The Skinny
Average Recovery
1 weeks
Permanence
Temporary
Application
Injected
Surgical
No
Cost
$100 - $1000
The Specifics
What is microblading?
Microblading is a minimally invasive semi-permanent non surgical cosmetic tattoo technique to enhance the shape, fullness, and definition of the natural eyebrows. A motorized tool or blade will be dipped in a specially mixed pigment to match natural brow color and a skilled technician will precisely create symmetrical, full, and pigmented eyebrows.
The results are temporary and may require multiple initial sessions, and then maintenance treatments every one to five years depending on the candidate's skin type. The motorized tool method penetrates deeper into the epidermis (top skin layer) and so will have longer results (two to five years), and a shorter procedure. The blade method is more superficial, and so does not last as long (one to two years), but can be better for those looking for less permanent results.
What cosmetic concerns does a microblading procedure treat?
Who is the ideal candidate for a microblading procedure?
The ideal candidate for a microblading procedure has faint or minimal eyebrows and desires a more defined, full, and darker eyebrow. Microblading is not recommended for candidates with a history of keloid scarring, those who are pregnant or nursing, those with active skin infection, or anyone who has used a strong retinoid (like Accutane® or isotretinoin) in the past six months.
What is the average recovery associated with a microblading procedure?
Most patients experience minimal downtime following a microblading procedure. Eyebrows usually take about two weeks to fully heal. Patients can expect itchiness, scabbing, and flaking to begin around day seven following the procedure which will lessen overtime. The pigment will also fade to a more desirable color over this period.
Skin care around the microbladed should be carefully maintained. During aftercare patients should avoid excessive sweating, swimming, hot baths, tanning, and laser or chemical treatments, excessive alcohol use, and driving in open vehicles for two weeks. Candidates should also sleep on their backs for ten days following the procedure.
What are the potential side effects of a microblading procedure?
Possible side effects from a microblading procedure include dermatitis, redness, itching, and permanent scarring.
What can someone expect from the results of a microblading procedure?
The results of microblading will be immediately noticeable following the procedure. Touch-up appointments will typically be needed following the first session, and maintenance treatments are generally needed every one to five years depending on the individual candidate.
What is the average cost of a microblading procedure?
A microblading procedure can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000. The actual cost of microblading is dependent upon location, makeup artist/tattoo artist, and length and involvement of the procedure. Learn more in our complete guide to microblading cost.
Pros
- Fuller Eyebrows
- Fix Uneven Brows
- Darker Eyebrows
- No Daily Eyebrow Makeup
Cons
- Asymmetry
- Temporary
- Multiple Sessions
- Pigment Fades
Invasiveness Score
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
Microblading is a semi-permanent procedure that creates realistic hair strokes for fuller and thicker eyebrows. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after microblading.
The Takeaway
Microblading is a semi permanent tattooing permanent makeup procedure to the brow area. An expert makeup artist or tattoo artist can match your natural brow color and use hair like strokes to create a fuller, darker natural appearing brow.
