What Is A Microblading Touch Up?
A microblading touch up is a follow up procedure done weeks, months or even years after an initial microblading session. The purpose is to refresh faded strokes and restore microbladed brows to their original shape, fullness and color.
Over time, microbladed pigment will gradually fade due to natural skin regeneration and replacement of epidermal layers. This causes strokes to diffuse, spacing between hairs to widen and color to lighten. Regular touch ups are needed to maintain the desired brow shape and density long term.
During a touch up appointment, the microblading technician will re-deposit pigment into areas where ink has faded in order to redefine strokes and add density where needed. This re-grounds the brows and anchors color in place beneath the epidermis.
Candidates typically wait 1 to 3 years between their initial microblading procedure and the first needed touch up, depending on how quickly pigment fades. After that, touch ups may be needed annually or even more frequently for individuals with rapid skin regeneration or oily skin types.
The amount of pigment added during a touch up is usually less than during the first microblading session since strokes have already been established. The procedure is also quicker and less invasive. As a result, healing times after touch ups tend to be faster with less irritation and swelling.
In summary, microblading touch ups are follow up appointments to refresh faded brows and maintain them long term. They reintroduce pigment where needed to restore strokes, density and color while accounting for any changes to the client’s face or preferred brow shape over time.
Why A Microblading Touch Up Heals Faster?
1. Less invasive procedure
Since strokes have already been implanted during the initial microblading session, a touch up involves depositing less pigment and performing more superficial strokes to refresh faded areas. This reduced trauma leads to less inflammation and a faster healing time.
2. Reduced swelling
Because touch ups are less invasive and only target specific faded areas, the brows experience significantly less irritation and swelling compared to the first procedure. This shortened inflammatory phase enables a speedier recovery.
3. Skin “memory”
The skin surrounding the treatment area essentially “remembers” undergoing the microblading process from the previous session. As a result, it launches a less robust immune response when re-irritated during a touch up. This reduced inflammation further expedites healing.
4. Faster pigment settling
Pigment that remains embedded within the dermis from the initial microblading continues to provide a matrix for newly implanted ink during a touch up to settle into. This gives deposited color a “head start” at bonding with the skin layers, speeding up the stabilization phase.
5. Shorter downtime
With less irritation, swelling and an accelerated pigment stabilization process, people tend to experience a faster return to normal activity following a touch up versus the first microblading session. Downtime may be cut in half.
6. Less scabbing
Because touch ups stimulate a milder inflammatory response with reduced swelling, scab formation tends to be minimized. Thinner, more supple scabs form that are easier for the skin to shed, expediting the overall healing cycle.
7. Less pigment loss
Thinner scabs that are moisturized properly after a touch up allow less newly deposited pigment to be dislodged during epidermal shedding. This reduces chances of strokes needing to be redefined or darkened during subsequent touch ups.
8. Less pain
The milder tissue trauma from a touch up versus an initial microblading session results in reduced pain, discomfort and sensitivity during the acute healing phase. This enhances the client experience.
9. Faster stabilization
With less extensive trauma to the dermis, less severe inflammation and accelerated pigment embedding, the brows require less time after a touch up to reach a stabilized state where further appreciable changes are unlikely.
In summary, the full spectrum of the microblading healing process – from reduced inflammation and swelling to accelerated pigment stabilization and faster return to normal activity – tends to unfold in a more truncated manner following a touch up versus an initial procedure. This is due largely to the substantially lessened tissue trauma involved and the “memory effect” of the skin from the previous session.
Precautions To Take After A Microblading Touch Up
1. Avoid makeup
Refrain from applying any cosmetics to the treated brows for at least 3 full days following a touch up in order to reduce the risk of infection. This gives any wounds adequate time to fully close and heal.
2. Monitor for irritation
Keep an eye on the brows for any itchiness, tenderness, redness, swelling or other signs of possible irritation from the pigment or aftercare products. Discontinue using any creams or ointments immediately if these issues arise.
3. Wash hands frequently
Continue to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after touching your brows. Hand sanitizer is not adequate. This lowers the risk of contaminating any open wounds.
4. Gently cleanse brows
Starting 3-4 days post touch up once any wounds have closed, begin very gently cleansing the brow area with a fragrance-free cleanser. Pat dry thoroughly – do not rub. This helps keep stitches clean without disturbing healing.
5. Avoid heavy lifting
For at least 5-7 days following a touch up, avoid strenuous exercises or activities that cause heavy sweating or raise your blood pressure significantly. This helps prevent stitches from rupturing prematurely.
6. Moisturize lightly
Use only the aftercare ointment or cream prescribed by your technician. Apply a thin layer 2-3 times daily for the first 7 days to keep stitches lubricated and healing scabs moist, which enables them to fall off smoothly.
7. Avoid direct sun exposure
Keep brows out of direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks following a touch up to prevent UV rays from damaging healing skin cells and slowing the process. Use SPF 30 or higher if outdoors.
8. Consume anti-inflammatories
Taking an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen may help speed the final stages of healing by reducing lingering swelling that continues after the initial few days. However, avoid for first 3 days.
In summary, proceed with caution after a microblading touch up by avoiding harsh practices that could disrupt healing, keeping wounds clean and moisturized and giving the skin time to fully recover and stabilize. Though the procedure is less extensive and recovery faster, similar diligent aftercare is still important.
In most ways, the microblading healing process after a touch up appointment is faster and less involved compared to an initial procedure. This is due to factors like reduced tissue trauma, less extensive pigment deposits, an attenuated immune response and skin memory from the previous session. Still, proper precautions and recommenced aftercare are important for optimal results.
FAQs
1. What causes pigment to fade after microblading?
Natural skin regeneration and replacement of epidermal layers over time causes some pigment to be lost, resulting in faded strokes that diffuse and lighten in color.
2. How long do touch ups usually last?
The time between needed touch ups depends on individual fade rates, which vary by skin type, lifestyle and other characteristics. Most clients require touch ups every 1-3 years.
3. Can one touch up make brows appear darker?
It depends. Larger amounts of pigment added during a single touch up can make brows appear darker temporarily. But results typically lighten and fade again over time.
4. Do brows heal better after multiple touch ups?
Yes, with each touch up, the skin “remembers” undergoing the procedure and launches a less robust immune response. This leads to less swelling, scabbing, pigment loss and a faster healing time overall.