Day 1-2: What you see is about 20-40% darker, bolder and more solid that what your healed result will present. Under the pigment, the skin is red and pigment has been deposited into the layer of skin containing dead skin cells. This combination gives the appearance of a darker color than what your end result will be. There may be minimal swelling, but because typically the eyebrow area does not retain much fluid, swelling will be limited. The top layers of skin will begin to shed on about day 3-5, and you will see a loss of color. This is normal, and the pigment that was deposited superficially will come off with the skin it is embedded within. DO NOT HELP IT! Let it peel on its own. To pull the skin off, you will remove ‘plugs’ of dermal pigments as it has not detached itself completely at this point.
Day 3: Your eyebrows may begin to itch and the pigment may appear somewhat raised, or you may see ‘bubbles’ in the pigmented skin. This is normal. Don’t scratch them!
Day 4-6: The skin is now in the throes of rapid exfoliation and if left alone, it will shed evenly. The color under the exfoliating skin will continue to appear light until the epidermis takes on its more transparent characteristics.
Day 30-40: Now is the time to critique your brows as you have had a full cycle of cellular regeneration in which the tattoo has now become part of the dermis, seen under the epidermis.
Day 1: This can vary from slightly puffy to swollen, heavy lids. Light sensitivity and/or bloodshot eyes may occur. They may feel more swollen than they actually appear. Makeup looks quite heavily applied. It’s advisable to sleep in an elevated position to help reduce swilling at night. Also, do not use your best pillowcase the first two nights. Applying cold packs to the eyelids will aid in reducing swelling by applying every 10 minutes for the first few hours.
Day 2: Eyes will be swollen and perhaps a bit ‘crusty’ upon waking. The swelling will disappear from being in an upright position and from blinking, etc., increasing circulation to the area. Avoid heavy lifting, physical exertion, and crying.
Day 3: Eyes will be less swollen, but still tight. The lash area may feel sore if touched.
Day 4: Pigment with the epidermis will begin to flake off in little stitch looking lines, although some people do not notice the exfoliation at all. DO NOT PICK! You will pull dermal pigment and end up with uneven color.
Day 5: Blinking helps to eliminate the small pieces of pigment and epidermis which has detached. It is important not to pick at it or rub the eyes.
Day 7: All shedding should be complete. You’re safe to put your face back in the shower spray.
Day 1: Lips will be swollen, feel tender and hot and do well with ice therapy. The lips will appear as though wearing a bright or dark vivid lipstick. The color may appear warmer than ultimately desired. They will feel very dry and you will feel a need to continually apply your aftercare product. Do not apply ice directly to lips.
Day 2: Lips will usually be less swollen, but still tight and dry.
Day 3: Even less swollen, still vibrant and might still feel hot.
Day 4: Skin begins to peel; you will see much pigment coming off. DO NOT PICK OR PEEL! Lip color under peeling skin will appear very light in color.
Day 5: Lips will appear and feel very chapped and dry. Peeling should be complete.
Day 6-7: Color appears very soft in color. Keep well moisturized with non-petrolatum product. Color may seem to disappear and almost become ‘frosty’ in appearance.
Day 14: Color begins to ‘bloom’ little by little each day. Keep well moisturized.
Day 21-28: Healing is complete. The color you see is the color you will retain. Keep well moisturized
NOTE: The outcome of permanent cosmetic procedures is dictated by its canvas. The better the condition your skin is in, the better the final result will be. Dry, sun damaged skin and lips are very difficult to achieve a beautiful, even result. Mature clients may need an additional one to two weeks healing for the final results to appear.
The better you take care of your skin and protect it from UV rays, the better the outcome and lifespan of the permanent cosmetic procedure(s).