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Microblading, a cosmetic procedure that injects pigment under the skin with a needle, gives you natural-looking eyebrows.
The results will last anywhere from 18 to 30 months depending on how you live and what your skin type is.
How long can you expect the results of your particular procedure to last? Continue reading to find more frequently asked questions about microblading.
How long will my Microbladed eyebrows last?
Microblading can last from 18 to 30 months, as mentioned previously. It is generally necessary to touch up once or twice per year.
After the pigment has begun to fade noticeably, your practitioner will need to apply a touch-up application.
Touch-ups for microblading are similar to root touch-ups. You can have your color filled in if you visit before the microblading starts to fade.
You may need to repeat the entire microblading process on both your eyebrows if you wait longer than recommended by your practitioner. This can be more time-consuming and costly than a touch-up application.
How can you tell if you will need to have touch-ups sooner than expected? It all depends on the type of skin you have.
Results of microblading based on skin type
High levels of oil or sebum from your skin can make pigment adhere more difficult to your skin.
Oily and combination skin types might need to be touched up more often than normal or dry.
Talk to your aesthetician about any concerns about your skin type, and how long you can expect the results to last.
How much does microblading cost?
Microblading can be expensive. These are some things you should consider:
Prices can vary widely, from $250 to $1,000
Touch-ups are less expensive than the entire procedure
Insurance won't likely cover it. However, discounts might be possible through the salon
The cost of microblading will depend on where you live and how experienced your aesthetician is.
The cost of touch-ups is often half that of the original procedure. A $500 treatment could be touched up for $300.
Although eyebrow microblading is not covered by most health insurance plans, there are certain medical conditions, medications, and treatments that could cause your eyebrows to fall out. Your HSA (health savings account), may be used to pay for your microblading treatment.
Ask your practitioner about discounts for microblading, as it can be quite expensive. One option to lower the cost is volunteering to be included in your aesthetician’s portfolio.
How to prepare for your microblading session
Before you make an appointment, the microblading process begins. These are key facts:
Avoid Botox for 2 to 3 weeks prior to microblading.
Talk to your doctor about medications and risk factors such as cold sores.
Do not consume alcohol or caffeine before your appointment.
Kechia T. Taylor is the co-founder and chief executive of the Black Micropigmentation Association. She recommends that potential practitioners be vetted before making an appointment. Here are her tips:
Review the practitioner and business.
Ask for before/after photos that show healing results.
You must ensure that the procedure is performed in a clean and safe environment.
Make sure your practitioner is certified and experienced.
Erum N.Ilyas MD, MBE, and FAAD, is a Philadelphia-based board-certified dermatologist who founded AmberNoon. She says that you can ensure the best results by following a few simple steps.
She suggests that you avoid the following:
Botox or any other neurotoxin can be used for up to three weeks.
For a few days, waxing, plucking, and threading brows is possible
Retinol and prescription retinoids 7 days
AHA and BHA creams 7 days
Chemical peels can be used for between 30 and 60 days depending on the type of chemical.
Any other exfoliating product for 2-7 days
Blood thinners for 2-7 days
Aspirin for 2-7 days
Ibuprofen for 2-7 days
Fish oil for 2-7 days
Vitamin E for 2-7 days
24-hour alcohol- and caffeine-free
Ilyas recommends speaking to a doctor before you stop taking any medications or supplements. People can reduce the risk of side effects by taking these steps:
Review of the risks of scarring and keloids
Before making an appointment, discuss with your physician their history of cold sores or fever blisters.
She says that if you have had a history of cold sores or fever blisters, it might be a good idea to pre-medicate under the supervision of your doctor.
Your history of sun exposure, previous isotretinoin and Accutane use, dye allergies, medications, or herbal supplements should be shared with your artist prior to your appointment. Some medications that thin the blood such as ibuprofen and aspirin can cause bleeding, which could prevent the procedure from being performed.
How long does it take for microblading to heal?
The process of microblading does not end once you leave the practitioner's chair. There is a healing process. Here are some things to know:
The microblading process can take up to 2 weeks.
During this time, your skin may become sensitive. Do not touch it.
Itching and scabbing are common. However, don't pick at the scabs. This will help prevent infection.
Do not wet your brows.
Avoid direct LED light exposure.
The healing process for microblading eyebrows can take between 10 and 14 days depending on how the pigment settles. Your skin may become sensitive during this time. Your eyebrow skin will eventually scab and flake. Initially, the area will feel tender and red.
As your new brow shape heals, you should not pick at or scratch the area. Germs can get trapped under your skin, causing infection. Also, picking at flakes can cause your eyebrows to become darker faster.
Avoid soaking your brows during this time. You should avoid excessive sweating after working out or getting your brows wet in the pool.
Risks and Precautions
Although microblading can be a common procedure it does come with its fair share of risks. These are important to remember:
You might feel some discomfort during the procedure.
If the microbladed area isn't kept clean and dry, it can become infected.
Exfoliation or sun exposure can cause the color to bleed, spread or change.
Granulation tissue is a form of scar tissue that forms on the skin. This reaction is usually caused by an ink allergy.
You may notice asymmetry in your brows or an unnatural shape.
For 18 months, your brow color will not fade.
After the procedure is completed, your eyebrows will remain the same color and shape up to the time the color fades. This can take up to 18 months.
Consult with your practitioner in-depth. This will include reviewing their portfolio and having them draw a trial shape on your face so that you can see the final product.
Microblading can be uncomfortable and painful, even with the application of a topical painkiller. You will have tiny cuts that are no larger than a thread on your skin after it is done.
If you don't clean the area well, these cuts can become infected.
Infection by microblading can cause sepsis in very rare cases.
Takeaway
It's not possible to predict how long your microblading results will last. Talk to a licensed aesthetician if you have any questions or concerns about how often you will need touch-ups.
It is important to research and find a licensed practitioner for microblading.