The Healing Journey
Permanent makeup heals in stages. In the first few days, colour will appear more intense than the final result. As the skin heals and the outer layer sheds, colour will soften and settle. Please do not judge the result until 4 to 6 weeks after treatment when the skin is fully healed.
Days 1 to 3
Redness, slight swelling and tenderness are completely normal. Colour appears bolder and more saturated than the finished result. For lips, some swelling and tenderness is expected.
Days 4 to 7
Light peeling and flaking begins. This is a normal part of the healing process. Do not pick or scratch. Let the skin shed naturally to protect the pigment underneath.
Weeks 2 to 4
Colour appears lighter and may seem to have faded significantly. This is completely normal. Pigment is still settling beneath the skin surface.
Weeks 4 to 6
The true result emerges. Colour softens and settles into its final tone. Your top-up appointment at 4 to 8 weeks will perfect the result.
What to Do and What to Avoid
Keep the area clean and dry
Gently clean the treated area with clean water once or twice a day using a clean cotton pad. Pat dry, never rub.
Apply aftercare balm as instructed
Apply the aftercare balm provided using a clean cotton bud, a very thin layer, two to three times per day. Do not over-apply as this can affect pigment retention.
Do not pick, scratch or peel
Removing scabs or flakes before they shed naturally can pull pigment out of the skin and cause patchy or uneven results. Leave your skin to heal completely on its own.
Avoid water immersion for 10 days
No swimming, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs or long hot baths. Brief showers are fine but keep the treated area out of the water stream.
Avoid sun exposure and sunbeds
UV exposure can fade pigment and affect healing. Keep the treated area out of direct sun for at least 4 weeks. Use SPF once fully healed to protect your results long-term.
Avoid makeup on the treated area
No makeup, skincare products, retinol, acids or exfoliants on the treated area for at least 10 days. For brows, avoid brow products until fully healed.
Avoid intense exercise for 10 days
Sweating can affect pigment retention in the early healing phase. Gentle walking is fine but avoid gym sessions, running and hot yoga for the first 10 days.
By Treatment
Lip Blush
Keep lips moisturised with the balm provided. Avoid hot drinks, spicy food and kissing for 5 days. Eat with a fork where possible and avoid touching lips with hands. If you experience any tingling, this may indicate a cold sore. Contact us immediately.
Brows
Do not get brows wet for 10 days. Sleep on a clean pillowcase. Avoid any brow products, waxing or threading until fully healed. Do not apply any skincare to the brow area.
Eyeliner
Avoid wearing contact lenses for 48 hours. Do not apply eye makeup for 10 days. Avoid rubbing eyes. Slight puffiness and tenderness in the first 48 hours is completely normal.
Long-Term Care
Once fully healed, protect your investment with daily SPF. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Retinol and acids used near the treated area can cause premature fading over time.
Results vary between individuals and a top-up appointment at 4 to 8 weeks is a normal and expected part of the process. Please book this in advance to ensure availability.
Have a concern about your healing? Please do not hesitate to contact us at Cullinan Clinic. We are here to support you through every stage of your journey.
Book Your Top-Up