How do I prepare for a permanent makeup procedure?
Your surgeon will provide thorough preoperative instructions, answer any questions you may have before your surgery, and take a detailed medical history.
In advance of your treatment, your surgeon may ask you to:
- Stop smoking to promote better healing.
- Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
- Hydrate before and after your treatment for safe recovery.
- Avoid shaving, waxing, or exfoliating before your treatment.
- Wear sunscreen and avoid the sun.
- Avoid tanning and spray tans several weeks before your procedure.
Permanent makeup treatments are usually outpatient procedures, and you typically can return to your normal activities immediately after the treatment. If necessary, you may need to arrange for someone to drive you home after.
What can I expect the day of my permanent makeup procedure?
Be sure to consult with your surgeon before your treatment so you have the most accurate expectations.
- You may have your permanent makeup procedure in an office suite, or a surgical suite (if the permanent makeup procedure is taking place at the same time as another surgical procedure).
- Most treatment sessions last two to three hours, including the preparation (topical anesthetic and scratch test), but may be longer depending on your treatment area.
- Your specialist will administer some form of local anesthesia, such as a topical anesthetic cream, before your treatment.
- Most describe the pain during treatment as quite tolerable, but this varies by person, and some areas of the body may be more painful than others. Your specialist will follow the treatment plan discussed with you and take as many breaks as you need.
- After your procedure, the treatment area will be red and slightly swollen.
- The specialist will apply ointment to keep the area moist and soft.
You likely can go home and resume your normal activities after a short observation period. Be sure to follow your post-treatment instructions and limit any activity that might irritate the tattooed area.