Microblading

Natural brows are having a moment. Brows are not only practical but also acts a barrier protecting our eyes from sweat and foreign particles. They are also key in communication and expression. Brows frame the eyes and face and proper eyebrow grooming has worked its way into being an essential part of our beauty routines. But what happens when your brows scanty and doesn’t give you much to work with?

Fortunately, at Akiya Aesthetics we have plenty of options when it comes to brow-filling treatments and techniques. One such treatment that has been getting lot of hype off late is microblading. Celebrities such as Madonna, Mandy Moore and Lena Dunham, have all had their arches touched up using this procedure.

What is microblading?

Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow procedure that involves using tiny, fine-point needles to deposit pigment according to skin tone.

Microblading first originated in China in the early years but has only recently gained popularity worldwide in the past few years. It involves using a tool comprised of superfine needles to deposit custom pigment by scratching the skin's surface.

Who can benefit of Microblading:

"Anyone who benefits from brow pencil could be an ideal candidate for microblading."

Microblading vs. Microfeathering:

Microblading is one of the best options for those dreaming of thicker, fuller arches. Although another similar-sounding technique has also made its way onto the eyebrow industry which is known as microfeathering. Microfeathering - the intent is to fill-in sparse growth rather than cover the entire brow area. There are two schools of thought, some believe microfeathering offers a more natural-looking result than microblading.

What to Expect During a Microblading Appointment:

A few follow-up points - Microblading does seem painful but At Akiya Aesthetics by Dr Rupika Singh we use secondary anesthesia along with numbing cream which makes the treatment painless.

Who should avoid getting microblading?

Oily skin

What is Microshading?

Microshading is a brow treatment where a very fine pen is used to make individual tattoo marks that resemble tiny dots onto the brows.

Microshading is also known as "Powder Brows," or “Ombree Brows” uses an electric or manual pen to create multiple dots onto the brows with semi-permanent ink, giving brows somewhat of an airbrushed look.

Microshading has few benefits such as:

• Lasts longer than microblading
• Ideal for sensitive, oily skin types
• Gives the appearance of fuller brows
• Helps with eyebrow symmetry

Mircoblading gives more natural look as there are gaps in between the hair whereas microshading gives extra fluff.

How to Prepare for Microblading

• Avoid waxing or tinting 3 days before procedure
• Stop taking aspirin, niacin, vitamin E, fish oil, CoQ10 and ibuprofen 48 hours before procedure
• Avoid alcohol or caffeine 24 hrs before procedure
• Avoid Retinols/Retin-A or other anti-aging/acne creams, or serums containing acids as these will fade brows prematurely
• Do not work out or sweat heavily the day of the procedure (or 2 weeks after)

And let's not forget: Try to relax.

Side Effects and Aftercare:

• Remember your selected colour will be stronger and more defined for the first few days after application but as the healing process occurs, the colour will soften and lighten.
• The pigment may look very faded under the healing skin around the second week, this is very normal and the colour will reappear as the skin heals (from the 3rd week).
• The approximate healing period is 14 days, however this can be prolonged if your immune system is compromised, if you are generally stressed or have a poor diet.
• Keep in mind that some unevenness in colour is to be expected – this is the purpose of the control visit, which is included in the initial cost. However, if you do not attend your control visit then you will be charged for further treatments.
• Please remember to use a good sunscreen regularly on brows as exposure will fade pigment.

Section1: Cleansing

First 1 hour:

Gently blot your brow with a clean tissue (after your brow treatment) for the first hour on the day of your procedure to remove the lymph (bodily fluid which causes scabbing) and apply a rice gran amount of aftercare every 3 hours.

Days 1&2: Dab

Do not wash your eyebrows, but you can dab them with a clean, slightly moist tissue or cotton cloth. Do not use cotton pads or loose cotton. Moisturise them as described in 'moisturise' section

Days 3-7: Wash

Gently wash your eyebrows each morning and night with water and a gentle cleanser, anything for sensitive skin or baby products are perfect (this will not wash out the pigment!). Do NOT use medicated facewashes, especially those which are meant for acne or pigmentation, or contain acids like glycolic, salicylic, lactic, AHA etc. or any exfoliating scrubs or facewashes.

Very lightly use your fingertips to gently cleanse the brow, use small circular movements for 10 seconds and then rinse with water until the cleanser has been rinsed away. To dry, gently pat with a clean tissue, do not rub with a towel.

SECTION 2: Moisturizing

Days 1-7

Apply a rice grain amount of aftercare ointment 3 times a day (make sure the skin is dry). Be sure not to over-apply as this will suffocate your skin and affect the results.

Avoid using sunscreen on the brows for 7 days. But, avoid sun exposure also. If you HAVE to go out in the sun, apply a thin layer of gel based or water based sunscreen.

SECTION 3: Important reminders

• Use a clean pillowcase and avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days
• Avoid direct sun exposure for 4 weeks after procedure
• Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. DO NOT PICK at the scabs. Picking can cause scarring or loss of colour
• No facials, Botox, chemical treatments, peels or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks
• Avoid hot, sweaty exercise for one week, swimming, saunas and Jacuzzis for 1 month
• Avoid heavy sweating and long hot showers for the first 10 days.
• Avoid topical makeup on the area for 2 weeks
• DO NOT rub, pick or scratch the treated area.

SECTION 4: Showering

First 4 weeks:

Limit your showers to 5 minutes so you do not create too much steam. Keep your face out of the water while you wash your body to avoid excessively getting it wet. Your face should only be getting wet at the very last end of the shower. Avoid excessive rinsing and hot water on the treated area.