Dr. Hootan Daneshmand
Med Spa California
Eyebrow Microblading in Bakersfield, CA
If you have light-colored, thin, or sparse brows that you’re tired of filling in with makeup every day, you may benefit from microbladed eyebrows. Eyebrow microblading is one of many brow trends that has been circulating social media for the past few years, and for good reason. Eyebrow microblading is basically a cosmetic tattoo – or permanent makeup – that creates natural looking results. The best part is, you can cut your daily makeup routine down by 5 to 10 minutes by having semi-permanent microbladed brows. Below, we break down the details of microblading: what it is, how it works, how much it costs, risks and side effects, and so much more.
If you’re looking to spruce up your natural brows with microblading, look no further than the Bakersfield Med Spa at Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute. Our team of experienced, certified estheticians and dermatologists will ensure that you leave our clinic feeling more confident and beautiful than when you originally walked in. Call 949-359-8397 to schedule an appointment with us today.
What is Eyebrow Microblading?
Eyebrow microblading is a common type of cosmetic tattooing in which a certified esthetician tattoos on tiny brow hairs with a microblade tool. The results are usually very natural looking eyebrows that need minimal makeup – such as brow powder or pencil – on a daily basis.
Microbladed brows are a great option for people with naturally light colored, thin, or sparse eyebrows. Getting semi-permanent eye makeup may boost their confidence and cut down on the amount of time spent on their daily makeup routine because they no longer have to worry about tediously filling in their eyebrows.
Prepping for a Microblading Procedure
The first thing you should do before scheduling a microblading appointment is research specific technicians and clinics in your area. Believe it or not, there are thousands of inexperienced, untrained, and unlicensed technicians out there who can really mess up your eyebrows or give you some sort of infection due to poor hygiene practices with the microblading tool. Additionally, the microblading regulations vary from state to state.
If the technician has some kind of accreditation from the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) or the American Association of Micropigmentation, then you can feel safe in making an appointment with them. In general, you should seek microblading from the following types of licensed technicians:
- Cosmetic tattoo artist
- Board-certified dermatologist
- Licensed esthetician
The Med Spa at Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute has an experienced team of licensed estheticians, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons. When you see us for any type of procedure, you can trust that you’re in good hands.
Next, you should prepare your body for your appointment. Many med spas and microblading clinics recommend patients do the following:
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the day of your procedure.
- Do not undergo any professional skin treatments – such as microdermabrasion, laser treatments, chemical peels, etc. – for at least 2 weeks before your procedure.
- Do not wax, tint, or pluck your eyebrows a few days before your procedure.
- Wash your hair the day before or the day of the procedure because freshly microbladed eyebrows should not contact water for at least a week.
- Do not go into direct sunlight or a tanning bed for at least 3 days before the procedure.
- Avoid dermal fillers, Botox, and Retinol products for at least 1 month before the procedure.
- Avoid fish oil, vitamin E, ibuprofen, aspirin, and other natural blood thinners for at least 1 week before the procedure.
- Do not exercise the day of the procedure, and limit exercise for several days after the procedure. Microbladed brows should not contact sweat while they’re healing.
How Does Microblading Work?
If you have never gotten your brows microbladed before, you may feel a bit nervous because you don’t know what to expect. But there is no need to fear, because the entire procedure is pretty quick and painless.
The actual microblading process usually takes about an hour. It is similar to a regular tattoo appointment, except it’s generally quicker and there is no tattoo gun involved. Instead, technicians use handheld microblading tools for depositing pigment into the brow area. Similarly to a regular tattoo, the pigment will be deposited into the dermis layer of the skin, which is below the very top layer of skin (the epidermis).
Your technician will start the microblading session by disinfecting the skin around the eyebrows and applying numbing cream. They may also create a rough “sketch” of your eyebrows with a makeup pencil in order to get the perfect shape for your facial features. Once you approve the final shape, the technician will make tiny cuts in the eyebrows and deposit your desired pigment into the cuts.
In about 30 days, you should have brand new brows that match your desired look. If you believe your brows aren’t dark enough by the time 30 days rolls around, you can go in for a second session. From there, your technician may recommend a touch up every 6 months to 1 year depending on your brow color and skin type.
Does Microblading Hurt?
Unlike tattooing, microblading eyebrows is often minimally painful. Most patients describe the discomfort as a tiny scraping sensation. If you’re sensitive to pain, be sure to ask your technician for numbing cream before they start the session.
Does Microblading Work For All Skin Tones?
Yes, microblading works great for every skin tone. However, specific skin types may be problematic during this procedure. If you have severe acne (especially in the brow area), certain skin conditions or infections, or an oily skin type, microblading may not be the best procedure for you. Be sure to speak with your clinic or technician about your skin type before getting any type of permanent makeup.
Microblading Aftercare
In many ways, the microblading healing process is similar to the healing process of a normal tattoo.
For the first week, your eyebrows may appear darker than you asked for. They may also be red, swollen, tender, and scabby. Once they fully heal, you will likely receive the desired result, especially if you saw an experienced technician. Your technician may instruct you to do the following during the healing process:
- Carefully wash the eyebrows with water and antibacterial soap for about 10 seconds once a day.
- Avoid long-term water exposure on the face (through showers and swimming pools) for at least the first week.
- Avoid makeup, especially around the eyebrows, for at least a week.
- Do not pick at the scabbing on the eyebrows. This could lead to scarring, infection, and/or unattractive results.
- Do not itch the eyebrow area.
- Focus on gentle exercise for at least a week after the procedure because you don’t want to get sweat into the tiny eyebrow cuts.
- Avoid long-term sun exposure or tanning beds for at least a month after the procedure.
- Avoid professional facial skin treatments like laser treatments, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion for at least a month after the procedure.
- Try not to sleep on your face for at least a week after the procedure.
How Long Do Microblading Results Last?
Microblading is considered a semi permanent eyebrow treatment that lasts about a year after the initial treatment. If you choose darker brows, the color may last for up to 2 or 3 years. Many people choose to get eyebrow touch ups every 6 months to one year to maintain their results.
Microblading Risks and Side Effects
Just like any other cosmetic procedure out there, microblading comes with its own set of risks and side effects, especially if you go with an inexperienced or unlicensed technician. Possible risks and side effects include:
- Minimal redness, swelling, itching, and pain
- Infectious diseases such as HIV and bacterial skin infections (if the technician uses unsterile equipment)
- An allergic reaction to the pigment
Severe, unexpected adverse effects from microblading are very rare, especially if the technician is properly licensed and trained. However, major infections and allergic reactions are a possibility with any cosmetic procedure. If you experience severe pain, pus or drainage, or major swelling around the eyebrow area, go to the ER. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, it could spread to the bloodstream or even to the eyes and brain. You will need a potent dose of antibiotics to treat the infection.
How Much Does Microblading Cost?
The cost of all cosmetic procedures will vary depending on your geographic location, your technician’s experience level, your desired results, and so much more. According to RealSelf – a site where plastic surgery patients discuss their experiences and results – the average cost of microblading is $427. You have to keep in mind, though, that you may need a touch up every 6 months to 1 year. So you could be spending more than $800 on your eyebrows every year.
It’s also important to remember that most cosmetic procedures are not covered by health insurance because they’re considered elective procedures. In other words, most cosmetic procedures are not medically necessary. So be sure to budget for microblading carefully.
If you’re curious about the exact cost of microblading at our Bakersfield Med Spa, be sure to schedule an appointment at our clinic.
