

Permanent Makeup Aftercare
Healing Tips and Care Instructions
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Proper aftercare makes a big difference in how your permanent makeup heals and how long it lasts. Right after the procedure, the area will feel a bit sensitive, and the color will look more intense than what it will eventually settle into. Swelling, redness, and even minor bruising are normal. Most of it fades within the first few hours and is usually gone after a day or two.
If anything unusual happens, like swelling that doesn’t go away, ongoing redness, inflammation, a rash, or even a fever, please see a doctor or a dermatology clinic, and let me know as well.
You can have caffeine, alcohol, and painkillers again after your treatment, but keep in mind that alcohol and certain medications might slow down the healing process.
First 24 Hours
On the first day, a bit of wound fluid might come out of the area. This is normal, but it’s important to gently dab it off with a damp cotton pad to prevent thick scabs from forming.
At the end of your appointment, I’ll give you a special healing cream and an info card that includes everything you need to know. Please use the cream as instructed and treat the area gently. You can find more tips further down this page if needed.
How It Heals (What to Expect)
The next day, the area may look darker—this is normal and happens as small scabs begin to form. Swelling or mild bruising may still be present.
The scabbing process usually lasts between 3 to 10 days, depending on your skin and the type of procedure. Once the scabs fall off, the color may look quite light at first. It will slowly darken over the next week or so.
It might itch; that’s also completely normal. Just please don’t scratch or pick at it.
General Aftercare Guidelines
Please follow these tips for the first 10 days after your treatment:
- Keep the area clean and dry. Gentle cleansing with a mild product is fine
- Apply a thin layer of healing cream several times a day (except for eyeliner treatments)
- Avoid any makeup or skincare products on the treated area
- No swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms
- Avoid long, hot showers and try not to get the area wet
- Don’t do intense workouts or anything that causes heavy sweating
- Avoid scratching or touching the area, even if it itches
For 4 weeks, avoid:
- Sunbathing, tanning beds, or strong sun exposure on the treated area
- Chemical peels, exfoliants, or active skincare like acids, vitamin C, or retinol
- Sleeping on your face in the first few nights, try to lie on your back
Long-Term Care Tips
Over time, permanent makeup will naturally fade. How quickly it fades depends on your skin type, lifestyle, and the treatment area. To keep your results looking fresh and beautiful:
- Moisturize the area regularly, especially if you have dry skin
- Always use SPF 50 on the treated area when outdoors, UV exposure fades pigment quickly
- Avoid harsh skincare or exfoliants on the area long-term
Depending on your skin and routine, a touch-up may be needed after 1 to 2 years to refresh the color and shape.
Note: MRI Information
If you ever need an MRI, let the technician know you have permanent makeup. Some people may feel a slight tingling or warmth during the scan, but there are no known health risks when the pigments used are approved in the EU.
These general instructions apply to all permanent makeup treatments. Below, you’ll find additional aftercare steps that are specific to each area—brows, lips, and eyeliner.
Your brows will go through several healing stages in the first few weeks. Right after the treatment, they’ll look darker and more defined than expected—this is completely normal and temporary. Some redness, dryness, or mild flaking may also appear in the first days. Let your skin heal naturally and avoid picking or rubbing the area.
What to Expect
- Day 1: The color looks darker and bolder. Don’t worry, this is just the start.
- Day 2–4: Brows may still look quite dark. You might notice some redness or dryness.
- Day 4–7: Itching and small flakes of skin may appear. The skin may peel in patches—this is completely normal.
- After flaking: The brows might suddenly look very light. This is part of the healing phase. The true color will slowly return over the next couple of weeks.
- By week 2: The surface skin has closed.
- By week 4: Healing is complete and the color has settled.
Some areas may fade more than others; that’s why the touch-up (after 6 weeks) is important to refine the shape and even out the tone.
How to Care for Your Brows
- Around 2–3 hours after your appointment, gently wipe the brows with a damp cotton pad and mild antibacterial soap. Pat dry.
- For the rest of the first day, gently wipe them once an hour with a clean damp cotton pad. This helps remove lymph fluid and keeps the skin clean.
- Starting around day 3 or 4, if your skin feels dry or itchy, apply a very thin layer of the healing ointment, no more than a grain of rice per brow. Do this 1–2 times a day.
- Use clean fingers or a cotton swab each time, don’t double-dip.
- When flakes begin to appear, let them come off on their own. Do not scratch, rub, or peel them.
Additional Notes for Brows
- Avoid any hair removal in or near the brows (waxing, threading, laser) for 2 weeks
- When flakes begin to shed, you may gently brush the brows with a clean spoolie—but only if flakes are loose and falling off naturally
- Some brow types may need refreshers sooner than others, especially if you have oily skin or use exfoliating skincare nearby
Lips are delicate and tend to be more sensitive during healing. The color will look very bold right after the session, and some swelling or tenderness is normal, especially in the first couple of days. As your lips heal, they may feel dry, tight, or itchy. The color often fades significantly before settling into its final tone, so be patient with the process.
What to Expect During Healing
- Days 1–3: Lips may feel dry, tight, and swollen. The color appears darker than expected.
- Days 3–5: Itching and peeling usually begin. The skin may flake in uneven patches—this is completely normal.
- After peeling: The pigment may look much lighter at first. This is also normal. The final color settles over the next few weeks.
- Week 2: Surface skin is healed.
- Week 4: Deeper skin layers are healed and the true color is visible.
- A second session (from week 6) is needed to refine the color and fix any uneven fading.
How to Care for Your Lips
- 2–3 hours after treatment: Gently wipe your lips with a cotton pad and a bit of mild soap. Pat dry, do not rub.
- Rest of Day 1: Clean the lips every 2–3 hours with cooled boiled water or antiseptic using a clean cotton pad.
- Days 1–7: Apply a thin layer of the healing ointment 3–5 times a day using clean fingers or a new cotton swab each time. Use only a small amount, just enough to keep the lips soft.
- From Day 3–4: Flaking may start. Let everything come off on its own, no picking or peeling.
- Drink through a straw for the first 2 days to avoid disturbing the area.
- Avoid spicy food, hot drinks, salty snacks, and citrus until your lips feel calm.
- Keep lips protected from heat, water, and steam for at least a week.
- No makeup, lipsticks, or cosmetic treatments on or near the lips for 5–7 days.
- Avoid waxing, threading, or laser around the lips for 2 weeks.
Important for Cold Sore Prevention
If you’ve ever had cold sores, it’s very likely that pigmentation will trigger a flare-up, usually around day 3 of healing. To prevent this:
- Take antiviral medication starting two days before your session (ask your doctor or pharmacist).
- If you notice burning, itching, or blisters, stop using the healing balm and switch to a cold sore cream.
- Always wash your hands before touching your lips.
- Avoid kissing or close contact until the area is fully healed.
- Cold sores may affect pigment retention and increase the need for a touch-up.
The eye area is sensitive, but it usually heals quietly with very little work. The color will appear darker and sharper at first. Mild swelling or puffiness is common for the first few mornings and usually goes down on its own. The eyelids may feel dry or slightly itchy as the skin starts to heal. Just keep the area clean, avoid rubbing, and let the skin flake naturally if it does.
What to Expect During Healing
- Immediately after treatment: The color looks sharp and intense—this is normal.
- Days 1–4: Swelling and mild redness may occur. The area can feel sensitive or slightly dry.
- Days 4–7: Some itching or flaking may happen. The skin might peel in small, patchy areas—let it happen naturally.
- Week 2: The outer skin is healed and the true color is starting to show.
- Week 4: Inner layers are fully healed. A touch-up after 6 weeks may be needed to even out any fading.
How to Care for Your Eyeliner
- Once a day, gently clean your eyelids with a damp cotton pad or a bit of mild cleanser. Avoid rubbing.
- If you had a smokey liner: Apply a very thin layer of healing balm 1–3 times a day using clean fingers or a fresh cotton swab. Let the skin breathe—use only a little.
- For lash line enhancement: No cream is needed unless instructed.
- If your eyes feel puffy, a cold compress (wrapped in a clean tissue) can help.
- Use eye drops if your eyes feel dry or irritated.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your healing skin from wind and dust.
What to Avoid During Healing
- Don’t rub or scratch your eyes—this can cause uneven healing or irritation.
- No makeup, mascara, lash serums, tinting, or extensions for at least 7 days.
- No thick creams or extra ointments on the eyeliner—it can clog the area and slow healing.
- Avoid direct water pressure, steam rooms, saunas, heavy sweating, or long hot showers for at least 1 week.
- Don’t use active skincare (like acids or vitamin C/A) near the eyes for 2 weeks.
Be Patient — Healing Isn’t Instant
It’s completely normal for the area to go through stages: dark, light, patchy, and then settled. Every skin type heals differently. Some people flake a lot, some barely at all.
Don’t judge the results too early. The final look will only appear after the skin is fully healed, and that takes a few weeks.
A touch-up is always part of the process, this is when we perfect the shape and refresh the color. After that, your results can last for months or even years with just a little care.
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