The Complete Guide To Healing Cosmetic Tattoos
Appointment Prep, Aftercare, Healing Process, and Long-Term Care
At The Brow House, we have a deep appreciation for the transformative potential of cosmetic tattoos. We aim to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about cosmetic tattooing.
We understand that achieving the best results involves a combination of pre-appointment preparations, dedicated aftercare, and ongoing maintenance. We’ve assembled this detailed roadmap, tailored to our approach, to guide you through every crucial aspect of your cosmetic tattoo journey - from preparing for your appointment to ensuring your results last beautifully over time.
Pre-Appointment Prep
1. Product Restrictions: Avoid Retinol/Vitamin A products for 2 weeks before and after your appointment. Botox and fillers should be done at least 2 weeks prior. Chemical peels must be avoided for at least 4 weeks before.
2. Sun Protection: Refrain from sun exposure and tanning 2 weeks before and after the procedure to prevent pigment fading. Reschedule if you have a sunburn.
3. Medication and Supplements: Avoid alcohol, caffeine, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, or blood-thinning medications 24 hours before.
4. Planning Ahead: Arrange your schedule to accommodate aftercare, avoiding intense activities for at least 10 days post-treatment.
Aftercare
Week 1: Keep the tattooed area clean with lukewarm water and pat dry with a disposable paper towel 3 times a day, then use a disposable cotton swab to apply a thin layer of the ointment provided.
Week 2: Keep cleaning your brows with lukewarm water twice a day, no ointment.
For the first 2 weeks, AVOID:
Excessive sweating
Soaking in water or saunas
Direct sun exposure
Anti-acne or “anti-aging” products
Makeup
Facial treatments
The Healing Process + Expectations
During the healing process of a cosmetic tattoo, it's common for the tattoo to go through both a dark/bold and light/faded phase. This occurs due to a combination of factors related to the skin's natural healing process and the properties of the pigment used in the tattoo.
Inflammation and Swelling: Inflammation is a natural response of the body to any form of trauma, including cosmetic tattooing. This inflammation can affect how the pigment appears in the skin. As the inflammation subsides and the skin heals, the tattooed area may become less swollen and reveal a lighter color.
Skin Healing: After the tattooing procedure, the skin goes through various stages of healing. Initially, there might be some swelling and inflammation. As the skin heals, the outermost layer, called the epidermis, naturally sheds. This shedding process can cause the tattooed area to appear lighter than the freshly applied pigment.
Pigment Placement: During the cosmetic tattooing procedure, pigment is implanted into the deeper layers of the skin, specifically the dermis. This ensures longevity. During the healing process, the top layers of the epidermis still play a role in how the tattoo looks. As these layers heal and shed, they can temporarily obscure the underlying pigment, resulting in a lighter or faded appearance.
Oxidation and Settling: The pigment used in cosmetic tattoos can undergo oxidation as it interacts with the body's natural processes and external elements. This means that the initial color applied might darken slightly during the first few days after the procedure. As the skin heals and the outer layers shed, the pigment settles into the dermal layer, leading to a more natural and subtle color.
Flakiness and Peeling: This phase typically occurs a few days after the cosmetic tattooing procedure. As the skin begins to heal, it forms a protective layer over the freshly implanted pigments. During this process, the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, starts to regenerate and repair itself. As a part of this natural healing response, the skin may become dry and start to flake off. It's important to resist the urge to pick at or emove the flaking skin, as this can disrupt the healing process and potentially affect the final result of the cosmetic tattoo.
Multiple Sessions: All cosmetic tattoo procedures at The Brow House require a minimum of 2 sessions to achieve the desired result. The first session lays the foundation, and the subsequent sessions fine-tune the color and shape. Please note that final results of the tattoo are not fully visible until after the healing process is complete, and pigment retention can not be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold different results. We will reevaluate how your skin has received the cosmetic tattoo at your follow-up appointment and make any changes necessary. In some cases, additional sessions may be required to obtain desired results.
Long Term Care
1. Sun Protection: Protect your tattooed area from sun exposure, as the sun can cause fading and discoloration. Once healed, apply sunscreen and wear protective accessories like sunglasses and hats. Rinse and dry the area after contact with chlorine.
2. Avoid Harsh Products: Refrain from using products like Glycolic Acid, Retin-A, AHA, and exfoliants on the tattooed area, as they increase your cell turnover rate and can lighten the pigment.
3. Laser Procedures: Inform technicians of your cosmetic tattoo before undergoing laser treatments, as these procedures may darken, lighten, or discolor the tattooed area.
4. Foundation-Free Zone: Avoid using foundation on your tattooed area to preserve its appearance. Use a cotton swab to gently wipe away makeup.
5. Refresh Treatments: To maintain the style and color, consider annual or bi-annual refresh appointments.
Ready for the next step?
Ready for a digital consultation? Our detailed process allows us the time to get to know you, your goals, and your unique preferences. We will assess whether you're an ideal candidate for our services and work closely with you to determine the best techniques and artist to achieve your desired results. Our commitment goes beyond the consultation; we provide you with additional information and nurture your journey every step of the way.
We welcome all questions and inquiries, whether you decide to schedule with The Brow House or not. Your comfort, confidence, and informed decision-making are our top priorities.