Eyeliner Pre & Post Care

It is highly recommended that you follow NOTO's Pre & Post Care instructions to ensure the best possible results and longevity of your tattoo. This information acts as a guideline only. We cannot guarantee results.  Each client’s skin responds differently both in how long it takes to heal and the number of sessions needed for color retention and desired results.  It is important that you take good care of your brows while healing and beyond. 

Antihistamines like benadryl taken before the procedure may reduce swelling and help you relax. Benadryl also helps eyes not be so watery during eyeliner procedures.  Always consult with your physician. 

Swelling and redness is to be expected immediately after the permanent eyeliner procedure as the skin is very thin in this area  (it will give off the appearance of as you have been crying). Itching is also normal. The length of time it takes to heal varies from person to person.  The swelling shall subside in a few hours, placing spoons in your fridge then placing it on the eyelid will help speed up the process.  It takes an average about 4-5 days for the scabs to naturally fall off. Your true color will not be apparent until the 4-6 week mark.

Appointment  (Day 1)

After the procedure, with freshly washed hands, gently blot the area with clean tissue or paper towel to absorb excess lymph fluid. Do this every hour for the full day until the oozing has stopped.  Removing this fluid prevents hardening of any blood/lymphatic fluids and lessens the chance of scabbing.

Eyes may vary from slightly puffy to swollen, heavy lids; light sensitive and possibly bloodshot eyes. Sleeping in a slightly elevated position can also reduce any residual swelling of the eyes.

(Days 1 - 10)

The treated area may experience the following symptoms for 1 to 10 days after the treatment, which are all common and will dissipate in a short period of time.

• Redness 
• Minimal Swelling
• Tenderness
• Flaking
• Dryness and Itching

Appointment (Day 1)

After you leave, ice packs can be applied for 10 to 15 minutes each hour for the first 4-8 hours following the procedure. The ice is used to reduce swelling and provide comfort. If you experience any residual swelling the following day, you may ice them again. After the first 24 hours the use of ice is no longer beneficial.

(Day 1-10)

Clean: Clean your eyes every morning and evening. All cleansing should be done by compresses with the water wipes provided for the first 72 hours to clean the eye area. After cleaning apply the provided ointment on the treated area with a clean Q-tip.

Dry the area: Allow to air dry before applying ointment.

Apply Ointment: Apply ointment sparingly 2 to 3 times a day to your eyeliner tattoo. Use the Q-tip in a gentle dabbing motion as not to disrupt the pigmentation bonding process. This will keep the area moist and accelerate the healing. If scabs form, keep ointment on them at all times. Do not rub the area in any way.

Day 1-2: Eyes will be swollen and perhaps a bit ‘crusty’ upon waking. The swelling will reduce after being in an upright position and from blinking and increased circulation to the area. Avoid heavy lifting, physical exertion, and crying. 

Day 2: Eyes will be less swollen, but will feel tight. The lash area will feel sore if touched.

Day 3-4: The top layer of skin will begin to flake off in little stitch looking lines, although some people do not notice the exfoliation. DO NOT PICK THEM – you will pull pigment out and end up with uneven color. Blinking helps eliminate the small pieces of pigment that have detached. It is important not to pick at it or rub the eyes.

Day 7-9: All shedding should be complete. You are safe to shower facing the shower head. During this time, the pigment may appear to have vanished, this is a normal part of the healing process, and the pigment will re-emerge.

Day 10: Pigment, if it faded, should have returned. What you see now is very close to the healed result. If it is not as you like, please wait the final 4 weeks and return for a touch-up procedure.

NOTE: 

• Healing usually takes 5 to 7 days to heal. 
• When showering make sure you wash your hair with your head tilted backwards to avoid shampoo and conditioner from getting into the treated areas. You may apply aquaphor to cover your eyeliner. Do not face the shower head because of water pressure purposes. You will be dry healing the area. This means no water on the area for a minimum of 10 days. This includes sweating. When showering or washing your face, please make sure water is not running into the eyes. You can use oil free wipes clean your face, just make sure you are avoiding the eye area.

Pre-care instructions MUST BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED to limit bleeding and skin sensitivities during the service. Excessing bleeding and sensitivity during the procedure will dilute and expel the pigment color and lead to poor results.

The following must be avoided:

• Direct water on the eyeliner and the use of cleaners, soaps and heavy creams. (makeup wipes will be your go to this week.) 
• Do not use contact lenses for 48 hours. 
• Do not use mascara until outer healing is complete. Do not use old tubes of mascara.  Replace old with new.
• Application of any makeup for 10 days.
• Do not use a eyelash curler the day of the procedure.
• Do not use saline eye drops/wash or mascara until healed
• Do not rub, pick or scratch, as the color may heal unevenly and you could risk infection, which in turn could lead to scarring. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away.
• Avoid direct sun exposure/tanning or tanning beds for 4 weeks after procedure. Wear a hat when outdoors and/or big sunglasses.  
• Eyes are sensitive to pet dander, gardening, dust and dirty hands. Sunglasses add wonderful protection to sun. 
• Avoid heavy sweating, exercise, sports, sauna, swimming, steam rooms, jacuzzi, and long hot showers for 10 days.  Eyes heal very well. However, they are exposed to the possibility of a secondary infection like conjunctivitis. Seek medical attention if needed. 
• Avoid use of skincare or cosmetics on the treated area.
• Avoid using exfoliants, acids such as glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acids lactic acid, salicylic acid, and Vitamin A on or around the tattooed area for 30 days. (Causes premature fading) 
• Use a fresh pillowcase. Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days.
• Do not schedule any facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling, peels or laser treatments for at least 4 weeks. They can darken/lighten or distort the pigment. 
• Avoid drinking alcohol in excess, as it may lead to slow healing of wounds.
• Avoid driving in open air vehicles such as convertibles, boats, bicycles, or motorcycles.
• Do not performing tasks related to heavy household cleaning such as garage or storage cleaning where there is a lot of airborne debris–now is not the time!. Care must be taken to keep the eyes clean and free of bacteria. 

Please Note: 

• If needed, over-the-counter Tylenol is recommended for temporary relief of pain.  Please consult with your physician regarding pain medicine.
• After the healing process your eyeliner will appear lighter in color because of natural skin regeneration. Often, even with proper care, some areas may look uneven or patchy. It is normal because your natural skin regeneration is not a process that your artist can control. That’s why a touch up is recommended 6-8 weeks from the initial session to assure that brows are perfectly even and desired effect was achieved.
• Healed results vary per individual client. We have no control over what occurs during the healing process. After the second session (touch-up) additional sessions may be required to obtain optimal results. Additional charges may apply. 

Following the proper post-care is necessary to achieve the best results. When scheduling an appointment for a cosmetic tattoo keep in mind the healing time of the procedure will depend on your body’s regeneration, age, immune system and lifestyle.