What is Microblading?

Microblading is a treatment categorized under permanent makeup, but unlike traditional cosmetic SPMU Treatment, it is less invasive and is considered semi-permanent. Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type and lifestyle. The treatment is done by using a hand tool with ultra-fine needles and each 'hair' is gently etched into the skin, giving an incredibly natural and realistic look. Microblading can dramatically correct or fully reconstruct lost eyebrows and is excellent for those wanting to enhance their brows or who have little to no eyebrows, thinning brows from age or over-tweezed brows. Pigments used are chosen to match the natural or desired brow color and skin tone will also be taken into consideration.

How long does it take to heal?

No downtime is required after a microblading treatment. It takes approximately 10-14 days for the brows to heal over, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in.

After your appointment, your brows will appear darker than desired for the first few days, however, the color will fade about 20-30% as it heals. You may experience some scabbing or flaking accompanied by an itchy feeling. It is important not to pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the microbladed area. After that, you may experience something called "milk skin", a term used to describe an opaque, milky appearance to the pigment causing the brows to look very light in color. This is due to your body's natural response to heal itself from the cuts made into the skin during the microblading process. Those layers of epidermis will exfoliate over the next few weeks, and the desired color will return once fully healed.

Is the follow-up session necessary?

Yes! A follow-up session at 4-8 weeks is necessary as everyone heals differently and the outcome 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, brow thickness and more strokes can be added. Individuals with oily skin often require a deeper shade during the follow-up session as the oils tend to lighten the pigment. Most importantly, your follow-up session is when we refine your brows to ensure your results and retain the color for the whole year!

What if I need an additional follow-up after my 4-8 week follow-up session?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee 100% pigment retention. Additional follow-up appointments may be needed for oily, problematic skin, those with dark pigmented skin, and people who do not follow after-care instructions properly. This is considered a “spot treatment” and will be either $150 or $250 depending on the amount of touch-up needed.

Is it painful?

Prior to the treatment, a topical anesthetic will be applied to numb the area, and also reapplied during the treatment if necessary. Everyone responds differently to anesthetic, however, the pain level for the treatment is considered mild to none. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine, and epinephrine. If you are allergic to any of these products, be sure to speak directly to your aesthetician prior to your SPMU treatment.

After the treatment, redness and slight swelling in the area is normal. Clients describe the area as feeling similar to a light sunburn. Clients can take Tylenol but not aspirin or ibuprofen.

How long does it last?

Microblading typically lasts about 1-3 years, depending on skin type, age, and lifestyle. Clients who have oily skin, or those who excessively sweat will typically fade faster. Each individual's color retention within the skin will vary. To maintain the brows looking fresh, a Touch-up Application appointment is suggested every 12-18 months. Clients can let the microbladed area fade over time, but please note a slight shadow may remain.

Is anyone not suitable for the treatment?

Microblading is not suitable for the following candidates:

Anyone using Accutane. Accutane usage must be stopped for at least 1 full year prior to microblading.
Have heart conditions or using heart medications
Have diabetes (will require a physician's note)
Have skin disease or irritations on the face in the areas to be treated
Allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine or epinephrine
Anyone who has any serious medical conditions may require a physician's note.
Pregnant women
Clients who are nursing and want microblading can be done but we suggest discussing with your doctor first.

* We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who we deem not suitable for this treatment or for any other reason.

SPMU: Eyebrows Pre + Post Care

It is highly recommended that you follow OOLAN Studio Pre & Post Care instructions to ensure the best possible results and longevity of your cosmetic SPMU treatment. This information acts as a guideline only. We cannot guarantee results. Each client’s skin responds differently both in how long it takes to heal and the number of sessions needed for color retention and desired results. It is important that you take good care of your brows while healing and beyond.

SPMU Eyebrows: Pre-Care

Pre-care instructions MUST BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED to limit bleeding and skin sensitivities during the service. Excessive bleeding and sensitivity during the treatment will dilute and expel the pigment color and lead to poor results.

The skin must be free of all irritations including any type of dermatitis, in-grown hairs, blemishes, eczema, and psoriasis.

Must be off Accutane medication for 1-year prior to getting a Cosmetic SPMU Treatment.

Stop taking Fish Oil, Vitamin C, Glucosamine, Evening Primrose Oil, Ginger, one week prior to your appointment as they thin the blood and prevent the pigment from implanting correctly, meaning your SPMU Treatment may heal patchy.

Discontinue the use of any anti-aging, skin brightening or anti-acne skincare products. Particularly those that contain Alpha Hydroxy (AHA), Vitamin A, and Retinol. Ideally, do not use these products for 30 days prior to your appointment, and yes, even if you do not use it near the area to be treated it does spread under your skin and your cosmetic SPMU treatment will heal patchy. Once your SPMU treatment has healed under the skin surface (approximately 4-8 weeks following your final session) you may resume your usual skin care routine.

Do not schedule any facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling, peels, or laser treatments for at least 4 weeks prior to your appointment.

Do not have cosmetic injections on the forehead for at least two weeks prior to your appointment.

Please avoid any type of blood thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to your treatment unless is unsafe to do so for your health. Please ask your doctor before stopping these types of medications. Such as: Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Advil, Niacin, Voltaren or Indocid. As well as prenatal vitamins, Vitamin E or nutritional shakes. Only Tylenol is recommended if you have a low pain tolerance.

Antibiotics: you must wait at least 2-weeks after you complete your antibiotic treatment.
Do not work out on the day of the treatment.

Avoid sun tanning or tanning beds for 2 weeks prior to treatment. If you show up to your appointment with a sunburn you will need to reschedule and will forfeit your deposit. As your skin exfoliates from sunburn it will take the pigment. Tanned skin is damaged skin, and your color will not heal properly.
Scars from surgery or injury must be healed for at least one year prior to service.

Do not tweeze, thread, wax, tint, or perform electrolysis 1 week prior to treatment.
Do not drink alcohol 24 hours prior to your treatment
Do not consume coffee or other caffeine products 24 hours prior.

Please note that you will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.

Feel free to come in with brow makeup on so your aesthetician can see the everyday look you prefer. Reference pictures of shapes and colors of brows are always welcomed.

** NOT FOLLOWING PRE-CARE WILL RESULT IN FORFEITING YOUR APPOINTMENT AND DEPOSIT **

SPMU: Eyebrows Post-Care

WHAT TO EXPECT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TREATMENT?

If I could put you in a bubble and have you sleep for a week, you would heal perfectly every time! But since that is not an option, it is your responsibility to follow the Post-Treatment Protocol. This is very important for well-healed results.

Please be aware that the color intensity will be considerably darker and sharper than you may expect, but don’t panic as this is completely normal. Your brows will soften in appearance by 20-30%. Over the following ten days, the brows will begin to fade, and may take up to 4-8 weeks for the true color to come through. Do not be alarmed if the color seems to disappear during the healing process, this is due to layers of skin forming and is only temporary.

Appointment (Day 1)

After the treatment, every hour for 4 hours gently blot the area with a wet wipe (provided) to absorb excess lymph fluid. Do this as needed in the day until the lymph fluid has stopped. Removing this fluid prevents hardening of any blood/lymphatic fluids. While the skin is in the process of forming a protective scab and the lymph secretion is active you may see fluid or ooze on the skin. This is normal but the fluid must be cleaned off so that the secretion does not crust and block the skin from breathing.

Before Bedtime Wash + Dry (Paper Towel) + Do not apply ointment (until next day).

Do not apply other occlusive products to the brow area such as Neosporin, Vaseline, or Aquaphor.

(Day 2 )

The treated area may experience the following symptoms for 1 to 10 days after the treatment, which are all common and will only last a short period of time.

Redness
Minimal Swelling
Tenderness
Flaking
Dryness and Itching

Wash Brows: Daily washing is essential to remove bacteria, build-up of product, oils, and dead skin. (Don't worry, this does not remove the pigment but you must be gentle) No Scrubbing! No rubbing! No wiping! No scratching! Use patting motions only! When the scabbing or flaking begins do not continue washing and allow to dry heal for the remaining time.

After thoroughly washing your hands, gently cleanse your eyebrows morning and night with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser like our TimeMachine Water Clean. DO NOT use any facial cleansers containing acids such as; glycolic, lactic, salicylic, alpha-hydroxy aka AHA, beta-hydroxy aka BHA, or exfoliants. With a very light touch, use your fingertips to gently cleanse the eyebrows and rinse with lukewarm water in a cupping motion ensuring that all soap is rinsed away.

Dry the area: Make sure the area is completely dry before applying ointment. We recommend using paper towels to pat dry so that there will be no lint residues left behind on the area. Note: If you place ointment on the area and it is not dry, this may cause infection.

After your brows have dried, apply a thin layer of the provided ointment on each brow with clean fingertips or a cotton swab. This is to add moisture -- brows should not appear too greasy, if they do, you used too much. Do not use aggressive movements on the skin, be gentle. NEVER put the ointment on a wet or damp SPMU-treated area.

(Day 3 - 10) DRY HEAL

Apply Ointment: When applying ointment on the brows do not glob it on, use a rice size amount and do so 2 to 3 times a day. Apply just enough to saturate the scabs if any. Too much of it on the skin will not allow your skin to breathe. Pat, pat, pat with clean fingertips or a cotton swab, do not rub the ointment on the treated area. If you apply too much on, then blot off with a paper towel.

Note:

If your scabs become hard they can fall off in big chunks and take the pigment with them. Soft scabs that flake off on their own are the "key to successful pigment retention." Do not try to rush those scabs to come off, do not pick at them or you may cause scarring.

When showering, make sure you wash your hair with your head tilted back to avoid shampoo and conditioner from getting into the treated areas. You may apply ointment given to cover your brows. You may also wash your brows in the shower with the appropriate cleanser, just remember to be gentle and not face the shower head while doing so because of the water pressure.

The following must be avoided:

Do not peel, rub, scratch, or pick at the scabs as the color may heal unevenly and you could risk infection, which in turn could lead to scarring. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away on its own.
Do not put makeup on the brow area for a minimum of 14 days or until the scabs have flaked off.
Avoid use of skincare or cosmetics on the treated area (this includes use of foundation or powders.)

Avoid direct sun exposure/tanning or tanning beds for 4 weeks after the treatment. Wear a hat when outdoors and/or big sunglasses.

Avoid heavy sweating, exercise, sports, swimming, sauna, steam rooms, hot yoga, jacuzzi, and long hot showers for at least 14 days.

Avoid using exfoliants, acids such as glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acids lactic acid, salicylic acid, and Vitamin A on the SPMU treated area for 30 days. (Causes premature fading)
Use a fresh pillowcase. Avoid sleeping on your face or disturbing the area for the first 10 days.
Keep your hair away from your face to avoid infection.

Do not schedule any facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling, peels, or laser treatments for at least 4 weeks. They can darken/lighten or distort the pigment.
Do not tint your brows for 2 weeks after your treatment

Avoid drinking alcohol in excess, as it may lead to slow healing of wounds.

Avoid driving in open-air vehicles such as convertibles, boats, bicycles, or motorcycles.

Do not perform tasks related to heavy household cleaning such as; garage or storage cleaning where there is a lot of airborne debris now is not the time!

Note:

After the healing process brows will appear lighter in color because of natural skin regeneration. Often, even with proper care, some areas may look uneven or patchy. It is absolutely normal because your natural skin regeneration is not a process that your artist can control. That’s why a follow-up session is scheduled at 4-8 weeks from the initial session -- to assure that your brows are even and that the desired effect was achieved.

Healed results vary per individual client. We have no control over what occurs during the healing process. Although it is very unlikely to happen, after the second session (enhancement session) additional follow-up sessions may be required to obtain optimal results. If further follow-up sessions are needed, additional charges will apply.

Following proper post-care is necessary to achieve the best results. When scheduling an appointment for a cosmetic SPMU treatment keep in mind the healing time of the treatment will depend on your body’s regeneration, age, immune system, lifestyle, and how well you follow home care.

Long Term Care

You’ll find that your cosmetic SPMU treatment will last between 1 - 3 years after your follow-up session.

Future Touch-up Application appointments are required to maintain their shape and depth of color. If you do not maintain, the color will lighten over time. Fading greatly depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, and iron deficiency. We suggest that if you want to maintain your brows so that they always look their best, plan on scheduling a Touch-up Application once a year for best results.
Use good sunscreen on the brows if you plan to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time. Sun exposure will fade your cosmetic SPMU treatment over time. Smokers, sun worshippers, or anyone with skin that is in a state of distress may have less desirable results. Sun exposure will make the color fade faster.

If you are planning a chemical peel, laser procedure, or MRI scan, inform the technician of your cosmetic SPMU treatment.

The use of Retin-A/Tretinoin, hydroquinone, or any other rapid skin exfoliation used regularly on any area surrounding the brow area will cause your cosmetic SPMU treatment to fade prematurely.

The use of chemical peels, acid peels, lightening, or any brightening products that target hyper-pigmentation used regularly on the forehead region can cause SPMU treatments to fade prematurely.

The use of exfoliating cleansers, scrubs, and cleansers with acne-fighting ingredients or “acid” in the name will cause rapid exfoliation of the skin containing the pigment and will increase odds of premature fading.

If during the healing process you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact OOLAN Studio.