Pre and Aftercare for Permanent Makeup

General Aftercare Instructions for Permanent Makeup Procedures

Important Notice:

At Levore Aesthetics, our team is highly trained and licensed in their respective fields, but we are not medical professionals. If you experience any signs of infection or allergic reactions, please seek immediate medical attention. Indicators of potential complications include honey-colored crusts, excessive oozing, spreading redness, unusual discomfort, excessive bleeding, persistent redness, swelling, tenderness at the procedure site, elevated body temperature, rash, or drainage from the treated area. If you experience severe reactions such as moderate to severe facial swelling, significant rash, difficulty breathing, or any form of distress, call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room. Keep in mind that some redness, swelling, tenderness, oozing, and itching are normal parts of the healing process. Please read the following details carefully. For other concerns, feel free to contact Levore Aesthetics.

Avoid the Following:

  • Refrain from using Retin-A, Glycolic Acids, or any acidic products on the treated area until fully healed.

  • Do not apply Peroxide, Bacitracin, or Neosporin on any tattooed areas.

  • Avoid petrolatum-based products on your eyelids following an eyeliner procedure.

  • Do not apply sunscreen to unhealed areas as it can alter the pigment color.

  • Do not scrub, scratch, or pick at the treated areas to prevent scarring and poor pigment retention.

  • Steer clear of dirty or dusty environments (e.g., gardening) and avoid touching or sleeping with pets for 5-7 days.

  • Keep the treated area away from direct sunlight or tanning beds. If you need to be outdoors, wear a hat and protective sunglasses. Only apply SPF cream once the area is completely healed to avoid altering the pigment color.

  • Avoid facials, heavy sweating, whirlpools, saunas, swimming, or soaking the treated area for at least 5 days or until fully healed. Salty water should be avoided completely as it can cause poor pigment retention.

  • Do not dye, tweeze, wax, thread, or laser eyebrows for 7 days post-procedure.

  • For scalp micropigmentation, avoid washing your hair for 7 days and do not dye or bleach your hair for at least 2 weeks. Always inform your hairstylist or barber about your procedure. You may use baby shampoo or mild antibacterial soap to rinse your scalp, but avoid soaking the treated area in water. Wearing a clean hat or scarf is optional.

  • Avoid applying any makeup to the treated area, tinting your brows or lashes, or using fake lashes/brows for at least 10-14 days after the procedure. Also, refrain from wearing wigs or hairpieces after scalp micropigmentation or eyebrow tattooing, as the chemicals in the tint or glue can irritate the skin and lead to infection.

  • After the initial healing period, you may gently clean the area with clean hands or gauze using mild antibacterial soap and water. No occlusion or bandage is needed for facial permanent makeup or scalp procedures. For body camouflage tattoos, wearing and changing a sterile gauze might be necessary for the first 24 hours.

Essential Aftercare Steps:

  • Apply a thin layer of the provided A+D ointment twice daily to the treated areas (eyebrows, lips, scalp, scar camouflage, or skin color camouflage) using a clean cotton swab. Avoid double-dipping; use separate swabs for each area.

  • If you are prone to cold sores, using over-the-counter preventive medication can help. If you were pre-medicated before a lip procedure, there should be no issues.

  • Avoid applying any ointment to your eyelids and steer clear of anti-aging eye creams.

  • Use a clean ice pack on the treated area for 10-15 minutes per hour to reduce swelling, especially around the eyes. Do not reuse the same ice pack on multiple tattooed areas.

  • Individuals with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick 4-6) may experience temporary hyperpigmentation during healing. This may take 6-8 weeks to fully manifest. Please wait at least 6-8 weeks between appointments, even if the treated area appears too light or the pigment seems to disappear initially.

  • Expect the permanent makeup to darken over the first 3-4 days, with the color lightening significantly within a week to resemble the original chosen color. It’s normal for some people to experience pigment flaking or scabbing, while others may not. Pigment fading or loss during healing is common, and touch-ups may be needed 4-8 weeks post-procedure.

  • Pigment may transfer onto your pillow while sleeping, so use a pillowcase that you don't mind staining.

Failure to follow these aftercare instructions may result in pigment loss, discoloration, complications, or poor retention, necessitating additional sessions.

Common complications include redness, puffiness, dry patches, swelling, bruising, tenderness, color mismatch, skin discoloration, scarring, poor color retention, and bleeding.

Eyebrow Pre-Care and Aftercare Instructions

Pre-Care:

  • Avoid electrolysis for four weeks before and after your eyebrow procedure.

  • Do not apply any makeup on freshly treated eyebrows to reduce the risk of infection—wait at least two weeks before using any products.

  • SPF should only be applied four weeks after the procedure as it may cause color changes.

  • On the day of the procedure, avoid using waterproof eyebrow makeup.

  • Do not wash the eyebrow area until the scabs have fully fallen off.

  • Refrain from tweezing, waxing, or dyeing your brows for at least a week before the procedure. Threading is acceptable, but we prefer to perfect the shape during the permanent makeup process.

Eyebrow Healing Process:

Day 1:
Your eyebrows will appear 20-25% darker and slightly bolder in width than the final result. The underlying redness in your skin will make the color look more intense. As exfoliation begins in the next few days, the excess pigment around the eyebrows will start to flake away, revealing a more defined and narrower shape. New skin will form over the pigmented area, giving your brows a softer appearance. It’s normal for your eyebrows to look darker and thicker initially—this is a natural part of the healing process.

Day 2:
The color of your eyebrows will remain the same.

Day 3:
Your eyebrows may begin to itch and feel slightly thicker as exfoliation starts.

Day 4:
The skin will start to flake, beginning from the outer edges of the eyebrows.

Day 5:
The flaking will complete, and the color of your eyebrows will appear softer with a slightly grayish tone for a few days until the color fully clarifies.

Note:
If your skin is sun-damaged, thick, uneven in texture, or excessively oily, your results may vary. Scarring on the lips from fever blisters can cause pigment loss. Factors such as medications, smoking, metabolism, facial surgery, skin age, and lifestyle can also contribute to color fading. Regular color refreshers are recommended to maintain the best results and keep your permanent makeup looking fresh.

Eyeliner Pre-Care and Aftercare Instructions

Pre-Care:

  • Do not wear contact lenses during the procedure or for a week following it.

  • Bring sunglasses to wear home, as your eyes may be more sensitive to light after the procedure.

  • Discontinue the use of Latisse (or any other lash growth serums) four weeks before your eyeliner procedure. You can resume use after the healing process is complete.

  • Avoid dyeing or perming your lashes for at least 10 days before and three weeks after the procedure.

  • Do not use an eyelash curler on the day of the procedure or for three weeks afterward.

  • If you've had any type of eye surgery, consult your physician to determine how long you should wait before undergoing a permanent eyeliner procedure.

  • Avoid wearing waterproof makeup on the day of the procedure, as certain cleansers can interfere with pigment and numbing absorption.

  • If you wear lash extensions, they should be removed at least a week before the procedure. You can have them reapplied three weeks after the procedure, though we recommend waiting until the eyeliner and healing process are fully completed.

  • We recommend that you avoid driving or operating any mechanical vehicle for at least 8 hours after your eyeliner procedure.

Eyeliner Healing Process:

Day 1:
Your eyes may appear swollen, as if you've been crying, and the eyeliner may have a heavier makeup look.

Day 2:
Swelling may persist, particularly after waking up, with the eyeliner still giving a heavy makeup appearance.

Day 3:
Swelling should decrease, and the area may feel tighter as the pigment begins to lift away from the skin.

Day 4:
You may experience some pinching and itching, which is normal. The skin will start to flake. It is important not to pick at it.

Day 5:
Blinking will usually help to remove the remaining pigment by this day. The color may appear slightly grayish but will take a few days to fully clarify.

Lip Pre-Care and Aftercare Instructions

Pre-Care:

  • If you are prone to cold sores, you will need an antiviral prescription. Most doctors recommend starting the medication 3+ days before the procedure, continuing for a 7-10 day course, and for at least 2 days after.

  • If you've had any type of lip surgery or fillers, consult your doctor to determine how long you should wait before undergoing a permanent makeup procedure on your lips.

  • Prepare dry lips by gently exfoliating with a soft toothbrush or a special lip exfoliant, and keep them moisturized with a lip balm or natural honey. Dry, cracked lips are more sensitive, tend to bleed more, and do not retain pigments as well.

  • Remove false lashes at least a week before your appointment (you can reapply them once your procedure is fully healed).

  • If you wear contact lenses, please remove them before the appointment and wear eyeglasses instead.

  • Lash tinting and lifting should be done at least 7 days before your appointment.

  • Avoid wearing waterproof mascara on the day of the procedure; regular makeup is okay but should be minimized if possible.

  • If you have an eye infection, redness, or a skin tag on your eyelids, consult a doctor and address the condition before the procedure.

  • If you have ever had a cold sore (Herpes Zoster virus), even once, you must take antiviral medication at least 3 days before and 2 days after the procedure, or follow your physician’s guidance.

  • Keep your lips moisturized for several days before the procedure; you can also do a DIY home scrub for dry lips using sugar and honey or a damp, soft toothbrush. The ink will not adhere well to dry, cracked lips.

Lips Healing Process:

Day 1:
Your lips will be swollen, tender, and will have a heavy, thick lipstick appearance with a reddish-brick color effect.

Day 2:
You may experience slight swelling, tenderness, and a slightly metallic taste.

Day 3:
The swelling should decrease, but your lips may feel thicker and have a sore, hot sensation before exfoliation begins. The color may appear more "orange."

Day 4:
Exfoliation starts, leading to very chapped lips.

Day 5:
Your lips will still be chapped but are nearly finished with the first stage of chapping.

Day 6:
Your lips will begin to show a soft, rich color.

Day 7:
The lip color may temporarily fade as the “frosty” stage begins (the second chapping stage), where a whitish or grayish haze may appear. Over the next few weeks, the color will gradually bloom from within until day 21, when the final color is visible. However, your lips may remain slightly dry for a month or two. To maintain moisture and protect your lips, use a good lip balm with SPF, and they will return to normal, but with the added color.

Scalp Hair Micropigmentation Pre-Care and Aftercare Instructions

Pre-Care:

  • Hairpiece: Do not wear a hairpiece for at least 5-7 days before your procedure. Wearing a hairpiece may limit oxygen flow to the scalp, affecting ink absorption. Avoid any paste or fibers on your scalp for 2-3 days prior to the procedure.

  • Hair Length: Contact your artist before the procedure to discuss the appropriate hair length for the day of your procedure. In most cases, a buzzed look (around 1-2 days of hair growth) is recommended.

  • Skin/Hair Preparation: Do not use a razor on your scalp within 24 hours of your procedure. We need to see all native hair to properly blend the hair follicles.

  • Hair Dye: You may dye your hair a week before the procedure and again after the area is fully healed. If you have blonde hair, consider adjusting your color to a slightly darker shade.

  • Moisturization: After washing your scalp, moisturize with a gentle skin moisturizer (e.g., Aquaphor, Nivea, Cetaphil) to keep the skin hydrated. This helps with ink absorption. Do not use ointment on the day of the procedure.

  • Sun Exposure: Avoid sun exposure and tanning (both booth and natural) for at least 3-4 weeks to prevent skin burns and peeling.

  • Pain Sensitivity: If you are sensitive to pain, consult with your doctor before the procedure.

  • Rest: Get a good night’s sleep and focus on relaxing before your procedure.

  • Scalp Conditions: If you have any scalp medical conditions, consult a physician for treatment before proceeding.

  • Nutrition: Eat a hearty meal before your procedure.

  • Head Covering: You may bring a clean hat or scarf to loosely cover your head after the treatment if desired, although this is not recommended.

  • Healthy Scalp: A healthy scalp is crucial for achieving the best, long-lasting results.

Aftercare:

Day 1-3:
The pigment will appear much darker than expected. You will lose about 30% or more of the pigment within the first 5-7 days. The skin on your scalp will be red and tender. Redness duration varies depending on your skin sensitivity—it may last only a few hours for some clients, or a few days for others. You can wear a hat or clean scarf daily if needed.

Day 3:
You may start experiencing itchiness and increased scalp dryness as your scalp heals. Do not scratch or pick at any freshly formed scabs.

Day 4-5:
Redness and tenderness should subside, depending on your skin sensitivity. You may still experience excessive scalp dryness and cracking. Tiny dandruff-sized scabs may form and start to flake off slowly. Do not pick, remove, or exfoliate these scabs; let them fall off naturally. If you haven’t noticed any skin flaking, that’s okay too.

Day 5:
The pigment will continue to fade, resulting in a much lighter appearance than immediately after the procedure. You may notice lighter and darker patches.

Day 6-14:
Your scalp may continue to peel slightly; however, most of the dry skin and some of the pigment should be gone.

Day 10-14:
You can start regularly washing your scalp with baby shampoo.

Day 20-30:
You can return for your next scalp micropigmentation session.

After 30 Days:
You may color or bleach your hair again, but avoid coloring your hair the day before your treatment.

Avoid:

  • SPF: Do not use any SPF products until your scalp is fully healed and all sessions are completed. SPF can be used 4 weeks after the final session.

  • Antibiotic Ointment: Do not use any over-the-counter antibiotic ointments like Neosporin or Bacitracin.

  • Water Exposure: Avoid getting your head wet for at least 6 days (10 days is even better!). You may express rinse for 3 seconds with foamy antibacterial soap or gently wipe with a damp cloth, then pat dry with a clean paper towel or soft tissue. Avoid sweating, saunas, direct showers on the head, sun exposure, UVA/UVB tanning beds, and spray or self-tanning for 30 days after each procedure.

  • A+D Ointment: Apply a thin layer (pea-sized amount) of A+D ointment on the treated area twice daily. Use clean, sanitized hands or cotton gauze/swabs for application. Avoid touching with dirty hands.

  • Exfoliating Products: Do not use any exfoliating products. Avoid shaving your head in the treated area for at least a week. If necessary, avoid freshly treated areas and focus on standing hair.

  • Hair Dye/Bleach: Do not dye or bleach your hair for at least 30 days. Inform your hairstylist that you have undergone an SMP procedure.

  • MRI: Always inform your MRI technician about having the procedure done.

  • Hair Products: Do not use any kabuki powder, hairpieces, wigs, hair extensions, etc., throughout the entire SMP process.

  • Blood Donation: If you are a blood donor, you may not donate blood for 1 year following your hair micropigmentation tattoo application (per Red Cross).

  • Touch-Ups: Schedule touch-up visits between 30-45 days post-procedure. All procedures are a multi-session process, and final results will be determined after the touch-up application is completed.