Micropigmentation (semi-permanent makeup) procedures are affected by the “canvas” (your skin) that they are performed on. Lifestyle, medications, smoking, metabolism, facial surgery and other procedures, and age of skin all contribute to fading. The initial application is always applied conservatively because every person’s skin is different and the final look can only be precisely determined and adjusted during a follow-up appointment after the initial application has fully healed. Because of this, the micropigmentation process is not complete after the initial procedure. In all cases, a follow-up appointment is ideal approximately 4-6 weeks after your initial application to fine tune and ensure the best result.

After your procedure, your skin will start forming a protective scab. You may see fluid or ooze on the skin from lymph secretion. The fluid should be dabbed and blotted off with a sterile gauze pad. It can crust the skin over and prevent it from breathing and healing. Try not to disturb the scab/crust when cleaning and let it fall off by itself. Picking and pulling off skin that is not ready to come off will cause pigment loss and can pull out deeper tissue.

Though rare, infection is possible. If you see signs of infection such as persistent and increased redness or swelling, fever, drainage, or oozing, contact your doctor immediately.

​

Freckles Aftercare Tips

​

• Keep your face dry for 24 hours after procedure.

• Cleanse with gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, whether it’s a cream, gel or micellar water. I’ll provide something for the first day or two like Block Tonic (apply a small amount on the provided gauze, gently pat and press on, there’s no need to rinse), First Aid Beauty or something similar.

• Pat dry (germs love moisture) and apply a very thin coat of healing ointment. (Additional options for topical products are simple grape seed oil, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Balm, Aquaphor Lotion, or any other fragrance-free, clean basic moisturizer, etc.

• Continue gently cleansing and applying minimal ointment as needed until freckles are fully healed.

• Avoid sweating such as from vigorous exercise for 48 hours.

• DO NOT pick scabs or exfoliate the area while the skin is processing the pigment!

• For at least one week post-procedure or until healing is complete (whichever is longer):

o Keep your hands clean and avoid touching the affected area(s).

o Do not scrub, wipe, rub, scratch or pick treated areas.

o Keep your freckles hydrated but not suffocated with healing balm.

o Do not expose area to direct sun or to tanning beds.

o Avoid exposing the area excessive moisture or humidity, such as: facials, swimming, whirlpools (hot tubs), saunas, steam rooms, and steamy showers.

• Freckles may look very dark in color in the days following the procedure. Remember, place nothing on the treated area (except your aftercare product) until healed. This this means no makeup, creams, water (except for cleansing as detailed above), etc.

• Avoid using any active skincare such as Retin-A/Retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid (or other acne medicines), physical or chemical exfoliants and anti-aging products at all times (not just during healing) on all micropigmented areas. These can cause pigments to fade and lighten prematurely.

• Avoid tanning beds, sun, chlorine spas and pools, soap and chemicals (including skin cleansers, makeup removers and alpha hydroxyl creams) near the treated area until healed. Regularly apply SUNSCREEN every day and reapply every two hours to protect your skin.

• Pigments will slowly fade over time according to one’s metabolism, skin type, sun exposure, medication, facial surgery, and smoking. Schedule maintenance visits as needed to keep it looking fresh. Periodic touch ups will ensure longer lasting results.

If you’ve never had micropigmentation before, there are a lot of unknowns. One of the most common questions I’m asked is what to expect during the healing process. While every person is different and some heal more quickly or slowly than others, here’s generally what to expect.

Temporary side effects from micropigmentation include but are not limited to: redness, swelling, puffiness, oozing, bruising, dry patches and tenderness.

You should expect to lose approximately 1/3 of the initial color during the healing process. I have selected the optimal pigments for you with this in mind. In approximately six days it may appear too light. After about 10 days, the color will show more. It will appear softer when completely healed.

 

Approximate Expectations

​

DAY 1: Your face may have some swelling and feel tender immediately after your service. Color looks more saturated than what it will heal like.

DAY 2: For the first few days, the color is even darker and more opaque. Slight swelling or bruising might be present still.

DAY 3: Tattooed areas might start to feel some itchiness and will appear a bit thicker in texture. Exfoliation might begin for the smaller freckles.

DAY 4: Exfoliation will begin. The color will become lighter as the top layer of skin sloughs off. It will appear that you have lost all of your color or may seem slightly grey, however, when everything has healed completely, the dermal layer will gradually become darker and warmer in tone.

DAY 6: Exfoliation should be finishing. A soft, rich color begins to appear.

DAY 10: The final color begins to stabilize and show through. The color will continue to soften a the healing process completes.

​

PLEASE UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THAT FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS ABOVE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OR DISCOLORATION OF PIGMENT RESULTING IN A NEED FOR MORE FREQUENT TOUCHUPS.