What to Expect on the Day of Your Micropigmentation, Areola Restoration, and Scar Camouflage Procedure
On the day of your procedure, whether it’s for micropigmentation, areola restoration, or scar camouflage, it’s important to know what to expect so you can feel comfortable and prepared. Here’s a breakdown of what will happen during your treatment.
- Arrival and Preparation
When you arrive, you’ll likely be asked to fill out a consent form that outlines the risks and benefits of the treatment. The professional will also conduct a pre-procedure consultation to ensure the treatment is right for you, considering your expectations, health, and any medical concerns you may have.
- Consultation and Customized Design
- Micropigmentation of Brows, Eyes, or Lips: The technician will discuss your expectations, and together, you will choose the color, shape, and style that best suits your face. They will draw a preliminary design on the area to be treated (such as the brows or lips) to ensure the shape is symmetrical and flattering.
- Areola Restoration: For areola restoration, the technician will consider the size, shape, and natural color of your areolas. In post-surgical cases (such as after a mastectomy), the goal is to reconstruct a realistic appearance that blends with your skin tone and body.
- Scar Camouflage: If the treatment is for scar camouflage, the professional will assess the type of scar (hypertrophic, atrophic, or keloid) and determine the best approach to match the scar’s color with your skin tone. This can be done on areas such as burn scars, surgical scars, or injury scars.
- Application of Topical Anesthesia
To make the procedure as comfortable as possible, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the area being treated. Depending on the area, the anesthesia may take between 15 to 30 minutes to take effect. This is especially important for sensitive areas like the lips, areolas, or scars.
- The Micropigmentation, Areola Restoration, and Scar Camouflage Procedure
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the procedure will begin.
- Micropigmentation of Brows, Eyes, or Lips: The professional will use a micropigmentation machine with fine needles to deposit pigment into the superficial layer of the skin. Depending on the area being treated, hair-stroke, shading, or liner techniques will be used to achieve the desired look.
- Areola Restoration: For areola restoration, the technician will use pigments specifically designed to mimic the appearance of a natural areola, using shading and detailing techniques to create a realistic effect. This procedure is more detailed due to the delicate area being treated.
- Scar Camouflage: Scar camouflage involves applying pigments to the scar to match its color to the surrounding skin tone. The professional may use various techniques, such as shading or spotting pigment, to blend the scar more naturally with the skin.
- Procedure Duration
The length of the treatment will vary depending on the area and type of procedure:
- Micropigmentation of Brows, Eyes, or Lips: Typically takes between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the area treated and the complexity of the design.
- Areola Restoration: This procedure may take between 1.5 to 2 hours, as it requires more detailed application.
- Scar Camouflage: Depending on the size and complexity of the scar, the procedure may take between 1 to 2 hours.
- Possible Side Effects and Sensitivity
It’s normal to experience some temporary side effects after any micropigmentation procedure, including:
- Swelling and redness around the treated area, especially near the eyes or areolas.
- Mild discomfort or sensitivity during and after the procedure, though anesthesia helps minimize this.
- In the case of scar camouflage, there may be slight swelling around the scar area.
- Review of Initial Results
After the procedure, the technician will show you the initial results. Keep in mind that the color may appear darker initially due to swelling and fresh pigment. Over the next few days, the color will soften and settle into its final tone.
- Post-Procedure Instructions
After any micropigmentation, areola restoration, or scar camouflage procedure, post-treatment care is essential to ensure proper healing and optimal results. Common recommendations include:
- Avoid getting the treated area wet during the first 24-48 hours.
- Do not scratch or rub the treated area, as this could affect the results.
- Apply healing ointments or creams recommended by the professional.
- Avoid sun exposure and the use of irritating products until the area is fully healed.
- For areola restoration, it’s important to keep the area clean and avoid harsh products on the treated skin.
- Possible Touch-Ups
Some treatments may require a touch-up after 4 to 6 weeks to ensure the pigment has settled properly and to correct any areas that need additional attention. Touch-ups are an important part of achieving long-lasting, perfect results.
BEFORE AND AFTER CARE MICROPIGMENTATION
Permanent makeup procedures normally require multiple treatment sessions. For best results, clients will be required to return
for at least one finishing session. This will take place 5-7 weeks after the initial procedure. Those with oily skin may require an
additional touch up. Please be aware that color intensity will be significantly darker and sharper immediately and a few days after
the initial procedure, but the color will typically reduce by 30-50%.
Although numbing cream/solution is used during the procedure, sensitivity or discomfort may still be felt. Skin may be red,
bruised and/or swollen after the procedure.
- Please do not drink alcohol 24 hours prior to the treatment.
- Unless medically necessary, please avoid taking things that thin the blood like fish oils, herbals, Vitamin E, aspirins, and/or
ibuprofen and do not donate plasma in the 7 days prior to procedure. - Where possible, try to avoid the following herbs and spices prior to your appointment: Black pepper, Cardamom, any member of
the Ginger family, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Garlic, Horseradish, Mustard. - A patch test can be performed, unless waived by client. It is the client’s responsibility to schedule this at least one week prior to
procedure. - Patients prone to cold sores/fever blisters should take an anti-viral prior to treatment.
- Hormone therapies can affect pigmentation and/or cause sensitivity.
- Discontinue use of any brow- or lash-growth serums such as Latisse or RevitaLash, as it can cause sensitivity/affects pigment
retention.
Botox, AHA products and retinoids should be avoided for 2 weeks prior to the procedure.
Before Care (Pre-Procedural Care)
- Avoid sun exposure: At least 1 week before the procedure, avoid direct sun exposure or tanning beds. The skin should be in its healthiest state and free from sunburn.
- Do not use irritating skincare products: Avoid using strong creams, acids, or exfoliants on the areola area at least 5 days before the procedure.
- Avoid waxing or laser treatments: Do not wax or undergo laser treatments in the areola area for at least 1 week before the procedure. This reduces the risk of irritation.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine: The day before the procedure, avoid alcohol and caffeine as these can increase bleeding and affect healing.
- Do not take blood-thinning medications: Avoid taking medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen for 3 days before the treatment, as they can increase bleeding.
- Consult with your doctor if necessary: If you have any medical conditions (such as diabetes, circulation problems, or skin diseases) or are taking medication, consult with your doctor before the procedure.
- Hydrate: Keep the skin well-hydrated before the treatment. Well-cared-for and moisturized skin will make the micropigmentation process and healing easier.
Following these aftercare instructions will help ensure that your new eyebrows heal properly and look beautiful!
- Day 1: On the day of the procedure, gently cleanse the treated area with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and water. Apply a
thin layer of the aftercare ointment provided by your artist. - Days 2-14: Apply a small amount of aftercare ointment to the treated area twice a day, using a clean cotton swab. Do not
pick, scratch, or rub the treated area, as this can cause scarring or pigment loss.
After Care (Post-Procedural Care)
- Avoid touching the treated area: Do not touch or scratch the treated area. Keep your hands clean and avoid unnecessary contact with the areola.
- Keep the area clean and dry: Wash the treated area with lukewarm water and a mild (fragrance-free) soap to prevent infections. Do not submerge the area in water for the first few days. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.
- Apply the recommended ointment or cream: Apply a thin layer of the ointment or cream recommended by your micropigmentation artist. This will help soothe the skin and facilitate healing.
- Avoid sun exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks after the procedure. If you need to go outside, make sure to use a high SPF sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) to protect the treated area.
- Do not apply makeup to the treated area: Do not apply makeup on the treated area for the first 2 weeks as this could interfere with the healing process.
- Avoid excessive sweating and intense exercise: Do not engage in intense exercise or activities that may cause excessive sweating during the first 5-7 days after the procedure, as sweat can affect the pigmentation.
- Do not scratch or pick at scabs: During the healing process, scabs may form in the treated area. Do not pick or scratch them, as this may affect the final result and increase the risk of scarring.
- Monitor for signs of infection: If you experience excessive redness, swelling, pain, or signs of infection such as discharge, contact your professional immediately.
- Hydrate regularly: Continue applying the recommended ointment to keep the area moisturized during the healing phase. This helps prevent the skin from drying out or cracking.
- Final results: The final results of areola micropigmentation may take between 4 to 6 weeks to be fully visible. A touch-up session may be necessary to perfect the color or shape.
By following these aftercare instructions, the areola restoration will be successful, and the healing process will be faster and more effective. It’s important to remember that each person may react differently to the treatment, so it’s key to communicate with the professional if you have any concerns