Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt?
The pain level for the procedure is considered mild to none. Prior to the procedure I will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area, and I will also reapply during the procedure. Everyone responds differently to anesthetic; depending on the client, the feeling of the procedure has been described as light cat scratches to not feeling anything. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine and epinephrine. After the procedure, redness and slight swelling in the area is normal. Clients describe the area feeling similar to a light sunburn. Clients can take Tylenol but not aspirin or ibuprofen.
How long does the procedure take?
The first microblading session takes about 1.5-2hrs to complete, if adding manual shading to your appointment, 2-2.5hrs. This includes: filling out client history/consent forms, numbing, shaping/consult, the procedure and post after care instructions.
The second session can take 1 hour to 1.5 hours to complete.
How long does it take to heal?
The eyebrow area will be slightly red after the procedure and color will appear very dark. This is normal for the procedure and part of the healing process. The color will fade by up to 30- 40% as it heals. In the following days, the eyebrows will continue to be dark and you will notice slight scabbing. Do not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome of the tattoo. The eyebrows will lighten up in color as it heals. No down time is required after microblading procedure aside from DRY HEAL instructions given to you. It takes approximately 7-14 days for the brows to heal over aka scabs to fall off, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in. You'll notice the color is very light right after the two weeks after healing; the skin will have an opaque milky looking quality to it. This is known as the milk skin and is common in tattooing. This is due to the the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. True color will reveal itself once healed.
Why do you "Dry Heal" if others do "Wet Heal"?
The #1 rule for eyebrows with microbladed hair strokes is a dry heal. If you get them wet (saturate), sweat excessively or use anti-aging/acne products on the treated area during the healing process, you can end up with blurry or faint hair strokes. Salt and chlorine can cause your tattoo to fade or change color – so it is imperative to avoid sweating and swimming. Dry healing will result in scabbing, do not pick the scabs. Dry healing allows the color to settle in while allowing new skin to form and heal over the tattoo. It heals while keeping the pigment in. "Wet healing", applying ointment constantly does not allow the tattoo to heal and actually pulls pigment out of the tattoo resulting in no color depositing and a longer heal time. Dry heal also helps the tattoo heal in a timely manner and is ready for your touch up session. Please follow the instructions below to protect your cosmetic tattoo and promote a beautifully healed result.
Do I need a touch up? Is it necessary?
Absolutely! A touch up session after 4-8 weeks is necessary as everyone heals differently and outcome will vary. Since every one heals at a different rate, I prefer to schedule touch ups between 5-8 weeks of the initial procedure. It is not recommended to get a touch up before the weeks of your initial session. Let the skin heal and trust the process. Since certain areas may not pick up during first session, I will concentrate on those areas. Due to trauma on the skin like any tattooing procedure, I try not to do too much during the first session to avoid strokes that are too close together to heal together creating a thicker stroke opposed to the natural thinner strokes. During the touch up session, pigment color may need/can be adjusted, brow thickness and more strokes can be added. Individuals with oilier skin often require a deeper shade during the touch up session as the oils tend to lighten the pigment. Most importantly, your touch up session is when we refine your brows to ensure it looks perfect and retains the color for the whole year!
How long does this last?
Since microblading pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade overtime. Microblading typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful/mature). Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: patients who tan, uses products with AHA or Glycolic Acid with fade faster as your skin will resurface/exfoliate faster. With sun exposure, exfoliating and natural skin regeneration, you will eventually expose the two layers of skin (the two layers that microblading needles penetrate), the pigment is gone and the pigment is faded out.To maintain the brows looking fresh, a touch up is suggested every 12-18 months. Clients can let the microbladed area fade over time, but please note a slight shadow may remain. Each individual's color retention within the skin will vary.
Who is not suitable for Microblading?
Microblading is not suitable for the following candidates:
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Using Accutane
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Have heart conditions or using heart medications
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Have Uncontrolled diabetes
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Have skin disease or irritations
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Have had Botox/Dysport injections around the eyes and forehead in the last 2 weeks
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Has had a brow wax in the last 2 weeks
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Have gotten a deep tan or chemical peels in the last 2 weeks
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Allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine or epinephrine
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Anyone who has any serious medical conditions may require a physician's note.
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Pregnant or nursing clients who want to microblade can be done at your own discretion. We suggest discussing with your doctor first. Microblading is still considered a tattoo, and just like with wine or sushi consumption, it is a personal choice to do so during this period.
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Risks & Complications?
I take all proper precautions for a safe session by using sterilized equipment, newly packaged and one time use disposable needles and in a sanitized environment. Should clients follow our pre and post care instructions, there should be minimal risks or complications . Although allergic reactions to the pigments are rare, it could be possible for certain individuals. I suggest a pigment patch test for individuals who have high skin sensitivities or are sensitive to:
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Topical makeup products
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Gold, silver and nickel
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Hair dyes
Where are you located, What hours are you open, Payment method and Your cancellation policy?
*I am conveniently located and operating out of a studio in Downtown, San Diego
*Hours of operation are by appointment only. Since I do work M-F fulltime, I have limited openings on Tues Evenings avail between 4p-8pm, Fridays avail at 2pm-8pm and weekends 8a-3pm
* I accept the following payment methods: Venmo, Credit Cards (Visa, Master Card, Amex), Cash, Check (No post dated checks allowed as I will deposit close of business day) and Paypal.
* If you need to cancel your appointment, please advise the deposit of $50 at the time of booking your appointment is non refundable.
If you need to reschedule your appointment, as a courtesy to allow another person in your place, please notify me within 48 hours.
Still have more questions?
Should you still have more questions or inquiries, feel free to email me at MUA.Annabelle@gmail.com, the easiest and most fastest response.
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Belle's Babe Cave is a Registered and Permitted Body Art Practitioner facility with the County of San Diego Health Department
* I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who I deem not suitable for this procedure or for any other reason. Technicians make the decision to microblade an individual based on their own discretion. *