending on the individual. Usually the scab will peel off after about 3-5 days. Avoid peeling the skin as they heal. Your lips can look extremely chapped. Apply Aquaphor as often as you feel you need to with a clean Q-Tip. Once the peeling completes, the colour may look quite pale, only the lip line may show a light colour. Be patient until the skin matures, which will take at least one month, after which the colour will begin to "bloom", and you will see a more natural-looking result.
After you leave, I recommend that ice packs be applied for 10 to 15 minutes each hour for the first 4-8 hours following the procedure. The ice is used to reduce swelling and provide comfort. After the first 24 hours the use of ice is no longer beneficial. Old wives’ tale: Cooled used tea bags are also good for preventing swelling.
1) No soap, cleanser or shampoo on the treated area for seven (7) days. Soap and cleansers are designed to remove any foreign substances. Obviously, this is detrimental to the bonding process required for the pigment to become permanent. Toothpaste and mouthwash are considered “soap” and will remove lip
color, so proceed with caution when using.
2) All cleansing should be done with a clean Q-tip dipped in cool water and gently dabbed on the treated area. Do not rub the area in any way.
3) Apply Aquaphor or other ointment recommended by technician apply with a Q-Tip in the procedure area for the first 7-10 days. Apply to the treatment area with a Q-tip several times per day (Do not use mineral oil or petroleum based products such as Vaseline if allergic.) This is to be done in a gentle dabbing motion as not to disrupt the pigmentation
bonding process. This will keep the area moist and accelerate the healing. Do not let the area dry out, keep moist all times. Check your lips every thirty (30) minutes, re-apply ointment as necessary. Do not press or rub when applying ointment. Apply an extra heavy coat of ointment to the treated area before bedtime, bath, washing of adjacent areas, and immediately upon rising in the morning. If any form of redness, tenderness, drainage, fever or rash occurs, please contact your health care provider immediately and please inform Ink Haven Studio (Laura Sutherland)!
4) Baths and showers are permitted but do not wash, scrub or touch the treatment area. Hot, steamy baths and showers should be avoided completely. After two weeks, you may resume all regular activities.
5) When brushing teeth for the first three (3) days, coat lips with a lot of ointment before brushing and use a minimal a mount of toothpaste.
6) For the first two (2) days, use a straw when drinking liquids; avoid sandwiches, biting into fruit or foods that might cause friction to the lips. Avoid hot, spicy, salty, acidic food for your comfort. Smoking is discouraged for optimal results.
7) Do not use any lipstick or cosmetics on or near the treated area for seven 7-10 days. This rule applies also to non-allergic makeup, as it may contain
chemicals that interfere with the bonding process. If or whenever you do begin using cosmetics again, invest in a new lipstick to support your new look. This will eliminate the possibility of bacteria breeding in an old container.
8) For at least two (2) weeks, you need to minimize exposure to the sun, sauna's, tanning beds. I discourage swimming in fresh, salt or chlorinated pool water.
9) If you use Retin-A, do not allow it close to the treated area for thirty (30) days. It will cause the area to peel and lighten.
10) Since your procedure is facial, I recommend you sleep on a clean satin pillowcase for seven (7) nights. This will minimize the loss of pigmentation caused by rubbing against a cotton, textured pillowcase as you sleep.
11) Special care should be exercised while the treated area is healing. Under no circumstances should you pick, scratch or rub the treated area or attempt to remove the crusty material. Removing of the crusts may result in the removal of the actual pigment and/or infection may occur. It is important that this protective “cover” stay on during the healing process (three to six days).
12) Always use good health habits.
13) Fever Blisters can be a side effect and can occur on the 3rd or 4th day, therefore it is required that you take the necessary preventative prescribed medication to minimize this possibility immediately. Preferably 2 days before procedure and for 3-4 days following procedure.
14) Do not bleach your teeth until your lip procedure has totally healed.
The higher percentage of Carbamide peroxide in the bleaching gel the more colour it can pull out of the lips. Wait to bleach your teeth until after your colour refresher has healed.
15) Smoking should be limited if you have had a lip procedure. The filter when placed against the new lip colour can pull off the tattooed skin. This will ruin your lip procedure. If you must smoke, twirl the filter in Aquaphor or ointment such as petroleum (do not use if you have allergies to petroleum) before you smoke. This will help to eliminate tearing the newly pigmented tissue off of the lips.
16) I usually recommend a mouthwash called Biotene. It is free of alcohol and therefore lessons that burning sensation while you're swishing, which is what you'll be doing every time you eat or drink for a few days. I'd recommend not smoking afterward, but if you do, swish again!"
17) Fever Blisters can be a side effect and can occur on the 3rd or 4th day, therefore it is required that you take the necessary preventative prescribed medication to minimize this possibility immediately. Preferably 2 days before procedure and for the 3-4 days following procedure.
Important Instructions for Showering
•Limit your showers to 5 minutes so that you do not create too much steam. Keep your face/procedure area out of the water while you wash your body, then at the end of your shower, wash your hair.
• Avoid excessive rinsing and hot water on the treated area.
*Note*
Swelling, oozing plasma, tenderness, firmness and some redness are normal the next 1-7 days after the procedure for some clients. The use of Benadryl or Tylenol over the counter and keeping your face vertical is helpful.
• Shedding your color and outer epidermal skin is normal during the first 3-4 days following treatment.
• At the end of three weeks, your procedure should be healed
Long-Term Care - for all procedures:
- Using a quality sunscreen daily will help prolong the health of your skin! UV light quickly fades tattoo ink and so a daily use sunscreen will help it stay looking fresher, longer.
- Some of our pigments are iron-oxide based, which your body will slowly absorb as mineral irons. This means the colour will fade over time. You will likely need a touch-up every 1-3 years. The speed of fading is dependant on your skin type and daily habits.
- Avoid applying Retin A®, Renova®, Retinol, Alpha Hydroxy or Glycolic Acid products directly to the tattooed area after they are healed. These products can lighten the tattoo.
- If you are planning a chemical peel, MRI or other medical procedure, please inform your provider that you have an iron-oxide cosmetic tattoo.