What is Microblading?

Microblading, also known as Eyebrow Embroidery, is a procedure categorized under permanent makeup. But unlike traditional cosmetic tattooing, it is less invasive and is considered semi-permanent. Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type and skincare routine.  The procedure 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 tweezing. Pigments used are chosen to match the natural or desired brow colour. Skin tone will also be taken into consideration. 

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How long does it take?

For the first Microblading session, the entire procedure should take about 2.5-3 hours. During this session, Haley will measure, draw, shape and style your brows for approval. She will then follow with pigment colour selection.  Once you are satisfied with the choices, the procedure will begin.

You then may choose to come in for a follow up visit in order to have any minor or necessary touch ups. The second microblading session takes place 8-12 weeks after the initial session. This session will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete.

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How long does it take to heal?

The eyebrow area may be slightly red after the procedure and colour may appear dark. This is normal for the procedure and part of the healing process. The following day the brows will darken more due to the scabbing process and an excess of pigment sitting in the top layer of the skin. The brows may also appear slightly larger due to minor swelling that should subside in the next day or two. The colour will fade by up to 40% as they heal. 

In the following days, the eyebrows will continue to be dark and you may notice slight scabbing. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the microbladed area. A shiny, opaque, white coloured skin, that is commonly seen on healing tattoos, (called "milk skin") may appear underneath the scab that may make it appear that the strokes or colour has not implanted. This is due to the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface skin is already healed. Do not worry, this skin regenerates off over the next four weeks at which time the strokes will slowly begin to reappear as their true colour and be a very natural result.

No down time is required after the microblading procedure.

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Is the touch up session necessary?

For most people, yes. A touch up session after 8-12 weeks can be 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 colour may need to be adjusted, brow thickness and more strokes can be added. Individuals with oily skin often require a deeper shade during the touch up session as the oils tend to lighten the pigment. Most importantly, your touch up session is when we refine your brows to ensure it looks perfect and retains the colour for the whole year!

 

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Can I get my touch up session sooner than 8 weeks?

Touch up sessions should not be done earlier than 8 weeks after initial microblading session as pigment colour may still not have fully settled into the skin. Most importantly, this is to prevent scar damage as the tissue requires time to completely heal.

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Is it painful?

The pain level for the procedure is considered mild to none.  Prior to the procedure Haley will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area, and a second application will also be applied during the procedure.  Everyone responds differently to anesthetic; depending on the client, the feeling of the procedure has been described as similar to threading or light cat scratches to not feeling anything. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine and epinephrine. 

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

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How long does it last?

Since microblading pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade overtime.  Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful/mature). Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: patients who tan or use products with AHA or Glycolic Acid will find their brows fade faster as their skin will resurface faster. Each individual's colour retention within the skin will vary. To maintain the brows, a colour refresh is suggested every 12-18 months. Clients can let the microbladed area fade over time, but please note, a very slight shadow may remain.

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What are the pre and post care procedures?

In order to achieve the best results, it is best to follow the pre and post care instructions. 

Prior to your procedure, clients are advised of the following:

• Avoid alcohol and aspirin/ibuprofen and any vitamins that may thin your blood for 72 hours.  

• Avoid tanning so we can assess your natural skin tone.

• No face scrubs or chemical peels at least two weeks prior to avoid overly sensitized skin.

• Feel free to come in with your brow makeup on so Haley can see your every day look you prefer. Reference pictures of shapes and colours of brows are always welcomed. We will then work together to create the perfect brows! 

       After your procedure, clients MUST follow these instructions:

• Within 2 hours after the procedure, gently clean brows with clean hands and lukewarm (not hot) water. Gently clean away the old ointment and any lymphatic liquid (clear yellowish liquid) that may have built up. Lightly pat dry with tissue and using a new q-tip, re-apply A&D ointment to the brows.

• Make sure to apply a light layer of healing balm morning and night to brows for at least 5-7 days.

• Do not over apply healing balm. 

• Do not immerse brow area in water for 14 days. When showering, make sure to avoid face area. When cleaning or washing face, make sure to avoid brows and clean around it.      

• Do not put makeup on the brow area for a minimum of 10 days. The microbladed area is an open wound, using makeup may cause infections.

• Avoid alcohol and aspirin/ibuprofen and any vitamins that may thin your blood for 24 hours.    

• Brow area will feel slightly itchy as it heals and will start to lightly scab over. Do not peel or pick at the scabs as this can affect the outcome and pigmentation. 

• Do not go swimming, tanning, sweat or go into saunas for at least 14 days.     

• No face scrubs or chemical peels at least 2 weeks after. 

 

Who is not suitable for the procedure?

Microblading is not suitable for the following candidates:

• Using Accutane

• Have heart conditions or using heart medications

• Have diabetes (will require a physician's note)

• Have skin disease or irritations 

• Have had Botox in the last 2 weeks

• Have gotten a deep tan or chemical peels in the last 2 weeks

• Allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine or epinephrine

• Anyone who has any serious medical conditions may require a physician's note. 

• Pregnant clients. 

• Nursing clients who want to microblade can be done at your own discretion. We suggest discussing with your doctor first. Microblading is still considered a tattoo and is a personal choice to do so during this period.

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* Haley reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who she deems not suitable for this procedure or for any other reason. *

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Risks and complications?

We take all proper precautions for a safe session by using sterilized equipment, completely new, sanitized, one time use blades and in a clean and sanitized environment.  Should clients follow our pre and post care instructions, there should be minimal risks or complications .  Although allergic reactions to the pigments are rare, it could be possible for certain individuals. We suggest a pigment patch test for individuals who have high skin sensitivities or are sensitive to:

• Topical makeup products

• Gold, silver and nickel

• Hair dyes

Patch tests should be performed 5-7 days prior. 

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What are your cancellation or missed appointment policies?

Clients are able to cancel or reschedule appointments at anytime with a minimum of 48 hours notice prior to the appointment time, however, please not that the deposit placed at the time of booking is non-refundable but will remain on file should you choose to book in at a later date.. To cancel or reschedule, please email or call Haley. Please note that due to the nature of microblading, all services are non-refundable.

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Still have more questions?

Should you still have more questions or inquiries, feel free to give Haley a shout at 604-617-5999 or email haley@archangelbrows.ca

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