Microblading is a semi-permanent tattooing and cosmetic service that can boost the confidence of many individuals. Most people opt for a microblading service to create the illusion of thicker, fuller, or more prominent eyebrows.
Microblading can also save time on getting ready in the morning by cutting down your makeup routine. Microblading offers other benefits like longevity and its natural-looking results.
However, like any other beauty service, microblading does have its risks. For example, a concerning possible side effect of microblading is scarring. It’s possible that the skin can have slight scars because microblading uses a needle to deposit pigment.
So, what should you know about microblading scars? It’s unknown in the beauty world if microblading scars are inevitable. However, microblading scars can occur if the esthetician uses improper techniques and are tricky to heal completely.
If you plan on getting microblading done, it’s crucial to do your own extensive research and even consult with an esthetician or dermatologist.
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is a cosmetic tattooing service that offers semi-permanent results. The pigment from microblading can last a few years before it begins to fade and needs to be redone. Also, microblading is applied with a needle-like tool to create brow hairs.
Regular tattoos are meant to last forever, but microblading will use less pigment and different tools that aren’t as permanent. How successful your microblading service is will also depend on how experienced the esthetician is that’s performing it.
Microblading is often used to create fuller and more natural eyebrows. According to Medical News Today, “an esthetician uses a microblade tool to apply color pigments that look like real hairs.”
Pros Of Microblading
Microblading can offer various benefits. First, it can boost your confidence if you want to achieve natural-looking brows. It can be an excellent service if you have sparse eyebrows or no hair. Also, you can skip an extra step getting ready.
Some people love microblading because they can wake up with perfect brows every morning that stay in place. There is no chance of smudging that can happen if you draw hairs like with an ordinary eyebrow pencil.
Lastly, microblading can also look very natural or almost undetectable.
Cons Of Microblading
Before we talk about the cons of microblading, it’s essential to remember that almost every beauty service has its risks. Microblading can also produce some uncomfortable side effects, some of which can be avoided with proper technique.
Microblading is semi-permanent. So, it won’t last forever, but it can also be challenging to remove what work is already done. If you plan on getting microblading, it’s necessary to choose the correct establishment to prevent microblading mishaps.
Other risks include allergic reactions or infection. However, these risks can be mitigated through the correct preparation and aftercare steps. Your results can be affected by how well you prepare for microblading and perform care post-service.
Does Microblading Cause Scarring?
Yes, it is possible that microblading can cause scarring. Unfortunately, there is no consensus if microblading scars can be avoided with proper technique (which can help), or it will be inevitable regardless of the technique used.
Each microblading artist may have varied opinions or experiences. Some claim microblading will always cause scarring, and others believe it can be avoided with the correct preparation, procedure, and aftercare.
So, it’s crucial to research heavily into microblading and decide which option makes you feel the most comfortable.
What Do Microblading Scars Look Like?
Microblading scars can be identified in various ways. For example, they can look like small, tiny slits in the brows, they can be red and inflamed, or have a gray/ashy tone on the skin. It can also depend on how the scars healed or the aftercare steps used.
Scarring can be identified early on, like during the service if bleeding occurs or a few weeks following your appointment. It can even become prominent after a few months post-service.
You can consult with a licensed microblading artist to further show you what microblading scars look like and how to treat them potentially.
What Can Cause A Microblading Scar To Show Up?
You might even wonder, how do microblading scars occur in the first place? Scars can show up due to improper technique, preparation, or aftercare. It can even be a result of an inexperienced microblading artist.
Touching-Up Brows Too Soon
We mentioned earlier that microblading is a semi-permanent service. So, the pigment of your eyebrow tattoo will eventually fade. However, once it does fade, you may or may not notice some scarring.
You would need to go back in for a touch-up service. Your microblading artist should know and recommend the ideal time to come back in for a touch-up. However, if that time frame is too short, it can result in scarring.
It can take a while for the skin to heal after your first microblading session. So, if the eyebrow area isn’t properly healed and you microblade it again, it can be a great risk.
Touching-Up Brows Frequently
Another way microblading scars can arise is by getting microblade sessions too frequently. The more times you go in for microblading, the more trauma can occur on your skin and eyebrows.
The risk can increase if the eyebrow area isn’t fully healed from the last microblading service. You’ll need a few weeks or months between each appointment to ensure you won’t cause unnecessary scarring.
Deep Microblading Incisions
Your microblading results also depends on the experience and technique of the esthetician and microblading artist. Also, this person should be licensed and trained in microblading. One way scarring can occur is with deep microblading incisions.
We mentioned that microblading is done with a microblading tool that involves needles. These needles are then used to draw hair-like fibers on the eyebrows. However, if the needle goes too deep into the skin, it can result in scarring.
Bleeding may also occur if the microblading incisions are too deep. This can also cause trauma to the skin and potentially result in a scar.
Improper Aftercare or Preparation
Surprisingly enough, microblading services require stricter preparation and aftercare routines. You will need to prepare your body and skin for a microblading service; this includes no caffeine/alcohol, tanning, waxing, and exfoliating.
Your microblading artist will provide intense guidelines and prep methods to complete to ensure you have a safe and successful service.
Likewise, you’ll also need to carry out the correct aftercare routine. This is vital because you may want healthy results.
Aftercare steps may include a gentle cleansing routine and no scrubs, picking, or sleeping on your face, etc. However, if these steps aren’t carried out correctly, it can potentially lead to scarring.
Allergic Reaction/Infection
Lastly, scarring may occur if you have an allergic reaction to the microblading procedure. It’s vital to maintain an aftercare routine to reduce the chance of infection. Allergic reactions and infections may potentially cause scarring.
So, you’ll want to consult with your microblading artist about any existing allergies, the proper aftercare steps, and the chances of infections. Infections can also occur if microblade tools aren’t properly sterilized.
How Noticeable Are Microblading Scars?
Microblading scars can vary by person or procedure. For example, microblading scars can be undetectable if they are minimal or small in size. However, they can also be noticeable if scar tissue has formed around the eyebrow area.
Microblading scars can look red, pink, gray, or ashy. How noticeable the scars are can depend on the procedure, prep/aftercare routine, or how the skin healed.
Can You Conceal Microblading Scars With Makeup?
If there is one thing to know about microblading scars, they may take time and effort to diminish. You might be wondering if you can cover microblading scars with makeup.
Yes, you can try to cover microblading scars with concealer, but it may only help to block out discoloration. For example, you may be able to cover scarring if they appear red or gray in tone.
However, the texture of your scar can’t be covered with makeup. Unfortunately, it won’t be possible to layer concealer or foundation that creates an even and smooth canvas. Also, the skin has texture, and it is normal for it to show with makeup.
The visibility of the scar will be there, but it can be color-corrected with concealer.
How To Lighten Microblading Scars
It may be possible to lighten microblading scars, depending on their severity. However, it’s important to remember that it may be challenging to completely lighten or remove the scar as if it’s never happened.
You’ll want to be patient when lightening the scar, especially if you’re using at-home methods like a skincare routine. It can maybe even take years to see a visible improvement with scars unless you get help from a dermatologist.
Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs can potentially help reduce the appearance of microblading scars. They can increase cell turnover, so new skin cells are on the surface.
You can try incorporating a chemical exfoliant serum into your nightly routine. If you’re worried about how your skin will react, you can perform a patch test. Also, apply sunscreen in the morning to ensure your skin doesn’t feel overly sensitive.
Retinoids
Another method of reducing scarring from microblading is using retinoids. A prescription retinoid can help create the appearance of youthful skin. For example, it may minimize texture like wrinkles, fine lines, discoloration, and even scarring.
However, a retinoid can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so applying SPF in the morning is crucial. Retinoids should never be mixed with chemical exfoliants. It can cause burning and damage your skin barrier.
Barrier-Repairing And Brightening Products
Whether you choose to use chemical exfoliants or retinoids, you’ll want to supplement your skin with barrier-repairing products. You can even try to reduce the discoloration from microblading scars with skin-brightening ingredients.
For example, Ceramides are essential to a healthy skin barrier. They can also keep the skin hydrated and protected while chemical exfoliants or retinoids work their magic. Also, you can opt for a Vitamin C serum to reduce scar discoloration.
Laser Therapy
For a more severe microblading scar, you may want to consult with an esthetician or a dermatologist about laser therapy. Laser therapy may reduce the appearance of microblading scars, but it can vary by person.
Chemical Peels
Also, another intense treatment for microblading scars is chemical peels. Chemical peels use a variety of exfoliants to clear the surface layer of the skin and promote healthy skin cell renewal.
However, you’ll want to consult with an esthetician or dermatologist to determine if you can benefit from a chemical peel and which one is right for you.
SPF
Lastly, you’ll want to apply sunscreen daily and reapply when needed. The sun can also worsen the appearance of your microblading scars by creating noticeable discoloration. Also, you may notice texture, wrinkles, or sunspots.
Sunscreen is also necessary if you plan to use chemical exfoliants or retinoids. Both products will increase your skin’s sensitivity levels to the sun. Also, you may not get the results you want if the skin goes unprotected.
How To Reduce The Chance Of Microblading Scars
If you’re planning on getting a microblading service, you can do a few things to reduce the chance of scarring. First, you’ll want to do as much research as possible.
Microblading can be beneficial, but it does come with its risk, just like any other beauty service. Also, the best thing you can do is consult with multiple professionals in the industry that are well-versed in microblading.
Research
The research will always come in handy, especially when it comes to semi-permanent services like microblading. It will be a great idea to ask others about their experience with microblading and what they wish they would’ve known beforehand.
It’s essential to become aware of any potential risks or side effects of any beauty service. It can also help get acquainted with the preparation, procedure, and aftercare of microblading.
Consult With A Licensed Esthetician
Next, have an in-depth consultation with your esthetician. Usually, an esthetician or microblading artist will conduct your service. The microblading artist should have all the necessary qualifications to do the service.
The results of your microblading session rely heavily on the microblading artist. So, it’s crucial to find one that is top-rated and experienced.
Seek Advice From A Dermatologist
Finally, you may also want to seek advice from a dermatologist. This is great whether you’re looking to get microblading done or you want to heal certain scars that appear due to microblading.
A dermatologist will be able to recommend the best services and procedures for your skin if you’re looking to heal scarring.
Takeaway
Microblading is an excellent and effective service if you’re looking to enhance sparse brows. It provides natural and semi-permanent results. However, every beauty service will have risks, and that includes microblading.
Microblading can cause scarring. However, it’s unknown whether scarring can be avoided or not. Some artists will say scarring is inevitable regardless of the procedure, while others argue that scarring can be avoided through the proper technique.
Regardless, it’s crucial to implement the correct preparation and aftercare routine to achieve healthy results. You’ll want to choose an experienced and licensed microblading artist because they also hold the fate of your microblading results.
Will you be trying microblading?
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