All About Microblading
Microblading is a procedure believed to have originated in Asia thousand years ago, but has gained popularity in recent years. Modern make-up artists have established themselves as experts in this procedure. Microblading is simply an art of using very fine blades to manually create hyper-realistic strokes by hand, thereby mimicking the natural hairs of the brows. It simply involves inserting pigment into the upper layers of the skin, thereby creating a natural bulky and neatly shaped eyebrow. Microblading is also known by the following names including “feather touch,” embroidery, eyebrow tattooing, “the Japanese method” micro stroking and “hair-like strokes.” This procedure is ideal for people who wish to define, reshape or darken their eyebrows.
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The pigment used for microblogging is semi-permanent. The intensity of the pigment will wear off over time, but proper color mixing by the make-up artist should prevent the pigment from discoloring. The pigment should last around 9 to 15 months.
Allergic reactions to the pigments are rare but very possible in individuals sensitive to dyes or pigments.
Certain categories of people are considered to be ineligible for microblogging, including:
- A cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy. A doctor’s slip will be required in order to perform this procedure on any anyone undergoing any cancer treatment.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disorder such as mitral valve disease.
- Hemophiliacs or people with any blood clotting disorders.
- Children. Microblading is not recommended for children; it is only for adults or anyone above the age of 18.
- Patients are prone to certain skin disorders such as keloids or post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. Also, people with any kind of skin conditions on or near the eyebrows such as acne, eczema, rosacea or even skin cancer.
- People diagnosed with blood-borne diseases or infections such as hepatitis or HIV. Since microblading involves sharp objects that may break the skin.
- People with glaucoma.
- People who have recently done cosmetic surgery on the face.
- People who are currently on blood thinners or fish oil.
After the procedure, it is recommended that the eyebrows should not come in contact with water within the first three hours. You will also be advised to avoid swimming or sweating excessively and limit your exposure to sunlight during the healing phase, as these can dramatically impact the retention of the pigment in the skin. For an average person, the healing time takes between one to two weeks, but it will take up to a month for the dye to fully set in.
The make-up artist who can perform microblading must have undergone rigorous advanced training in the following areas: Professional microblading training and certification, professional cosmetology licensing, sterilization training, first-aid training and blood-borne pathogen certification.
The general price range of microblading usually depends on where you live and can range anywhere from $250-$1000. It also depends on the make-up you visit. From a general survey, make-up artist that charge more are sometimes using better tools and pigment for their procedure. The total cost can also include consultation fees, insurance, and after-care treatment.
Is Microblading Safe During Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding?
Microblading is not recommended for women while they are pregnant or breastfeeding, due to the following reasons.
- During pregnancy, women undergo a lot of changes such as soft tissue swelling due to water retention. When this happens, pigments applied on the face have the tendency to change in shape once the baby has been delivered or no longer suit.
- Microblading involves the use of needles which carry some risk of infection especially if the needle is not sterilized or the procedure is performed in a contaminated environment. While every measure may be taken to prevent infection, there is still a risk of passing the secondary infection to the baby.
- Some of the pigments injected into the skin have not been fully studied to understand their effect or safety on pregnancy or breastmilk.
- During pregnancy, women’s skin undergoes some changes such as skin hyperpigmentation due to hormonal influence. Melasma (also known as “mask of pregnancy” is a common example which causes blotchy hyperpigmented patches on the faces. Any trauma to the face during this sensitive period may result in uneven distribution of hyperpigmentation.
- Also, some anesthetics do contain epinephrine, a substance which may have detrimental effects on the fetus. Some effects of epinephrine on the fetus may include an increase in heart rate, heart rhythm disorders or arrhythmias and cardiac anomalies.
Is Microblading Safe for Diabetics?
Microblading is not advised or recommended for people with diabetes. Poor skin or wound healing is a serious complication seen in people with diabetes due to high levels of blood glucose or ineffective blood glucose control. Because of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves) and circulation problems resulting from damaged blood vessels, small cuts or blisters can go unnoticed until they cause wound healing complications. For these reasons, diabetics are advised to avoid any sharp objects.
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If you still wish to undergo this procedure, it is best to consult your doctor for any advice.
Is Microblading the Same as Tattooing Eyebrows?
Microblading is technically a form of eyebrow tattooing, except it is done by hand. Unlike traditional tattooing method which makes use of a machine, microblading artists use a microblade to create a feathery hair stroke that resembles a real hair. Each individual hair stroke is made to blend perfectly with the client’s existing eyebrow hair.
References
da Silva Freitas, R., Bertolotte, W., Shin, J., Busato, L., Alonso, N., Grande, C., & de Oliveira e Cruz, G. (2008). Combination Micrografting and Tattooing in the Reconstruction of Eyebrows of Patients With Craniofacial Clefts. Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, 24(4), 340-342. doi: 10.1097/iop.0b013e31817dd549
Ishizaki, S., Sawada, M., Suzaki, R., Kobayashi, K., Ninomiya, J., & Tanaka, M. et al. (2012). Tinea Faciei by Microsporum gypseum Mimicking Allergic Reaction following Cosmetic Tattooing of the Eyebrows. Medical Mycology Journal, 53(4), 263-266. doi: 10.3314/mmj.53.263
Microblading – Washington, D.C. | Walker Plastic Surgery. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.walkerplasticsurgery.com/procedure/micorblading/
What is microblading or micro stroking? How is microblade different to hair stroke cosmetic tattoo? – BROWGAME | Sydney Cosmetic Tattoo | Permanent Makeup. (2018). Retrieved from http://sydneycosmetictattoo.com/what-is-microblading-or-microstroking-how-is-microblade-different-to-hair-stroke-cosmetic-tattoo/