Pre & Post Care

Please read carefully. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out by phone or email. MichelleLeeInk@gmail.com

Pre Appointment Instructions

STOP USING ANY SKIN THINNERS (RETINOLS, VITAMIN A, GLYCOLIC ACIDS, EXFOLIATION) ON THE BROW AREA 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT. 

  • ​ANY WAXING OR BROW SHAPING SHOULD BE DONE AT LEAST 2 DAYS BEFORE. 

  • IF YOU TINT YOUR BROWS, TINT IT AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE.

  • DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL, CAFFEINE OR TAKE ANY BLOOD THINNERS (ASPIRIN, IBUPROFEN, NIACIN 48 HOURS BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE, THIS WILL CAUSE EXCESS BLEEDING AND MAY AFFECT YOUR RESULTS).

  • ​YOU MAY COME IN WITH HOW YOU NORMALLY DRAW IN YOUR BROWS SO I CAN SEE WHAT YOU ARE USED TO.  THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR CLIENTS WHO DESIRE A SPECIFIC BROW SHAPE. IF YOU ARE OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS, I AM HAPPY TO HELP DESIGN A CUSTOM BROW TO PERSONALLY SUIT YOU. 

  • YOU MAY EXPERIENCE HYPERSENSITIVITY AND MORE PAIN AROUND OR DURING YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE.​​​

  • COSMETIC BOTOX OR FILLERS SHOULD BE DONE 2 WEEKS PRIOR OR 2 WEEKS AFTER 

  • WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TATTOO OVER ANY BLEMISHES, SORES, AND MOLES IN OR AROUND THE BROW AREA. 

Brow Aftercare

At Michelle Lee Ink, we prioritize your aftercare for the best possible results. Following these instructions during the entire 10-day healing period is crucial to ensure proper healing and color retention. Please note that individual results may vary, and we cannot guarantee your specific outcome.

After each appointment, we will provide you with an aftercare gift bag containing a cleanser and ointment. It is important to use a gentle cleanser and lather it up in your hands. Wash your brows every morning and night for 7-10 days or until the flaking has stopped. After washing, make sure to blot them completely dry with a clean towel. Avoid any water pooling or sitting in the brow area.

Additionally, apply the provided ointment to your brows in the morning and night. Use a very small amount, approximately the size of a piece of rice, and apply it to each brow using clean fingers. If you have oily skin, you may be advised to skip the ointment and allow for a dry healing process during the 7-10 days.

What To Expect

*When it comes to brow tattoos, it's important to set realistic expectations. Healing may not be perfect after the first session, as this is a two-step process that takes time. During the 10-day healing process, your brows will go through changes and may appear different from day to day. It's essential to be patient and understand that the final outcome will gradually develop. TRUST THE PROCESS!

*Right after your procedure, your brows will look darker and more defined, which can last up to two weeks. Your brow tattoo may appear solid, with hair strokes seeming to disappear, and it may have a wet and painted-on appearance.

*Around days 4-5, you may experience flaking, and your brows may appear dry. It is crucial not to pick at your brows and allow any dryness to naturally fall off. Picking off flakes prematurely can result in missing hair strokes and patchy brows, which may lead to scarring.

*It typically takes up to 4 weeks for your brow tattoo to fully heal. As the flaking comes off, the hair strokes may initially appear faint because a fresh layer of skin has healed over the tattoo. Give your brows a few weeks, and the hair strokes will become clearer. The color will continue to change on a daily basis until the healing process is complete at the 4-week mark.

​*It's normal to experience itchiness in the brows for up to 2 months after the 10-day healing period, as the dermal layer continues to heal.

*Keep in mind that not everyone's hair stroke brows can heal in a clean and crisp manner. Hair strokes for oilier skin types tend to heal more solid and powdery, while drier skin types tend to heal with more crispness and definition. Additionally, individuals who bleed more may require more touch-ups, as the blood can push the pigment out during the tattooing process.

What Not To Do

*During the healing process, it is crucial to protect your brows from the sun. Exposure to UV rays can alter the pigment of your tattoo. After the first 10 days, it is important to use SPF to maintain the longevity of your micropigmentation.

*Avoid excessive sweating for 10 days as sweat contains salt, which can infect and prematurely fade your brow tattoo. Salt in sweat may also alter the color of your tattoo. Moderate exercise is acceptable.

*Running direct water on your brow tattoo should be avoided, especially in the first few days, as you don't want to wash out any pigment.

*Do not use Vaseline on your tattoo. Additionally, refrain from using any makeup, creams, or exfoliants on the brows for 10 days.

*During the healing process, avoid saunas, pools, steam rooms, massages, facials, and other skin treatments.

*Exfoliants, retinol acids, and AHAs should not be used on the brow area as they can prematurely fade your tattoo.

*Avoid using laser light therapy on your brow tattoo, as it can darken, lighten, and distort the pigment.

*For touch-ups or any additional information, please reach out to us.

Long Term Care

*Please note that results cannot be guaranteed as they vary depending on individual factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and the care given during the initial 10-day period and long-term maintenance of your brow tattoo.

*To protect your brows, it is recommended to use SPF 50 or higher. Sun exposure can cause fading and alter the colour of your tattoo.

*Avoid using chemical exfoliants on your brows as they can accelerate the fading process.

*It is important to refrain from laser treatments in your brow area, as certain lasers may change the colour of the ink.

*As your tattoo fades over time, the strokes will become fainter and less defined.

*Maintenance is essential to preserve the desired results. Touch-ups are typically required every 9 to 24 months to maintain your brow tattoo.

*Hair stroke brows usually last between 1 to 3 years.

Lip Blush Prep

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

For a successful lip appointment, it is important to ensure that your lips are not dry. If your lips are dry, we will need to reschedule your appointment, and unfortunately, your deposit will be forfeited. To prepare your lips, you may exfoliate them three days before your appointment to remove any dry skin. You can use a lip scrub or create your own using a small amount of honey and brown sugar. In the week leading up to the appointment, it is crucial to moisturize your lips as much as possible and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. I recommend using Aquaphor for this purpose.

*IMPORTANT Please be aware that cold sores pose a risk for lip blush tattooing. If you have had a cold sore in the past, we strongly advise you to consult a doctor for an anti-viral medication before any lip procedure to help prevent an outbreak. Even if you have not had a cold sore before, I recommend that all my clients take L-Lysine two weeks before the appointment and continue taking it for two weeks after the appointment to reduce the risk.

After Your Appointment

*After your lip treatment, expect your lips to feel swollen and very dry. Apply ointment multiple times a day for at least 14 days following the treatment to prevent dryness, which can interfere with the healed color. Use a clean q-tip, not your fingers, to apply the ointment and reduce the risk of infection.

*Avoid eating spicy or salty foods the first 48 hours as these may cause stinging on the freshly tattooed lips.

*Once your lips are no longer tender, they may become flaky. This is normal, but avoid picking or scratching at them as it can reduce pigment absorption. Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and direct water pressure until your lips are fully healed. Use sunblock on your lips once they have healed and avoid using glycolic, hydroxy, or fruit acid products. You can resume wearing lipstick after healing.

*Redness, swelling, tenderness, and dryness are common post-treatment side effects that will dissipate shortly. Avoid oily, salty, acidic foods, and alcohol during the healing process.

*Please note that lips are unpredictable, and results can vary based on individual factors such as sun damage, scar tissue, smoking and injectables. If you have a history of fever blisters, cold sores, or chickenpox, it is advised to consult a doctor for anti-viral medication prior to the procedure. Follow all pre and post-treatment instructions, and schedule a lip retouch 30 to 45 days after the initial session for optimal color retention.

*Lips undergo three stages of healing: too dark, too light, and just right. This process takes approximately one month, so avoid friction, on the lip area.

Eyelash Enhancement Aftercare

*After the treatment, your skin will be temporarily sensitized, and it is important to follow the instructions below for the next 10 days. These guidelines will help prevent infection and allow your skin to recover properly.

*Please be aware that if you choose to apply makeup within the first 5 days after the treatment, you do so entirely at your own risk. It is recommended to allow your skin to heal naturally during this time. Adding makeup to the area before it is healed may introduce bacteria and cause an infection.

*Keep in mind that the healing process can take up to 10 days, and it is normal to see small scabs forming on the treated area. These scabs should be allowed to naturally fall off over the course of a few days.

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT

After the treatment, it is normal for the color to fade during the first 2 weeks, resulting in patchy sections. The pigment will gradually return to the surface within about 30 days, resulting in a subtle outcome. Please note that this procedure is eyelash enhancement, not eyeliner tattoos. It creates a soft, shadowed enhancement along the lash line to give the illusion of fuller lashes and a natural eye enhancement.

Instructions for the 10-day post-tattoo procedure:

  1. Gently wash the site with warm water and gentle soap using your hands only.

  2. Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel, avoiding rubbing.

  3. Sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first few nights to reduce swelling.

If the area is feeling itchy, you can put a spec of the ointment on the area with a q-tip. 

Please wait 6 weeks for full healing before booking your initial touch-up. The color will fade by 30-40%. Most people do not require a touch-up, but if you feel you would benefit from an additional session, feel free to book a touch-up appointment.

CAUTIONS

During the healing process, it is important to follow these cautions:

​

  • Do not pick at the tattoo site at any time.

  • Be cautious to avoid getting ointment in your eyes and use it sparingly.

  • Prevent the area from drying out completely to avoid scabbing and skin cracking.

  • Refrain from touching the treated area.

  • Avoid using creams or makeup on the treated area(s).

  • Steer clear of facial treatments like eyelash tinting, perming, or lifting.

  • Do not use rough towels or similar abrasive materials.

  • Avoid hot baths, saunas, or heat treatments.

  • Stay away from sunbathing, sunbeds, or swimming.

  • For 10 days, avoid hot yoga or spin classes, but moderate exercise is acceptable.

  • Refrain from applying makeup for 5 days; if you do apply makeup, it is at your own risk.

  • If small scabs appear, do not touch them as they will naturally fall off in a few days.

  • Please note that there are no implied or written guarantees if you do not take care of your permanent makeup.

  • In case of infection, seek immediate medical attention.


ISR/Aftercare

Aftercare for ISR is simple, we will give you a dedicated aftercare gift bag with all your instructions. This aftercare will help with the dryness you may experience during the healing process.

Clients are advised to not take any anti-inflammatories after the procedure for at least 24 hours. 

Day 1 - Day 4

Redness, swelling, tightness, feeling of being sunburnt 

Avoid all things hot: sauna, hot tub, sweating etc. 

You can shower 12 hrs after the procedure 

Gently apply aftercare 2x a day

 

Day 3 - Day 7

The area will become dry, flakey and possibly have a small amount of scabbing (DO NOT PICK) 

Gently apply aftercare 2x a day

​

During week 1, you can expect the area to be dry and flakey. It is super important to not pick or scratch at the area. During week 2, things will start to return to look back to normal. The stretch marks will look less angry and more flat. It is not uncommon to see redness in the area for 4 weeks after your initial treatment. 

Scar Camouflage Aftercare

*Do not pick the camouflaged area. It is important that IF there is any protective scabs that they stay on during the healing process and fall off naturally. Picking of scabs can pull out the pigment leaving an undesired result.

*Use a thin layer of provided ointment 2 - 3x per day for the first 5 days. Always apply ointment before before bathing or showering

THINGS TO AVOID

*No soap, shampoo, cleansers, or cosmetics on the pigmentation site for the first 5 days. No sauna’s, steam rooms and baths, hot yoga, or anything that causes excessive sweating for at least 5 days. No swimming for 2 weeks. No direct sun or sun tanning beds for 6 weeks.

*25% - 40% of the pigment will fade off during the first 5 – 10 days of healing. The area may appear to be healed, but it will not fully heal for 4 to 5 weeks. * DO NOT throw out your aftercare as you will need it for the touch up

*If you have a Tegaderm bandage on the area you can safely leave this bandage on for up to a week. No water activities wearing Tegaderm bandages.

CICAPLAST / SILICONE

*When using silicone, a deep massage of the product is the most beneficial way to apply. Start the massaging of this product after the 5-7 day mark. Use in the morning and night until product is empty

* Although rare, excessive swelling or allergic reaction may occur. If excessive swelling occurs, you should consult your doctor. If any allergic reaction causes difficulty breathing and/or swelling, call 911 or go to the Emergency room immediately.

*Once healed, use SPF products on the treated area(s), it will prevent the color from fading.

*SPA TREATMENTS-Be careful when having peels, microdermabrasion, laser, or using anti aging creams on camouflage as these may contribute to fading.

Areola/Nipple Tattoo Aftercare

GAUZE & DRESSING

You will need gauze and your healing ointment at home in order to change the dressing every 6-8 hours for the first few days. It is best to use a non-adherent type of gauze dressing and a generous amount of ointment on the tattoo.

For the first day, the tattoo will bleed or ooze a mixture of ink and blood. The color of the tattoo will appear to be quite dark. Do not panic, this is completely normal. You will need to care for the tattoo for several days. During this period, the ink and blood will scab off, and the true color of the tattoo will be revealed. It is important not to let the tattoo get dry. The tattoo will mature over the course of several weeks. If you find the color is too light, you can always have more pigment added.

TEGADERM BANDAGE

If you have a Tegaderm bandage on, please leave it on for 7 days. Avoid water other than the shower. Your tattoo will be fully healed once you remove the bandage. You will see a mixture of blood, ink and lymph fluid under the Tegaderm. This is normal.

*INFECTION-If you believe your tattoo is showing signs of infection, swelling, warm to the touch, oozing puss, fever, pain, seek medical attention right away.