The tattoo eyebrows healing process is a fascinating and important aspect of your permanent makeup procedure. It differs from person to person and is based on several factors. Here we will show you what to expect during all the stages of the tattoo eyebrows healing process. The goal is to help you recover as quickly and successfully as possible.
Healing Factors
A tattoo is effectively a skin deep flesh wound, and it will heal in much the same way. There are several physiological factors that help determine the average speed, healing time, and effectiveness of the healing process.
They Include:
- Age – Generally, as with any type of skin trauma, older looser skin tends to take a bit longer than younger skin to heal and regenerate.
- Skin Type – Scarring affects different skin types differently based on collagen production. Darker skin, for example is susceptible to raised keloid scars. Lighter skin may have a more sunken pitted appearance.
- Circulation – Good circulation facilitates healthy fresh blood flow through the wounded area. It also cuts down considerably on healing time.
- Estrogen Levels – Estrogen affects wound healing by regulating a variety of genes associated with regeneration.
- How Easily Or Severely You Swell And/Or Bruise – Permanent eyebrows are least affected by swelling and bruising. Although some are prone to it which can extend the amount of time it takes to heal.
- Diet – Studies suggest that good nutrition and “power” foods ( that contain proteins, vitamins A, C, and Zinc) promote healing.
- Stress – Stress results in a lowered immune system. This causes substantial delays in wound healing.
- Diabetes – Diabetic individuals heal slowly from acute wounds.
- Smoking – Smoking causes a delay in wound healing. It also increases complications such as infection, rupture, leakage, and sometimes even necrosis.
- Excessive Physical Activity – Excessive exercise or activity could cause an increased risk of abrasion. The sensitive areas stretch making scabbing difficult.
- Exposure To Sunlight – Excessive sun exposure causes reddening and blistering. It also creates inflammation. As a result, infection and scarring may occur to the already sensitive area.
- Medications – Some medications may interfere with response to inflammation, platelet function, and an ability to form clots. This affectings healing.
Healing Process Stage 1: First Two Weeks
Immediately after your eyebrow tattoo procedure, the healing process begins. You may initially experience swelling, redness, skin sensitivity, and possibly some minor bruising. All are normal side effects when deciding to tattoo eyebrows, but none of them should last longer than two (2) days. A good over the counter pain reliever should help. The good news is, that unlike other cosmetic tattoo enhancements (like eyeliner and lips), tattoo eyebrows are least affected by swelling and bruising. Remember, if swelling or bruising persists more than a day or two, it may be a sign of infection. If this happens, be sure to contact your CPCP and/or doctor right away.
The appearance of your new permanent eyebrows will be darker and thicker than you might expect. Usually after about a week or so, the area and top layer starts to scab and “shed” off in sections. The new exposed pigment will eventually soften and settle into an appropriate natural appearance. To help aid in the healing process during this period, apply antibiotic ointment or aquaphor at night before going to bed. This will help cut down on the possibility of infection. Also, be careful to limit any excessive physical activity or exposure to direct sunlight. Also, be sure not to pick or scrub your tattoos as they heal. This will cause scarring. In total, this initial period should take approximately two (2) weeks for your tattooed eyebrows to fully heal and set.
Healing Process Stage 2: First Two Weeks
The next phase of the healing process is scabbing and shedding. At this point, you may feel tempted to soothe your eyebrows with cold. You can use anything from a cold compress (NOT frozen), to damp tea bags, to face cloths (NOT wet). Just be sure to only add light pressure when placing them onto the eyebrows.
Don’t Scratch
Do not rub, scratch, or scrub, the new eyebrow tattoo. At this phase of the healing process, there is still the possibility that the semi-permanent ink could fall off. By far, the best overall healing component is oxygen. If its tolerable, it is highly recommended that you simply let your new tattoo eyebrows breathe. After approximately two (2) weeks, your eyebrows will have mostly healed during the “shedding” process. The initial “intensity” will have faded, and the desired color shade will start appearing.
Healing Process Stage 3: Touch Up Procedure
About four (4) weeks after your original eyebrow tattoo appointment, you should schedule a “touch up” with your CPCP. This should be at no extra charge and included in the original price. This will include darkening the pigment and fixing and filling in any areas needing modification. Additionally, if your eyebrow color has settled into an undesirable tone, it can be adjusted at the second visit.
Some people at times have a resistant skin type where the ink doesn’t like to take. You may need more than one touch up if you are one of the few that fall into this category. This circumstance will require you to work out a special payment schedule with your permanent eyebrow technician. After a couple more weeks of repeated ointment application, the tattooed eyebrow healing process should be complete. At this point, you shouldn’t have to schedule another appointment again for another 1-3 years.