Prepare & Aftercare
Permanent Make-up aftercare
Pigment looks darkest in the first three days and lightest around day ten, so the result you judge at two weeks is not the one you keep. Keeping the area dry is the part that matters most.
Follow the written aftercare you are given at your appointment first — it is specific to you, and this page is a general guide.
Reviewed by Valleva Body on 12 September 2026.
Before your appointment
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the day of your appointment — both increase bleeding and make pigment harder to place.
- Stop retinol and acid products on the treatment area for a week beforehand.
- Do not have a facial, peel or sunbed session in the two weeks before.
- Come with your usual brow or lip look if you have one, so shape and colour can be matched to it.
- Tell your practitioner about any medication, skin condition or previous permanent make-up before the appointment, not on the day.
- For lips, mention if you are prone to cold sores — this needs planning with your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time.
Straight after treatment
- Blot the area gently as instructed for the first few hours.
- Apply the aftercare balm you are given, thinly — a thick layer traps moisture and softens the result.
- Keep the area dry. Your practitioner will tell you for how long, and it matters.
- Sleep on your back for the first few nights if you can.
- No make-up on or near the treated area while it heals.
What healing looks like
- Days 1–3Colour looks much darker and sharper than the final result. Some swelling and tenderness. This is normal.
- Days 4–7The surface begins to flake. Do not pick it — picking pulls pigment out and can scar.
- Days 8–14Flaking finishes. Colour often looks patchy or too light at this stage, which worries most people. It is expected.
- Weeks 3–6Colour returns and settles as the skin completes healing. This is the true result.
- Week 4–6Touch-up appointment, where the healed result is refined. This is part of the process, not a correction.
When to contact someone
Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you notice any of the following:
- Spreading redness, heat or swelling that worsens after day three
- Yellow or green discharge, or a bad smell
- Fever
- A rash or itching that spreads beyond the treated area
For anything that is worrying you but is not urgent, message us and we will take a look. For anything urgent, contact your doctor or your nearest emergency service rather than waiting for a reply from us.
Information on this site is general and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, advice or treatment. Speak to a healthcare professional about any health concern.
Treatments this covers
Something not looking right?
Message us with a photograph and we will tell you whether it is normal or whether you should come in.