Permanent Makeup Aftercare

You may experience the following during the healing process:

  1. Dryness and itching in the treated area.

  2. Flaking

  3. Tenderness

  4. Pigment fluctuation

Absorb (Day of)

  • After the procedure, gently blot the area with clean tissue to absorb excess lymph fluid.

  • Do this every 5 minutes until the oozing has stopped.

  • Removing this fluid prevents the hardening of the lymphatic fluids.  

Wash (Days 1-7)

  • Wash daily to remove bacteria, build-up of product and oils, and dead skin. (Don't worry, THIS DOES NOT REMOVE THE PIGMENT!)

  • Gently wash the area each morning and night with water and gentle soap or an unscented cleanser like Dial Soap, Cetaphil, or baby shampoo.  With a very light touch, use your fingertips to gently cleanse the area.

  • Rub the area in a smooth motion for 10 seconds and rinse with water ensuring that all soap is rinsed away.

  • To dry, gently pat with a clean tissue. DO NOT use any cleansing products containing acids (glycolic, lactic, or AHA), or exfoliants.

Important Reminders

  • If the pigmented area becomes infected, painful, or should you develop a fever soon after procedure, please seek medical attention immediately. 

  • Use a fresh pillowcase while you sleep.

  • Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. Picking can cause scarring or loss of color.

  • No facials, botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks.

  • Avoid hot, sweaty exercise for one week.

  • Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 4 weeks after the procedure.  Wear a hat when outdoors.

  • Avoid long, hot showers for the first 10 days.

  • Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days.

  • Avoid face-down swimming, lakes, and hot tubs for the first 10 days,

  • Avoid topical makeup and sunscreen on the area.

  • DO NOT rub, pick, or scratch the treated area.

Important Instructions for Showering

  • Limit your showers to 5 minutes so that you do not create too much steam. Keep your face/procedure area out of the water while you wash your body, then, at the end of your shower, wash your hair.

  • Your face should only be getting wet only at the end of the shower.  

  • Avoid excessive rinsing and hot water on the treated area.

Moisturize and hydrate (Days 1-7)

  • Apply a tiny, rice grain amount of ointment 3 times a day with a cotton swab and spread it across the treated area.

  • Be sure not to over-apply, as this will suffocate your skin and delay healing. The product should be barely noticeable on the skin.

  • NEVER put the product on a wet or damp tattoo.

Disclosure Statement /Notice for Filing Complaints

Public Act 375, which was enacted in December of 2010, indicates that individuals shall not tattoo, brand, or perform body piercing on another individual unless the tattooing, branding, or body piercing occurs at a body art facility licensed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Body art facilities are required to be in compliance with the “Requirements for Body Art Facilities,” which provide guidelines for safe and sanitary body art administration.

As with any invasive procedure, body art may involve possible health risks. These risks may include, but are not limited to: transmissions of bloodborne diseases such as HIV and viral hepatitis, skin disorders, skin infections, and allergic reactions.

In addition, persons with certain conditions including, but not limited to, diabetes, hemophilia or epilepsy, are at a higher risk for complications and should consult a physician before undergoing a body art procedure.

If you wish to file a complaint against a body art facility related to compliance with PA 375 or have concerns about potential health risks, please visit www.michigan.gov/bodyart.

Individuals may be able to donate blood within the standard deferral period if they present a copy of their body art facility’s client record to the blood donor facility.