Şimal Ünsal
What is microblading?
Microblading is a new form of semi-permanent brow-boosting procedure that is replacing the older brow tattooing technique. Unlike earlier iterations of brow-inking that simply blocked in eyebrows using a tattoo gun, manual microblading is a form of semi-permanent tattoo that involves using tiny needles that make up a small blades to form fine lines within the designated eyebrow zone. Pigment is deposited into the fine lines creating the appearance of fuller eyebrows. This is a great procedure for those patients over 18 suffering from blonde ultra-faint brows, those that have little to no brows, thinning or over-plucked brows – the results are beautifully realistic.
How is the procedure performed?
I use the PhiBrows manual semi-permanent technique in which the eyebrow shape is calculated according to facial morphology and golden proportion. After carefully measuring the patients eyebrows to determine placement and shape, each ‘hair’ stroke is formed. Pigment is then applied and is chosen to match the natural or desired brow colour, taking into consideration skin tone. The result is an incredibly natural, realistic set of brows. Pigments, are the highest quality standards on the market (PhiBrows Microblading pigments)and are even vegan friendly. They do not contain any iron oxides or heavy metals that usually make the eyebrow colour turn green, purple, orange or red over time.
Is Microblading Permanent?
Microblading is less permanent than traditional cosmetic tattooing with results typically lasting 1-3 years, depending on skin type and skincare routine. Patients who tan, use products with AHA or Glycolic Acid will find the pigments fade faster as the skin is regenerating at a faster. rate. To maintain microbladed eyebrows, we recommend a touch up every 12-18 months. Some patients choose to let the microblading area fade completely in between treatment, but please note a slight shadow may remain even after 3 years – this will be discussed at the initial complimentary consultation.
A mandatory test patch will also need to be completed at the consultation to ensure there won’t be any reaction to pigment or anaesthetic; the test patch can also be sent by post.
Am I a good candidate for Microblading?
In order to successfully perform the treatment, the skin must not be damaged or in the regenerative process. Microblading cannot be performed on patients with the following contraindications:
* Psoriasis/dermatitis, eczema, keratosis pillars, chronic acne, rosacea (mild cases can be alright) on and around the brow area
* Insulin-dependent diabetic
* Prone to keloid scarring
* Previous eyebrow tattooing or permanent makeup (We would need to see your eyebrows or have very clear pictures sent out to confirm if we can perform the treatment)
* Patients with heart conditions
* Patients that have used Roaccutane, Warafin, Antabuse in the last 12 months; side effects from these treatments may affect healing and recovery from the microblading
In addition to the above the procedure cannot be performed on patients that are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking blood thinning medication, or have and auto-immune disorder, or have recently completed a round of chemotherapy
Is there anything I should do/not do before treatment ?
Our practitioner will provide a detailed consultation and test patch prior to treatment, however it is worth noting the following ahead of any treatment:
* Refrain from taking any fish oils or omega supplements one week prior to treatment.
* Do not consume caffeine the day of your appointment (not tea, coffee, chocolate, Coke, Diet Coke).
* Avoid any spicy foods, Aspirin, Advil, Paracetamol/Ibuprofen on the day before and day of.
* Do not use Retinol products for 2 weeks prior to your appointment indefinitely as it will increase the speed at which the pigment fades.
* No waxing or tinting at least 3 days before your appointment. Tweezing around is ok ( this will be done on the day by the practitioner).
What to expect during the treatment
The pain level of the procedure is considered mild to none, there is more of a slight discomfort to it and it lasts inly 15 minutes until the crisp clear hair strokes like lines are created. Once the skin is open, a topical anaesthetic is applied and no pain will be felt at all. Please note the topical anaesthetic used contains Tetracaine and Benzocaine.
What should you expect after treatment?
The eyebrows zone will be slightly red and a little swollen after treatment. The colour will appear very dark at this stage, but this is normal and part of the healing process. The colour will fade by up to 40% to 60% as it heals. In the following days, the eyebrows will continue to de dark and patients will notice light scabbing. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the final results of the micro-bladed treatment. No down time is required after microblading procedure and it takes approximately 7-10 days for the brows to heal entirely, and about 1 month for the colour to fully set in. Some patients may notice that the treated area has an opaque milky looking quality two-weeks following treatment. This is known as the ‘milk skin’ and is common where the skin is healing from tattooing, this is temporary and the full eyebrow colour will reveal itself once healed.