Yes, you can. But you have to choose a safe pain reliever and follow the doctor’s prescription
Safe Non-Aspirin Painkiller Choices
1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol/Paracetamol)
This is the safest over-the-counter option as it does not thin your blood like NSAIDs. Acetaminophen:
- Can be taken up to one hour before microblading. Allow at least 30 minutes for it to take effect before your procedure.
- Provides effective relief of mild to moderate pain associated with microblading.
- Potential side effects like nausea are less concerning at the doses needed for microblading pain relief.
- Does not impact bleeding or pigment retention like NSAIDs can.
- Is recommended by many technicians as a good choice to ease any discomfort during your procedure.
2. Tramadol
This prescription opioid analgesic:
- Can help manage sharper pain from microblading when taken 30-60 minutes beforehand.
- Has blood thinning effects less significant than NSAIDs at typical microblading doses.
- Carries side effects like dizziness, nausea and drowsiness that may be tolerable for a brief procedure.
- Should be discussed with your technician if you regularly take tramadol for other conditions to ensure no adverse impacts on your results.
In summary, over-the-counter acetaminophen is the safest, easiest option for mild to moderate pain relief before microblading with no interaction risks. Tramadol may also provide effective relief for some clients when needed – though side effects warrant caution and discussion with your technician first.
You Should Avoid Aspirin & NSAIDs
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac,… should generally be avoided before microblading due to their blood thinning effects:
- Risk of prolonged bleeding: NSAIDs thin your blood by inhibiting platelets that form clots. This can lead to more severe and prolonged bleeding during microblading, interfering with your technician’s work and prolonging the procedure.
- Impact on pigment retention: The excess bleeding caused by NSAIDs results in more pigment particles being washed away before integrating fully into the skin. This impacts the development of crisp, natural-looking brows.
- Delayed healing: The trauma from increased bleeding during microblading slows down the healing process. This can impact pigment retention over time and require touch-ups sooner.
- Interactions risks: If you regularly take NSAIDs for chronic conditions, discuss carefully with your technician to ensure no adverse impacts on your results. There may be concerns.
For these reasons, most microblading technicians recommend avoiding aspirin and NSAIDs like ibuprofen for at least 48-72 hours prior to your procedure:
- 2-3 days for aspirin and NSAIDs you take regularly
- 7-10 days for high dose NSAIDs
The main exception is acetaminophen (paracetamol), which does not impact blood clotting or healing like aspirin and NSAIDs. This makes it a much safer painkiller option before microblading.
Herbal Options To Consider
For some clients, herbal remedies provide effective alternatives for managing microblading pain and anxiety:
1. Ashwagandha
This Ayurvedic herb is clinically-proven to relieve mild to moderate pain and anxiety. It can help promote relaxation before and during your procedure by:
- Lowering cortisol levels which reduces the physical stress response.
- Increasing endorphin production for a natural sense of calm and wellbeing.
2. CBD oil
Cannabidiol from hemp reduces sensitivity to pain through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies show CBD can:
- Target pain receptors in the body to decrease discomfort.
- Curb inflammation that would otherwise irritate open microbladed wounds.
Both Ashwagandha and CBD oil:
- Do not interact with the body in ways that impact bleeding, pigment retention or healing like NSAIDs do.
- Work naturally with your body’s own systems to achieve a state of greater calm and pain tolerance.
- Should be started 1-2 days before your procedure for full effectiveness.
- Require discussion with your technician to ensure no conflicts with your specific microblading technique.
In summary, herbal options may provide safe, natural relief before microblading when recommended and administered properly. Talk to your technician to determine if and how ashwagandha or CBD could help enhance your comfort and results.
Communicate With Your Technician
Open communication with your microblading technician is vital for determining the most appropriate pain management plan tailored precisely to you:
- Discuss medications. Tell your technician about any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you typically take – including herbal remedies. They can assess potential interactions or impacts on your results.
- Explain health conditions. Discuss chronic issues that may require you to keep taking certain medications. This allows your technician to recommend safer alternatives or adjust your procedure accordingly.
- Understand their preferences. Some technicians have strong preferences against clients taking any medications before microblading – especially aspirin, NSAIDs and blood thinners. Understand their reasons and recommendations.
- Consider natural methods. Many technicians prefer clients experience microblading in a drug-free state to test their natural tolerance for pain. This may speed healing and facilitate better pigment implantation.
- Follow their customized advice. Your technician knows how best to create results tailored specifically to you, your drug regimen, health history and pain tolerance. They can recommend the pain relief option – medicated or otherwise – most likely to produce your desired outcome.
In summary, open, honest communication with your microblading technician regarding your medical history and pain management needs is essential to:
- Avoid negative interactions or side effects that impact your results.
- Determine the safest, most effective approach for relieving your discomfort during the procedure.
- Optimize your chances for achieving your desired thick, natural-looking brows that last.
Your technician’s advice should always take precedence based on their expertise and knowledge of what works best for their customized microblading technique. Discuss all medications, supplements and health conditions thoroughly before deciding your optimal pre-procedure pain management plan.
Deciding whether or not to take painkillers before microblading involves weighing several factors: your pain tolerance, medication options, health history and your technician’s recommendations. While some over-the-counter options like acetaminophen can be suitable for mild relief, aspirin and NSAIDs should generally be avoided due to risks of excessive bleeding, slower healing and diminished results.
Herbal alternatives like Ashwagandha and CBD oil may provide natural, non-addictive pain relief when approved by your technician. However, microblading techniques vary and some experts advise avoiding all medications to experience your natural pain threshold. This can speed healing and help pigment take properly.
Ultimately, the best approach depends on open communication with your technician regarding your health, medication regimen and desires for the results. Their expertise and specialized knowledge of what works with their technique should determine the pain management plan they recommend tailored specifically for you. Follow their customized advice and precautions strictly to optimize your chances of achieving beautiful, long-lasting brows you love.
FAQs
1. Can I take Tylenol with codeine before microblading?
It’s generally best to avoid all opioids before microblading due to risks of excessive bleeding, slower healing and interaction effects. Stick to over-the-counter acetaminophen and discuss alternatives with your technician.
2. How long should I stop NSAIDs before microblading?
Most technicians recommend not taking any NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. for 2-3 days before microblading if used occasionally or 7-10 days if used regularly. Ask your technician for guidance based on your specific medications.
3. Should I stop CBD before microblading consultation?
While CBD may help relieve discomfort from the procedure itself, some technicians advise clients avoid CBD and all other cannabinoids for 1-2 days prior to consultation to get an accurate assessment of your natural pigmentation, skin tone and features. Follow their guidance.
4. Can I take melatonin the night before microblading?
Melatonin is generally considered safe to take before microblading as it does not impact bleeding or healing. However, discuss with your technician in case sedative effects interfere with your involvement during the procedure. They may advise avoiding it.