The Healing Process After Permanent Makeup: What to Expect

When you decide to invest in permanent makeup (PMU), it's essential to have a clear understanding of what happens after your procedure. While the immediate results can be stunning, the healing process plays a crucial role in ensuring that your permanent makeup looks as beautiful as it should. This blog will guide you through the stages of healing, from the first 24 hours to the final results, and offer tips to make the recovery as smooth as possible.

The First 24 Hours after permanent makeup: Initial Healing and Sensitivity

The first 24 hours after your permanent makeup procedure are typically the most critical. During this period, the skin is still adjusting to the pigment, and you may experience some redness, swelling, or mild discomfort.

What to Expect:

• Redness and Swelling: It’s completely normal to see some redness around the treated area, particularly for procedures like eyeliner and lips. Eyebrow treatments may also cause mild swelling. This should subside within a few hours to a day.

• Tenderness: The skin may feel slightly tender or sensitive, but this discomfort is temporary and will reduce within the first 24 hours.

• Pigment Darkening: The colour of your permanent makeup may appear darker than expected immediately after the procedure. Don’t worry – this is due to the pigment being freshly applied to the skin and will fade over time.

  
  

What to Do:

• Avoid touching the treated area with unwashed hands to reduce the risk of infection.

• Follow aftercare instructions carefully, as the first 24 hours are crucial for setting the foundation for a smooth healing process.

• Apply a light layer of aftercare ointment (if advised by your artist) to keep the area moisturised and help the healing process.

  
  

Days 2 to 7: The Skin Begins to Heal

As the healing continues, the skin will start to form small scabs or flakes as the pigment settles into the skin. This stage can be a bit uncomfortable, but it's important to resist the urge to pick or scratch at the treated area, as this can cause scarring or disrupt the pigment.

What to Expect:

• Peeling and Flaking: The top layer of skin will begin to shed, which might cause the pigment to look uneven or lighter in some areas. This is a normal part of the healing process and will settle down.

• Itchiness: It’s common for the area to itch as it heals, especially on the eyebrows and lips. However, it’s vital not to scratch or pick at the scabs as this can impact the final results.

  
  

What to Do:

• Do not scrub, pick, or peel off the scabs. Let them fall off naturally to avoid causing damage to the pigment.

• Keep the area dry for the first few days. Excess moisture can interfere with the healing process.

• Apply aftercare ointment as instructed by your PMU artist, but avoid using too much product, which can clog the skin's pores.

• Avoid heavy makeup on the treated area during this period to allow the skin to breathe and heal properly.

  
  

Week 2 to 3: Settling and Soothing

By this point, most of the initial swelling and redness will have disappeared, and the skin will be looking much more settled. The colour of your permanent makeup will start to soften, and you will begin to see the true, healed results.

What to Expect:

• Fading of the Dark Colour: After the first few days, the colour of your PMU will likely appear much lighter than when it was initially applied. This is because some pigment will fade as the skin heals and the scabs shed.

• Slight Texture Variations: The skin may feel slightly different in texture, but this should not affect the overall appearance of your permanent makeup. The pigment will have sunk into the skin and will begin to settle, producing a more natural look.

  
  

What to Do:

• Avoid sun exposure for the first 2-3 weeks, as this can cause the pigment to fade prematurely. Use sunscreen when outdoors to protect the area from UV rays.

• Continue using aftercare ointment if advised by your artist, but ensure the treated area is not overly moisturised. Over-moisturising can affect how the pigment settles into the skin.

• Be gentle when cleaning the area – use a mild cleanser and avoid any harsh scrubbing motions.

  
  

Week 4 to 6: Final Stages of Healing

At this point, your skin will be nearly healed, and the full, final results of your permanent makeup will begin to show. You should now be able to see a smoother, more defined shape and colour, although some areas may still be healing.

What to Expect:

• Softening of the Pigment: The colour will continue to soften and blend into the skin. Your permanent makeup will appear more natural and less harsh than it did right after the procedure.

• No More Scabbing or Flaking: The skin should be fully healed by this stage, with no further peeling or scabbing. The treated area will feel smooth to the touch.

  
  

What to Do:

• Avoid exfoliation on the treated areas. Scrubbing the skin too harshly can cause the pigment to fade or patchy results.

• Moisturise as needed with a gentle, unscented product to keep the skin hydrated and support its recovery.

• Book your touch-up appointment. Around 6 to 8 weeks after your procedure, it's a good idea to schedule a follow-up appointment with your artist to ensure that the pigment has settled properly. This allows for any touch-ups or adjustments to be made.

  
  

Long-Term Care: Ensuring Longevity

Although your permanent makeup is designed to last for 1-3 years, taking care of your skin and the treated area will help you maintain vibrant results for as long as possible.

Tips for Maintaining Your Permanent Makeup:

• Use sunscreen on your eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips to prevent premature fading.

• Avoid excessive sweating, as it can cause the pigment to break down faster, particularly during workouts or saunas.

• Hydrate your skin to keep it healthy and help maintain the appearance of your permanent makeup.

• Schedule regular touch-ups. Most clients need a touch-up every 12-18 months, depending on their skin type and how the pigment fades over time.

  
  

Conclusion

The healing process after permanent makeup is relatively straightforward, but it requires patience and proper aftercare to ensure optimal results. By following the right steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your beautiful, long-lasting makeup with minimal fuss. If you have any questions about the healing process or need advice tailored to your specific needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to your permanent makeup artist.

The journey to perfectly healed, long-lasting results may take a few weeks, but with the right care, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of PMU for months or even years to come.

To book an appointment with Rachael at the permanent makeup clinic in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, click here.