Essential Tips for Preparation and Aftercare After PMU Procedures

Preparation

Retinoids, retinols, tretinoin

Medically prescribed topicals and active ingredients. It's recommended to avoid retinoids and medically prescribed topicals for acne or wrinkles for 4 weeks prior and not to apply for 4 weeks after. Retinoids thin the skin because their goal is to increase cell turnover in the skin, resulting in fragile skin.

I have worked on skin with retinoid users who were dishonest about discontinuation, and it affected their healed result. I can tell if someone uses retinoids because their skin breaks as soon as the needle touches it, creating tears and not absorbing the ink. Some people apply it, and it migrates to areas close to the brow, which causes skin breakage and poor healed results. It's not worth it!

Lasers, peels, fillers, micro-needling and botox

It's important to avoid laser treatments, chemical peels, micro-needling, fillers and botox 4 weeks pre and post procedure.

Active skin conditions and topical medications

It's also recommended to avoid PMU on the eyebrow area if you have a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or a history of skin cancer in the area. There have been times when questionable lesions and areas of compromised skin have appeared after scratching the surface of the skin with the needle.

Intrinsic medications (blood thinners and antibiotics)

If you are prescribed an antibiotic or have health conditions that could cause excess bleeding, such as blood thinners, it's important to reschedule or be honest with your PMU artist. I have had clients discontinue blood thinners for three days prior if their doctor okayed it in written form and it worked well.

Taking antibiotics can lead to pigment rejection, lightening, or unusual reactions because they can alter your body's processes and may cause photosensitivity. I have had dishonesty about this, and it's unfortunately cost me time and money, which is not fair to my business.

24-hour preparation

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil, and vitamins if okayed by a doctor. Tylenol should be okay if needed.

On some occasions, the skin did not take to the procedure well by rejecting pigment because the customer was not feeling well and they were having physical issues.

Tanning/sunbathing/poor skin quality and texture from sun damage

Skin quality makes a big difference when performing cosmetic tattooing. Skin that is dehydrated, sun-damaged, dry, and textured will have a different result than skin that is healthy in pH, moisturized daily, and protected from the sun.

Post care, Day 1-10

Post-care is very simple, and it requires some dabbing for 1-2 hours on day one to absorb lymphatic fluid and gentle cleansing 1-2 times on day one, and applying a thin layer of ointment. Cleanse with soap, rinse, dry, ointment twice a day (am and pm) for the next 8-10 days as needed.

Avoid excessive exercise, pools, saunas, hot tubs, jacuzzis, steam, heat, facials, hot yoga, and direct sunbathing, as these will affect the healed result. Must be avoided for a minimum of 10 days, up to 14.

Do not pick or peel, avoid direct hot water causing skin to become soggy, wear shower visors to avoid direct water, only use water to cleanse with cleanser twice a day, cleansing as if it was a wound and needed to be rid of bacteria. No washcloths on the area or using other products from home including abrasive manual tools.

We are not responsible for how skin accepts or heals, but we do recommend a revisit because the skin may accept ink better the next time.

I hope this helps!