EyeLiner Tattoo Care

Eyeliner tattooing care:

To achieve optimal results and enhance the longevity of your tattoo, it’s highly advisable to adhere to SARAH’s Pre & Post Care instructions. Please note that this information serves as a guiding reference, and while we cannot guarantee specific outcomes, it plays a crucial role in the healing process. Each client’s skin responds uniquely, influencing healing duration and the number of sessions required for color retention and desired results. Taking diligent care of your brows during and after the healing phase is essential.

Comfort during procedure:

For added comfort and to minimize swelling, consider taking antihistamines like Benadryl before the procedure. This may also contribute to relaxation and reduce watery eyes, particularly beneficial during eyeliner procedures.

Eyeliner Tattoo Pre-Care:

  • On the day of the procedure, refrain from wearing mascara and ensure your eyes are free of makeup and moisturizer. Bring sunglasses for sensitivity, and if you wear contact lenses, remove them before the procedure. Consider arranging a ride home if you’re light-sensitive afterward, as your eyes may be dilated.

  • Avoid lash tinting for 2 weeks and refrain from dyeing or perming lashes for 2 days before the procedure. If you’ve had Lasik or Cataract Surgery, obtain medical clearance. Remove eyelash extensions a week before the eyeliner procedure. Cease using eyelash growth serums, including Latisse, for 4 weeks before the procedure.

Injections and other facial treatments:

  • No botox injections in the eye area 2 weeks prior. Ensure your skin is free from irritations, blemishes, eczema, and psoriasis.

  • If you were on Accutane medication, wait one year before a Cosmetic Tattoo.

  • Stop using blood-thinning supplements one week before, and discontinue anti-aging or acne skincare products containing AHA or Vitamin A for 1 week. Resume regular skincare 6 weeks after the final session.

  • Avoid facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling, peels, or laser treatments for 4 weeks before.

  • Steer clear of blood-thinning medications 72 hours before (consult your doctor).

  • Skip working out on the procedure day and avoid sun tanning for 2 weeks; a sunburn requires rescheduling.

Food and drinks to avoid:

  • Healed scars from surgery or injury are essential for at least one year before the service.

  • Abstain from alcohol and caffeine 24 hours before, and be mindful of heightened sensitivity during your menstrual cycle.

  • Failure to follow pre-care instructions may result in forfeiting your appointment and deposit.

Eyeliner Tattoo Pre-Care:

Immediate Aftercare Guidelines:
After the procedure, expect swelling and redness, resembling a teary-eyed appearance, due to the thin skin in the area. Itching is normal, and healing time varies. Swelling should diminish within a few hours; placing cooled spoons on the eyelids can expedite this process. Scabs may take 4–5 days to naturally fall off, with true color visibility at 4–6 weeks.

Day 1 Appointment:

  • Gently blot the area with clean tissue every hour to absorb excess lymph fluid.

  • Expect varied degrees of puffiness, sensitivity, and possibly bloodshot eyes. Sleeping with a slight elevation can reduce residual swelling.

  • Ice packs can be applied for 10–15 minutes each hour for the first 4–8 hours post-procedure to reduce swelling. After 24 hours, ice is no longer beneficial.

 

  • Common symptoms include redness, minimal swelling, tenderness, flaking, dryness, and itching.
  • Clean the eyes twice daily using water wipes and apply the provided ointment sparingly with a Q-tip. Allow the area to air dry before reapplying ointment.

  • Avoid heavy lifting, exertion, and crying.

  • Eyes may feel tight, and the lash area might be sore if touched.

  • The top skin layer may flake off—do not pick to prevent uneven color.

  • Shedding should be complete, and pigment may appear to vanish, a normal part of the healing process. Pigment will re-emerge.

Pigment, if faded, should have returned. This is close to the healed result. If adjustments are needed, wait the final 4–5 weeks before a touch-up.

  • Avoid direct water on eyeliner, cleansers, soaps, and heavy creams.

  • Refrain from using contact lenses for 48 hours.

  • Do not use mascara until outer healing is complete.

  • Avoid makeup application for 10 days.

  • No use of eyelash curlers on the day of the procedure.

  • Do not use saline eye drops/wash or mascara until fully healed.

  • Refrain from rubbing, picking, or scratching to prevent uneven color healing and risk of infection.

  • Avoid direct sun exposure/tanning for 4 weeks after the procedure; wear protective gear.

  • Avoid heavy sweating, exercise, sports, sauna, swimming, steam rooms, jacuzzi, and long hot showers for 10 days.

  • Avoid skincare or cosmetics on the treated area.

  • No use of exfoliants, acids, or Vitamin A around the tattooed area for 30 days.

  • Use a fresh pillowcase and avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days.

  • Refrain from facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling, peels, or laser treatments for at least 4 weeks.

  • Moderate alcohol consumption for optimal wound healing.

  • Avoid driving in open-air vehicles, convertibles, boats, bicycles, or motorcycles.

  • Refrain from tasks involving heavy household cleaning with airborne debris.

  • Over-the-counter Tylenol is recommended for temporary pain relief.
  • After healing, eyeliner may appear lighter due to natural skin regeneration; a touch-up after 4–6 weeks is included.
  • Healed results vary, and additional touch-up sessions may be required.
  • Proper post-care is crucial for optimal results, with healing time depending on individual factors like body regeneration, age, immune system, and lifestyle.

Long Term Care

Following the touch-up session, your cosmetic tattoo is expected to last between 3 to 5 years. To preserve the shape and depth of color, regular touch-up appointments are necessary, typically once a year for optimal results. Failure to maintain may result in gradual lightening of the color over time, influenced by factors such as skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color, broken capillaries, and iron deficiency.

Certain precautions are essential to prolong the life of your cosmetic tattoo:

  • Refrain from regular use of eye drops or eye preparations, as they may cause premature fading of permanent eyeliner.

  • Exposure to the sun and tanning beds can lead to fading and discoloration of the pigment.

  • Avoid chemical exfoliants and heavy creams around the eyes, as they contribute to fading.

  • Laser procedures near the eye area (IPL) should be approached with caution, as some lasers may distort the color, causing darkening or lightening.

  • Despite the tattoo, additional eye makeup application may be required to achieve your desired look.

  • Inform technicians about your cosmetic tattoo before laser procedures or MRI scans.

  • The use of hydroquinone, or rapid skin exfoliation products around the eye area will cause premature fading.

  • Chemical peels, acid peels, lightening products targeting hyper-pigmentation near the eye area can lead to premature fading of permanent eyebrows.

  • Exfoliating cleansers, scrubs, and products with acne-fighting ingredients may result in rapid exfoliation, increasing the likelihood of premature fading.

 

FAQ

HOW LONG DOES EYELINER TATTOOING TAKE?

The process can vary between 2 to 2.5 hours depending on your skin type or condition.

The lasting is around 3–5 years, depending on skin type and skin conditions.

Touch-ups are advised for everyone. They allow for shape and color modifications, intensifying the design, or addressing uneven pigment retention. They also extend your tattoo’s life. Schedule touch-ups no earlier than 4 weeks post your last session.

Avoid applying makeup to the tattooed area for at least 7 days to prevent irritation or infection.

Avoid using eye creams, lotions, or oils on the tattooed area until it has fully healed, usually around 7 days.

Yes, it’s normal for some scabbing or peeling to occur during the healing process. Do not pick at scabs or peel them off to avoid scarring.

It’s common for the color to fade a little during the healing process. If the results are uneven or lighter than expected, you can schedule a touch-up session after 6–8 weeks.