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Writer's pictureLauren Carter-Cosmetic Tattoo

Semi permanent make up healing process….

All you need to know about the fascinating (well I think so! 🤓)

Semi Permanent Make Up healing process........


The healing process is a fascinating and important aspect of your semi permanent makeup procedure. It differs from person to person and is based on several factors. Here I will explain those factors, and show you what to expect during all the stages of the eyebrow tattoo healing process to help you recover as quickly and successfully as possible.


Semi permanent make up healing factors:


A semi permanent make up 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. Of which 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 – Semi-permanent make up results can be unsuccessful on some skin types. This includes clients with large open pores and very oily skin. If you have oily skin and/or large pores you may not be the best candidate for the more intricate hair stroke style of brow this is because the natural moisture in your skin may effect how much pigment you retain. A powder shaded brow will most probably be more suitable for you.

SPMU artists can never guarantee results or an individual’s skin pigment retention but we will always use our best judgement to obtain the best result possible.

Circulation – Good circulation facilitates healthy fresh blood flow through the wounded area, and cuts down considerably on healing time. Those of us who smoke may take longer to heal due to this reason!

How Easily Or Severely You Swell And/Or Bruise – Although permanent eyebrows are the least affected by swelling and bruising, some individuals are extremely prone to swelling which can in turn 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. It is wise to follow a healthy and nutritious diet during the healing process.

Stress – Stress results in the deregulation of the immune system, which is proven to cause a substantial delay in wound healing.

Diabetes – Diabetic individuals show a documented impairment in the healing of acute wounds. So again you may find your healing time extended if you are diabetic and/or on medication for this.

Excessive Physical Activity – Excessive exercise or activity could cause an increased risk of abrasion, and the sensitive areas to stretch making scabbing difficult. You are also advised not to get the area wet for the first few days, that includes sweating on or around the treated areas.

Exposure To Sunlight and Sunbeds Excessive sun exposure can cause reddening, blistering, and inflammation potentially causing infection and scarring to the already sensitive area. DO NOT use sunbeds during the healing process, they are the fastest way to fade your delicate semi permanent make up.

Medications – Some medications may interfere with response to inflammation, blood platelet function, and an ability to form a protective skin layer (scab).


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 have tattooed make up, but none of them should last longer than a few days. A good over the counter pain reliever (ibuprofen) should help relieve any discomfort and or swelling. The good news is, that unlike other cosmetic tattoo enhancements (like eyeliner and lips), tattooed eyebrows are the least likely to be affected by swelling and bruising. Remember, if swelling or bruising persists for more than two days it may be a sign of infection, so be sure to contact your technician and/or doctor straight away.


Initially 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 of your new tattooed eyebrows/lips during this period, apply (sparingly) the antibiotic ointment I have provided you in the morning and at night before going to bed. This will help cut down on the possibility of infection. Also, as mentioned previously be careful to limit any excessive physical activity or exposure to direct sunlight and sun beds, and be sure not to pick or scrub your tattoo as it heals.

This will cause scarring.

In total, this initial period should take approximately two weeks for your tattooed area to fully heal and set.


Healing Process Stage 2: (Next 3-6 weeks).


During the next few weeks before you come back for your top up you will notice the colour of your treatment area gradually pull back through. This is due to the new skin that had healed over the area (temporarily obscuring the ink) exfoliating away and revealing the colour again.


Healing Process Stage 3: (Touch Up Procedure).


About four to six weeks after your original semi permanent make up tattoo appointment, you will come back in for your “top up” appointment. This is at no extra charge and included in the original price (provided you attend within the given 4-8 week time frame). I will then check your treatment area and then work over the tattoo again to darken the pigment and fix and fill in any areas that needing correction or modification. This is the time when many clients opt for a darker colour having now fully understood and lived through the healing process before!

After top up treatment you will then experience all of the above healing aspects adding until at 6-12 weeks post top up treatment you will be left with your final result. (This can sometimes take up to 12 weeks for lips, up to 12 weeks for eyeliner and around 6-8 weeks for brows).


Note: Some people have a resistant skin type due to one or more of the reasons listed above or poor aftercare. Which results in the pigment ink not holding satisfactorily. You may then need additional top up treatment(s) if you are one of the few that fall into this category.

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