8 Things to Know About Eyebrow Microblading

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS

Written By Sarah Lewis, PharmD on March 28, 2021

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  What to Know Before You Choose Permanent Eyebrows

  Americans spent more than $13 billion on cosmetic procedures in 2019—the latest statistics available from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Nonsurgical procedures, including microblading, made up about half of this number. Microblading—also known as micropigmentation—is a non surgical procedure for permanent makeup for eyebrows. If you are considering microblading, make sure you know the facts before you make a final decision.
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  1. Eyebrow microblading is a form of permanent makeup.

  Micropigmentation is the technical name for permanent makeup. It involves tattooing an organic pigment under the skin. This produces a permanent or semi-permanent color, which can range from subtle to dramatic. The face is the most common place for permanent makeup. Other applications include improving scars, evening skin tone, and restoring the areola after breast surgery. An eyebrow tattoo involves semi-permanent pigment that fades with time, but it is still considered permanent makeup.
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  2. Microblading has advantages.

  Microblading can create the look of full brows when you have sparse or missing eyebrows. In fact, some facilities refer to eyebrow microblading as 3D eyebrows. Microblading can also solve a problem for people with allergies or sensitivities to cosmetics. Similarly, it can be helpful for people with low vision or dexterity problems who have difficulty applying makeup. However, some people choose microblading for pure convenience. It lets them skip daily makeup application or reapplication after activities, such as swimming and aerobic sports.
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  3. Microblading has risks.

  The risks of microblading and eyebrow tattoos are similar to any other tattooing. During the procedure, minor bleeding can occur. Afterwards, you may have slight redness or swelling in the area. It is also possible to develop an infection or an allergy to the pigment. To protect yourself, find a reputable aesthetician with proper certification. You can even find these services through a board-certified plastic surgeon’s office. Ask about hygiene practices and make sure anyone who touches your face uses proper hand washing.
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  4. Microblading is difficult to change.

  The permanency of microblading makes it very important to work with someone you trust. Even though the pigment is technically semi-permanent, take your time and make sure you are comfortable with your color and shape choices. During your consultation, you and your aesthetician will develop the look you want. This is the time to make changes and tweak your plan. After the procedure, it may be possible to adjust coloring or shape somewhat, but it is not easy to remove the pigment. Again, the experience and reputation of your provider matters.
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  5. Most microblading procedures last about two hours.

  This estimate includes preparation time to take pictures and apply topical anesthetic. Your provider should also perform a scratch test to check for allergies to the pigment. If you need a break during the tattooing, be sure to let your provider know. Afterwards, most people resume their normal activities. But you will need to apply an ointment to the area to keep it soft and moist while it heals.
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  6. The final appearance can take time.

  Like any tattoo, microblading needs time to crust and heal. You will not realize the final appearance of the procedure until your skin recovers, which can take up to six weeks. Try not to judge the results until you have fully healed. This also gives you time to adjust to your new appearance. It can be disconcerting at first if you have been used to seeing little to no eyebrow hair. Time will help you become accustomed to having noticeable brows.
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  7. You will likely need touch-ups.

  It may take a couple of sessions to achieve the color and shade you want. In general, you need to wait at least four weeks between sessions to allow healing. It’s also important to know all tattoos tend to fade with time. This is especially true for areas that get sun exposure, such as the face. Periodic touch-ups will help maintain your brows when they start to fade. The amount of time between touch-ups will vary depending on the color you choose and how much sun you get. Usually, touch-up appointments are shorter than the initial procedure.
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  8. Microblading can be expensive.

  Insurance plans generally do not cover cosmetic procedures, including permanent eyebrow makeup application. This means you will be responsible for all fees. These fees will vary from provider to provider, by your geographic location, and by the number of sessions you need. The cost of the procedure usually ranges from $400 to $800. Larger and more complex eyebrow tattoos will take more time. Your provider may have additional hourly rates for these procedures. If cost is an issue, ask about payment plans. Don’t automatically go to the cheapest provider. Quality results are as important as your cost.

8 Things to Know About Eyebrow Microblading | Eyebrow Tattoos

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