The Real Risks of Microblading

Recently advertisements for microblading are springing up everywhere. The new eyebrow filling and contouring method is rapidly growing in popularity as people seek fuller and precisely shaped eyebrows. Although microblading is becoming commonplace,  the typical procedure is not without risk.

What is Microblading?

Microblading involves an esthetician using a fine-edged cutting tool that is often referred to as a ‘pen’ to make fine cuts in and around your eyebrow follicles. The cuts are formed in a featherlike fashion into the skin’s surface to render the appearance of individual natural hairs. A temporary, henna pigment-like substance is then worked into the damaged area. Unlike a tattoo, the pigment does not go deep beneath the skin’s layers but only seeps into the top portion. As the body undergoes its natural healing process, the color is sealed beneath the skin’s surface. Unlike eyebrow tattooing or penciling on your eyebrows, microblading creates a natural look that is incredibly realistic. Typically, about a month after undergoing the procedure you will need a touchup. Over time, the color does fade but, generally, the shading should last for one to two years before needing a touchup.

The Very Real Risks of Microblading

The entire method of microblading might sound fantastic, especially if you are one of the many women who is forced to use eyebrow pencils, gels, and other cosmetic products to make your thin brows look decent. However, microblading is not without significant risk, especially, when done in less-than-sanitary conditions. With the rapid rise in popularity, the method is being offered everywhere. Salons providing microblading are springing up in strip malls, tattoo parlors, and even private homes. Such unregulated places often lack sanitary conditions. Since the microblade process involves numerous tiny cuts in the skin’s surface, it can expose you to harmful bacteria and viruses such as Hepatitis and HIV if performed with unsterilized pens. The danger of any infection so close to the eyes and brain is significant.

Signs of Infection to Watch for After the Cosmetic Procedure

Anyone who decides to undergo microblading should be on the lookout for the first signs of infection. Often redness or puffiness can develop after the procedure but should fade fairly quickly. If the conditions worsen, then it could mean that you have contracted an infection. A yellow tinge around the wounds, discharge, flakiness, or excessive itching are also all signs of a possible medical problem. Anyone experiencing such side effects should immediately seek medical help.

Microblading Renders Pleasing Results

There is no denying that when done correctly microblading renders pleasing results. You never have to worry about swimming and washing your eyebrows off as you do with pencils and gels. With brows that have been microbladed, there is no more applying messy eyebrow pencils; you can just head out the door with confidence that your brows will always look fantastic no matter what the weather or function.

Alternatives to Microblading

If you have thin eyebrows, many plastic surgery clinics offer eyebrow restoration services. Although this procedure seems more invasive, you are not entering unsanitary conditions and once it is completed the results are long-lasting. You can also go for eyebrow tinting. Eyebrow tinting can be performed in a salon or spa and simply dyes your eyebrow hair a darker hue giving it a thicker appearance.

Microblading Considerations

The cosmetic procedure of microblading is not cheap, and it might be tempting to seek out a deal and have the eyebrows of your dreams created for a fraction of the cost at a home-based salon or other thrifty location. However, such low-cost options may pose significant health risks if performed in less than ideal or sanitary conditions.

Please contact the Vargas Face & Skin Center to learn more about our eyebrow restoration services.