ARTISTIC INK

PMU Studio · Santa Rosa

(707) 475-8902

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Artistic Ink PMU · Santa Rosa, CA

Aftercare Instructions

Cosmetic & Medical Tattoo by Yolanda Álvarez

Your results are created with precision, and preserved with intention.

A Personal Note

Thank you for choosing me as your artist.

This is more than a service — it is a collaboration, and I truly value the trust you have placed in my hands. Every treatment is performed with intention, precision, and deep respect for your natural beauty.

We are now entering the healing phase, which is just as important as the procedure itself. The way you care for your skin during this time will directly influence your final results. I kindly ask that you follow these aftercare instructions with care and consistency so we can achieve the most refined and long-lasting outcome together.

If you have any questions or need guidance at any point, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am here to support you through every step of this process.

General Aftercare — All Procedures

These instructions apply to all permanent makeup services and are essential to ensure proper healing and optimal pigment retention.

Immediate Care

If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

Hygiene & Protection

Always wash your hands before touching the treated area. Keep the area clean, protected, and free from unnecessary contact.

What to Avoid

Apply makeup on the treated area for 3–5 days
Sweat or engage in intense physical activity during the initial healing phase
Use swimming pools, hot tubs, or saunas for up to 30 days
Direct sun exposure and tanning
Contact with dirt, animals, and gardening activities for 14 days

Normal Healing Response

It is normal to experience:

Mild swelling or redness lasting 2–3 days
Slight bruising in some cases
Itching beginning around day 3
Light flaking or peeling of the skin

Color Healing Process

The treated area will appear darker and more intense for the first 4–5 days. Light flaking may occur as part of the natural healing process.

Do not attempt to remove any peeling skin
Do not pick, scratch, or peel the treated area

Signs of Infection — Seek Medical Attention If You Experience

Severe redness, swelling, or pain
Yellow or green discharge, or unusual odor

Fever
Red streaking extending from the treated area

The First 48 Hours — Critical Phase

This phase is essential to protect and preserve your results.

Keep Dry

Keep the treated area completely dry at all times during the first 48 hours.

No Products

Do not wash, cleanse, or apply any products to the treated area.

Avoid Heat

Avoid sweat, steam, and heat exposure throughout this critical window.

This is not neglect — it is a controlled healing phase designed to secure pigment retention and support optimal results.

Service-Specific Aftercare

Eyeliner — Dry Healing Protocol

This procedure follows a strict dry healing protocol.

First 48 Hours

Keep the area completely dry — no ointment or products
Do not wash or cleanse

After 48 Hours

Continue dry healing — allow skin to heal naturally

Do not apply ointment

Swelling Management

If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress for no more than 4 minutes per eye. Alternate sides if needed. Allow skin to return to normal temperature before reapplying.

Avoid contact lenses for 24–48 hours
Avoid eye makeup for 5–7 days
Wear sunglasses if sensitivity to light occurs

Brows — Controlled Healing

First 48 Hours

Keep brows completely dry
Do not apply ointment or wash the area

After 48 Hours

Apply a very thin layer of ointment twice per day for 7 days
Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild fragrance-free cleanser if needed — pat dry, do not rub

Recommended Ointments

Aquaphor
MD Healing Ointment

A&D Ointment
Professional PMU Aftercare Balm

Lip Aftercare

Before Your Appointment

Keep lips hydrated in the days before
Exfoliate gently for 3–4 days prior
Take preventative medication if prone to cold sores

Avoid lipstick 5 days before

Take preventative medication if prone to cold sores

After Your Procedure

Apply a cold compress gently if swelling occurs — no direct ice
After 48 hours: keep lips consistently moisturized with ointment regularly

Do not allow lips to dry out
Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods

Areola Restoration

If Second Skin Applied

Leave in place 4–6 days as tolerated
Keep area dry for the first 8 hours
After removal: cleanse gently, apply ointment 2–3×/day for 7 days

Avoid tight bras for 48 hours
Avoid friction and pressure

Scalp (SMP)

First 48 Hours

Keep scalp completely dry
Avoid sweating and washing

AFTER 48 Hours

Begin gentle cleansing if needed

Avoid harsh shampoos, sun, and excess sweating

Scar Camouflage

First 48 Hours

Keep the area dry and undisturbed

AFTER 48 Hours

Begin gentle cleansing, apply ointment twice per day

Avoid pressure, friction, and active skincare on the area

Scar tissue heals differently and may take longer. Patience is essential.

Long-Term Care & Final Results

As your skin heals, the pigment will gradually soften and settle into its true tone.

Perfecting Session

Permanent makeup is a two-step process. You are required to return for your perfecting session after 5–6 weeks to refine color, improve retention, and perfect the final result.

Maintenance

Over time, pigment will naturally soften. You may return for:

Color boost sessions
Yearly touch-ups
Additional services as desired

How to Prolong Your Results

Use SPF 50+ daily
Avoid exfoliants, retinol, and acids on the treated area
Maintain healthy, hydrated skin

Avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning
Avoid laser treatments over pigment

Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature fading.

Schedule Your Perfecting Session

5–6 weeks after your initial procedure

FINAL NOTE

Thank you again for your trust. If you loved your experience, I would be honored to care for your friends and family as well. Your referrals are deeply appreciated and help my business continue to grow.