After your PMU session with Million Dollar Brows, owned and operated by the experienced Ms. Elizabeth Smith, it’s important to understand the healing process that follows. With over 13 years in the beauty industry and extensive expertise in permanent cosmetics, Elizabeth specializes in various procedures such as eyebrow microblading, eyeliner, and lips. Following your session, you can expect the healing process to involve some temporary changes in the treated area, including slight redness and swelling. However, Elizabeth’s professionalism and knowledge ensure that your experience will be accompanied by the best treatment and care, leaving you with stunning results.

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Healing process: What to expect after a PMU session

So, you’ve just had a PMU (Permanent Makeup) session and now you’re wondering what to expect during the healing process. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll walk you through each stage of healing, from immediate aftercare to long-term healing. So let’s dive right in!

Immediate aftercare

Immediately after your PMU session, it’s essential to take proper care of the treated area to ensure optimal healing. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:

Keep the area clean: Gently clean the treated area using a mild cleanser and water. Avoid using harsh soaps or rubbing the area vigorously.
Avoid touching or scratching: It’s crucial not to touch or scratch the freshly tattooed area, as this can introduce bacteria and disrupt the healing process.
Apply the aftercare ointment/cream: Your technician will provide you with a specialized aftercare ointment or cream. Apply it as instructed to keep the area moisturized and promote healing.
Avoid sun exposure and water contact: Protect the treated area from direct sunlight and avoid any water contact, such as swimming or hot tubs, as these can impede the healing process.
Follow the specific aftercare instructions provided: Every technician may have slightly different aftercare instructions, so be sure to follow the specific guidelines given to you by your technician.

Initial healing stage

The initial healing stage typically lasts for about 1-2 weeks, and during this time, you may experience some common symptoms. Here’s what you can expect:

Mild discomfort and tenderness: It’s normal to feel some discomfort or tenderness around the treated area for the first few days. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and the aftercare ointment provided.
Redness and swelling: You may notice some redness and swelling around the tattooed area. This is a natural part of the healing process and should subside within a few days.
Color appears darker and more intense: Don’t be alarmed if the color of your PMU appears darker and more intense immediately after the procedure. As the healing progresses, the color will soften and lighten.
Avoid strenuous activities and excessive sweating: During the initial healing stage, it’s important to avoid any activities that could cause excessive sweating or strain on the treated area. This includes intense exercise and heavy lifting.
Be careful while washing the face and avoid excess facial movements: When washing your face, be gentle around the treated area and avoid any excessive facial movements that could irritate the healing PMU.

Days 1-3

As you enter the first few days after your PMU session, you may notice some changes in the appearance of your PMU. Here’s what to expect during this stage:

Continued tenderness and swelling: The tenderness and swelling you experienced in the initial healing stage may still persist for the first few days. This is a normal part of the healing process and should gradually subside.
Formation of scabs or dry patches: You may notice the formation of scabs or dry patches on the tattooed area. It’s important not to pick or scratch these scabs, as doing so can interfere with the healing process and potentially cause scarring.
Color starts to lighten: You may notice that the color of your PMU starts to lighten during this stage. This is expected, as the skin undergoes a natural exfoliation process.
Avoid picking or scratching the scabs: Picking or scratching the scabs can cause pigment loss and uneven healing. Allow the scabs to fall off naturally.
Moisturize the tattooed area: As your PMU heals, it’s essential to keep the tattooed area moisturized. Apply a thin layer of the provided aftercare ointment to prevent excessive drying and promote healing.

Days 4-7

As you reach the end of the first week post-PMU, you’ll notice some changes in the appearance and texture of your PMU. Here’s what you should expect:

Scabs begin to flake off: The scabs that formed on the tattooed area will start to naturally flake off. Avoid picking or peeling them, as this can hinder the healing process.
Color may appear patchy or uneven: As the scabs start to flake off, you may notice some patchiness in the color. This is temporary and will even out over time during the healing process.
Avoid exfoliation or harsh skincare products: During this stage, it’s crucial to avoid any exfoliation or harsh skincare products on the treated area, as they can interfere with the healing process and affect the pigment retention.
Continue moisturizing the area: Keep applying the aftercare ointment or cream to the tattooed area to maintain proper moisture levels and aid in the healing process.
Avoid direct sun exposure: Protect your PMU from direct sunlight by wearing a hat or using SPF when going outside. Sun exposure can cause the pigment to fade prematurely.

Swelling and redness

Swelling and redness are common side effects of the healing process after a PMU session. Here’s what you can do to manage these symptoms:

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process: It’s normal to experience swelling around the tattooed area, especially during the first few days. Applying cold compresses can help reduce swelling and provide relief.
Avoid activities that can worsen swelling: To minimize swelling, avoid activities that can increase blood flow to the area, such as vigorous exercise, hot showers, sauna, or alcohol consumption.
Redness should gradually subside within a week: The redness around the tattooed area should gradually decrease within a week. If the redness persists or worsens, it’s best to consult with your professional technician.

Scabbing and flaking

Scabbing and flaking are natural parts of the healing process after a PMU session. Here’s how to handle this stage of healing:

Scabs are a natural part of the healing process: The formation of scabs is the skin’s way of protecting the tattooed area during healing. Do not pick or scratch the scabs, as this can disrupt the healing process and potentially cause scarring.
Allow the scabs to fall off naturally: The scabs will gradually fall off on their own as the skin heals. Avoid any temptation to pick or peel them, as this can result in pigment loss.
Flaking may occur after the scabs have fallen off: After the scabs have fallen off, you may experience some flaking of the skin. This is normal and will subside as the healing progresses.
Avoid excessive moisturizing during this stage: While it’s important to keep the tattooed area moisturized, avoid excessive moisturizing during the flaking stage, as this can impede the natural exfoliation process.

Itching and discomfort

Itching and discomfort are common symptoms during the healing process after a PMU session. Here’s how to find some relief:

Itching is common during the healing process: As the skin heals, it is normal to experience some itching. Avoid scratching or rubbing the treated area, as this can disrupt the healing process and potentially cause scarring.
Apply a soothing ointment or cream to alleviate itchiness: To relieve the itching, you can apply a small amount of the aftercare ointment or cream provided by your technician. This will help soothe the skin and alleviate discomfort.
Avoid applying any other skincare products to the treated area: During the healing process, it’s important to avoid applying any other skincare products, such as creams or serums, to the treated area. Stick to the aftercare recommendations provided by your technician.
Consult with a professional if itching persists or worsens: If the itching becomes unbearable or persists for an extended period, it’s best to reach out to your professional technician for guidance and advice.

Precautions and post-care

Taking precautions and following proper post-care instructions is crucial for successful healing after a PMU session. Here are some essential tips:

Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds: Protect your PMU from direct sunlight by wearing a hat or using SPF. Sun exposure can cause the pigment to fade prematurely.
Avoid swimming or excessive sweating: During the healing process, it’s best to avoid swimming or engaging in activities that cause excessive sweating, as this can affect the healing and pigment retention.
Do not use makeup or skincare products on the treated area: To prevent infection and irritation, avoid using makeup or any other skincare products on the tattooed area until it’s fully healed.
Protect the treated area from dust, dirt, and pollutants: Keep the tattooed area clean and protected from dust, dirt, and pollutants that could potentially cause infections or hinder the healing process.
Follow the post-care instructions provided by the professional: Your technician will provide you with specific post-care instructions tailored to your PMU procedure. Follow these instructions diligently for the best results.

Long-term healing

After the initial healing stage, the long-term healing process begins. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Some color fading is expected after the healing process: It’s normal for the initial intensity of the pigment to fade slightly over time. This is why touch-up appointments are recommended.
Schedule a touch-up appointment for color adjustments: To maintain the desired color and shape of your PMU, it’s recommended to schedule a touch-up appointment. The timing of touch-ups will depend on your technician’s recommendations.
Follow the professional’s recommendations for touch-up frequency: Depending on your skin type and other factors, your technician will advise you on how frequently touch-up appointments should be scheduled.
Avoid DIY touch-ups to prevent uneven results: While it may be tempting to touch up your PMU at home, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. DIY touch-ups can result in uneven results and potential complications.
Discuss any concerns with the professional during the touch-up appointment: If you have any concerns or questions about your healed PMU, be sure to discuss them with your professional technician during your touch-up appointment. They will be able to address any issues and make any necessary adjustments.

In conclusion, the healing process after a PMU session is a crucial time to take proper care of the treated area. By following the aftercare instructions provided by your professional technician, you can ensure optimal healing and long-lasting results. Remember to be patient, as the healing process takes time, and avoid any actions that could hinder the healing or affect the final outcome of your PMU. If you have any concerns or questions during the healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professional technician for guidance and support. Happy healing!