WHAT IS MICROBLADING?

A form of tattoo artistry in which hair-like strokes are carefully etched into the upper layers of the skin to create beautiful, full, realistic looking eyebrows customized for each client. It is a semi-permanent method of tattooing that lasts 8 months -3 years, depending on a number of factors. Brows will fade 20-40% upon healing and look much more natural!

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS TREATMENT?

Individuals who:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Have over-tweezed & sparse brow hair
• Have gaps or scars where hair will not grow back
• Are suffering from Alopecia (hair loss)
• Have mostly faded color from an old eyebrow tattoo
• Want a particular shape for or more evenness to their eyebrows
• Want to add depth and boldness to their eyebrows
• Want to save time on beautifying your eyebrows

WILL IT LOOK NATURAL?

Yes, it is difficult to detect the hair-like strokes from real brow hairs! Immediately after the treatment the color will appear much darker for the first 7 days. It will begin lightening and flaking within 4-10 days. By the end of the healing process pigment loss is on average 20-40% of color intensity. This is completely normal and your brows will look much more natural after 4 weeks!

IS THIS THE SAME AS AN EYEBROW TATTOO?

No it is not the same as an eyebrow tattoo. The work involved with our manual hand tool method does not penetrate the skin as deeply as the work from an electric tattoo gun. Ink is deposited only into the uppermost layers of skin. Thus, making it semi-permanent and a much safer treatment than eyebrow tattoos. Not to mention – more realistic!

IS IT SAFE?

Absolutely! Local and State sanitation, cross contamination, and disinfecting guidelines are strictly adhered to. All instruments to be utilized during your service have been properly sterilized and/or disinfected prior to use during your appointment. All instruments that enter the skin or come in contact with body fluids are disposable and disposed of after use in compliance with all local and state regulations. There are some health conditions that require attention prior to considering this procedure and they are covered below.

WHAT KIND OF PIGMENTS ARE USED?

Our Cream Pigments are semi-permanent. We use quality cream pigments specifically manufactured for implantation into human skin. These pigments are known to have little to no negative side effects with an extremely low toxicity rating. If you are allergic to makeup, colors, metals, or have any concerns about possible allergic reaction you may opt to take a patch test for safety and peace of mind. Ingredients: Glycerin, Iron Oxides, Hamamelis Virginiana, Isopropyl Alcohol

CONTRAINDICATIONS (Who should consult a physician)

• Diabetic & using insulin or suffer from an Autoimmune Disorder
• Abnormal Heart Condition, Epilepsy, seizures, fainting
• Pregnant , Breast feeding, or lactating
• Are taking Accutane (w.in 1 year) or other medications to balance skin conditions and/or aging
• Are taking blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications such as: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Coumadin, Heparin ect. - Also Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Omega 3's, Niacin
• *You must have written permission from your physician if you are taking Coumadin or Heparin.
• Blood disorders which affect clotting such as Hemophilia, Anemia or low iron
• People with skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema and/or undiagnosed rashes must be clear of these conditions in the eyebrow area.
• Those with allergies to makeup, metals, colors or black hair dye will need to take a patch test.
• History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring with tattoos or wounds
• Any person that requires prophylactic antibiotics before dental or other procedures
• Botox – Schedule your Microblading appointment prior to your Botox appointment if possible! Otherwise we recommend waiting 3-4 weeks after receiving Botox.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I REQUIRE?

In most cases, the initial treatment followed by a color boost/retouch appointment is all that is needed until the strokes fade over time. A color boost/retouch will likely be required after 6 months to 3 years. Note: Rare cases may require a 3rd treatment. If you have large pores and oily skin directly in the brow area, there is a chance that you may need a 3rd treatment. *additional fee for this service

IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE HAVING THE PROCEDURE?

3-6 weeks prior to your procedure. - Discontinue use of Retin-A, retinol, and other topical creams, acids, & cleansers near the brow area. 2 weeks prior - Avoid excessive sun and tanning for 2 weeks prior to your procedure 1 week prior - Do not wax, tweeze, thread, or tint your eyebrows. Brows will be shaped if necessary. 12-24 hours prior - Avoid heavy exercise, Vitamin E, Fish oil, Omega 3's, caffine, coffee, energy drinks, niacin, Aspirin and Ibuprofen. Tylenol is ok. 3-5 days prior - Discontinue use of blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications at least Schedule your Microblading appointment prior to any Botox appointment or at least 4 weeks after when the area is healed. It is recommended that you do not schedule your appointment within two weeks of returning from or leaving for vacation or a major event. *Clients with existing permanent makeup in the area must send a photo in order to determine whether it has faded adequately prior to scheduling your procedure. You may need to have laser tattoo removal before we can work with you.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I ARRIVE TO MY APPOINTMENT?

Upon arrival you will be introduced to your artist and advised verbally of what to expect via client consultation. A consent form outlining all of the details of the procedure as well as important health information will be provided for you to complete and sign before your procedure begins. Your appointment will last 3-3.5 hours with the actual procedure itself taking between 1-2 hours. Before pictures will be taken of your eyebrow makeup (if applied) and/or natural eyebrows. You will then relax while your new brow design is outlined. The final eyebrow design and color will be customized to create more facial symmetry, enhance your facial features, complement natural bone structure, all while considering your personal preference! You will provide the final approval of your new eyebrow design! Next the artist will apply an anesthetic (numbing) cream to the area for at least 25 minutes to minimize discomfort. (Liquid anesthetic applied during your service). Any hairs outside of your new eyebrow template will be removed and we will then begin your procedure! A special sterilized and disposable hand tool will be used to manually draw the hair-like strokes on your skin. Halfway through your service your artist will allow you to sit up to inspect and approve your eyebrow template thus far. Once approved the finishing touches will be applied and final pictures taken. A naturally nourishing ointment will be applied and provided to assist with the healing process and any final questions and concerns will be answered before you depart!

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW EYEBROWS?

Careful aftercare is very important for producing a beautiful and lasting result.

• For the first 2-3 days gently clean the treated area with an oil-free solution twice daily to remove lymph drainage. All Natural cleanser recommended. We will provide all clients with an aftercare kit!
• It is important to avoid getting the brows wet during the initial healing process which is usually 5 - 14 days. Avoid extremely hot showers, heavy sweating, saunas, swimming, etc. Keep the brows covered with a thick layer of ointment while in shower or during a strenuous workouts to prevent moisture from penetrating. . To remove, gently pat into a thin layer with a tissue or dry cotton pad. You must be gentle, do not pull off the scabs prematurely.
• Apply a thin layer of ointment morning and night, in addition to as needed for itching and dryness to aid in healing. You want to keep the brows moisturized to minimize flaking.
• When applying after care cream or ointment, the following procedure is recommended: Apply the product as directed with freshly washed hands or a Q-tip. Never touch the procedure area without washing your hands immediately before. To remove, gently pat into a thin layer with a tissue or dry cotton pad. You must be gentle, do not pull off the scabs prematurely.
• Keep out of the sun for at least seven days. After seven days and to aid in the longevity of color retention wear sun protection. A natural sun protection with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is recommended.
• If the skin around the eyebrows breaks out in a heat rash, small pimples, this is usually a reaction to the numbing solution and should go away by itself. Don’t pick. Please call immediately if this occurs so your technician can make note of the reaction and follow up to ensure this is not a more serious situation.
• Do not scrub, rub or pick at the epithelial crust (scab) that forms. Allow it to flake off by itself. If it is removed before it is ready the pigment underneath it may be pulled out.
• Do not use any makeup on the brows for at least 7 days.
• After the procedure is completely healed, you may go back to your regular cleansing and makeup routine. Avoid scrubbing or use of harsh topical products on and around the treated area. Use sun protection after the procedure area is healed to reduce sun fading. A natural sun protection with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is recommended.
• FAILURE TO FOLLOW AFTER-CARE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN IRRITATION, INFECTION, PIGMENT LOSS OR DISCOLORATION.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Do Not use any Retin-A or AHA/Glycolic Acids in/around the eyebrow area during or after healing!
• Do Not expose area to the sun or tanning beds without proper sun protection!
• Avoid swimming and heavy sweating for at least 14 days!
• Do Not dye, tweeze, or wax eyebrows for 7 days after the procedure!
• Allow Botox or fillers to heal for at least 4 weeks prior to undergoing this procedure!

IS IT PAINFUL?

Everyone is different! To some clients it is minimally painful, while others say the opposite. Our goal is to make the process as comfortable and painless as possible! We apply an anesthetic (numbing) cream to the area for at least 25 minutes to minimize discomfort. Ingredients: Benzocaine 18%, Tetracaine 10%, Hydrochloride 2%, Lidocaine 4% Liquid anesthetic is applied during your service as it can better penetrate into the open surface of the skin. This almost instantly helps to alleviate pain felt during the procedure. Ingredients: Benzocaine 18%, Tetracaine 10%, Hydrochloride 2%,

CAN MINORS HAVE THIS PROCEDURE?

Because microblading is considered a tattoo in the state of North Carolina, it is illegal to perform this procedure on anyone under the age of 18.