About the micropigmentation centres with online booking
Micropigmentation places pigment in the upper layer of the skin to draw brows stroke by stroke, outline and tint the lips or mark a line of eyeliner. The result is semi-permanent and lasts one to three years depending on your skin, the pigment and aftercare, and is kept up with top-ups.
Everything starts with a consultation, and it is the only appointment you book online. You look at the centre's work, talk about the shape and colour you want, have the design drawn on in pencil and hear about aftercare and price. If you decide to go ahead, the centre itself books your session, because it needs to work out the right amount of time for your case.
These are rough timings. The consultation, half an hour. Hair-stroke brows, two to two and a half hours including the design and the topical numbing. Lips, about the same. Eyeliner, close to two hours. The top-up at four to eight weeks, one hour to an hour and a half.
Before the session avoid alcohol, coffee and anti-inflammatories for 24 hours, keep the area out of the sun and do not pluck your brows in the previous week. If you are pregnant, take blood thinners or have had cold sores, say so at the consultation, as it can change what is recommended. For the first few days the area looks darker, then it fades to its final shade.
Frequently asked questions
Why can I only book the consultation online?
Because the session depends on what is seen there, such as your skin, any old work, the area and the design. Most centres offer the consultation free and with no obligation. If you decide to go ahead, they book your session there and then.
How long does brow micropigmentation last?
One to three years. On oily skin and with a lot of sun it fades sooner. A yearly top-up keeps it defined. The final result shows at four weeks, once the skin has healed.
Does lip micropigmentation hurt?
A topical numbing cream is used and most people describe it as bearable discomfort, although lips are more sensitive than brows. There may be swelling for a day or two. If you have had cold sores, mention it at the consultation, as prevention before the session is usually advised.
What is the top-up at four to eight weeks for?
It is part of the work. Once the skin has healed, patches where the pigment took less show up, and colour and symmetry are corrected. The centre books your top-up at the end of the first session.
Can I have new brows if I already have old micropigmentation?
It depends on the colour and how much is left. At the consultation they look at it and tell you whether they can work over it, whether the tone needs neutralising first or whether removal is better. Come with no make-up on your brows so it can be seen properly.
What do brows look like in the first few days?
Darker and bolder than they will end up. From day four or five the skin flakes and the colour drops by 30 to 40 %. That week, keep them dry, free of make-up and unscratched, and use only the cream the centre gives you.