Microblading

Microblading is a meticulous tattooing process available to anyone looking for a semi-permanent solution to sparse eyebrows. This form of cosmetic tattooing, using ink and a blade three times smaller than that used in traditional tattoos, is used to enhance the shape and appearance of eyebrows. The ink is deposited into the upper layers of the skin with a hand tool. Using these ultra-fine needles each “hair” is gentle etched into the skin. Microblading will give you a much more realistic appearance of your eyebrows than traditional permanent cosmetics.

Since microblading pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade over time. Microblading typically lasts one to three years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), and age (youthful/mature). Your skincare routine may also affect the length of time microblading will last. Patients who tan or use products such as AHA or glycolic acids will experience the ink fading faster as your skin will resurface faster. Each individual’s color retention within the skin will vary. To keep brows looking fresh, a touch-up is suggested every 12 to 18 months. Clients can let the microbladed area fade over time, but please note a slight shadow may remain.

The pain level for microblading is considered mild. Prior to the procedure, the technician will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the eyebrow area and reapply as necessary. After the procedure, redness and slight swelling in the area are normal. Clients describe a feeling similar to a light sunburn after microblading that may last up to two days.

After microblading, the eyebrow area will be slightly red and the ink color will appear very dark. This is normal for the procedure and part of the healing process. The color will fade by up to 40% as it heals. In the following days, the eyebrows will continue to be dark and you’ll notice slight scabbing. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the microbladed area. No downtime is required after microblading. It takes approximately one to two weeks for the brows to heal over, and about one month for the color to fully set in. You’ll notice the ink color is very light for approximately two weeks following the healing; the skin will have an opaque milky-looking quality to it. Known as milk skin, which is very common in tattooing, it is due to the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. True color will reveal itself once healed.

Yes, each client is to come in for a follow-up visit in order to have any minor necessary touch-ups. The second microblading session takes place six weeks after the initial session because everyone heals differently and outcomes will vary. Certain areas may not pick up during the first session and will need to be refilled. Pigment color may need to be adjusted at the follow-up appointment and brow thickness or more strokes can be added. This session will take approximately one and a half to two hours to complete. Most importantly, your microblading touch-up session is when you refine your brows to ensure it looks perfect and retains the color.

Touch-up sessions should not be done earlier than four weeks after your initial microblading session, as pigment color has not fully settled into the skin. Most importantly, this is to prevent scar tissue from developing. We want to make sure the tissue has had enough time to completely heal after microblading.

The first entire microblading session will take two and a half to three hours. During this first session, the Brow Technician will shape and style the client’s eyebrows for client approval. It is extremely important for you to approve the shape and placement of the pigment. Then the client, with the help of the Brow Technician, will select a pigment color. Once the client is satisfied, we begin the procedure.

Microblading will last longer if you apply sunscreen daily and avoid abrasive facial treatments in the brow area.

Katie Magnison is a Licensed Esthetician and Cosmetic Tattoo Artist with years of experience and extensive training. She has been a licensed esthetician since 2006, a laser technician since 2012 and a cosmetic tattoo artist since 2008. Katie received her microblading training from Deluxe Brows in San Diego, CA. Katie’s knowledge and cutting-edge techniques and products have proven to be vital to the beauty industry. She is always expanding her services and keeping ahead of the learning curve while maintaining a warm, friendly and professional disposition. Katie is physician-supervised by Dr. Lornell Hansen at LazaDerm.