Cosmetic Tattooing Post-Procedure Instructions
Everything You Need To Know After Your Lip or Brow Treatment
You’ve just completed your cosmetic tattooing session with Andie and your color is going to look significantly more intense than your final result right now. That’s completely expected! And it’s actually a sign that everything is going exactly as it should.
This page is dedicated to walking you through every stage of the healing process so you know what to expect, what to protect and how to get the most out of your results.
Do you have an urgent question about your recovery?
What You Should Have At Home To Aid In Recovery:
- Hustle Butter: Andie will send you home with Hustle Butter as your primary aftercare ointment. Apply it at least 2x daily for the first week. If you run out, Aquaphor is a reliable backup.
- Gentle Cleanser: A mild, fragrance-free facial cleanser to keep the treated area clean without causing irritation.
- Mineral Sunscreen: Once fully healed, mineral sunscreen is your best defense against fading. The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear — just make sure you’re wearing one.
- OTC Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage any discomfort during the first day or two.
It Is Completely Normal To Experience The Following:
- Intense Initial Color: Your brows or lips will look significantly darker and more saturated immediately after treatment. This is temporary.
- Swelling & Tenderness: Mild swelling and tenderness at the treated area on Day 1 are very common and will subside quickly.
- Dryness & Flaking: Beginning around Days 3 – 6, the treated area will feel dry and begin to flake. Do not pick at it.
- Itchiness: Itching during the healing process is completely normal. Do not scratch.
- The Ghosting Stage: Around Day 7, your color may look like it has nearly disappeared. It hasn’t. The pigment is still settling beneath the surface.
What You Should Avoid After Your Treatment
- Picking or scratching at any flaking or peeling skin
- Makeup and fragranced lotions over the treated area for 1 week
- Retinols and exfoliants over the treated area for 1 week
- Sun exposure, heavy workouts, saunas and swimming for 1 week
- Lips only: Spicy and salty foods for 72 hours; use a straw when drinking during this period
Everything You Should Do After Your Treatment
- Apply Your Aftercare Ointment: Use Hustle Butter at least 2x daily for the first week. A thin, even layer is all you need; your skin needs to “breathe” so be sure not to over-apply.
- Keep the Area Clean: Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the treated area at any point during healing.
- Ice, If Needed: Cold compresses can be applied during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and soothe discomfort.
- Protect From the Sun: Once healed, apply mineral sunscreen daily to preserve your results and prevent premature fading.
- Attend Your Touch-Up Appointment: A single touch-up session is included and scheduled at 6 – 8 weeks. This appointment allows Andie to refine, adjust and perfect your results once healing is complete. Do not skip this one!
Your Touch-Up Appointment — What To Know
Cosmetic tattooing results are always evaluated and refined at the 6 – 8 week mark, once full healing has occurred. This is a standard part of the process. Color retention, skin type and lifestyle all influence how pigment heals; the touch-up appointment exists specifically to address any unevenness and lock in your final result.
Contact Us Immediately If You Are Experiencing Any Of The Following Unusual Symptoms:
- Signs of Infection: Increasing redness, warmth, swelling or discharge at the treated area beyond the first day or two should be evaluated promptly.
- Severe Allergic Reaction: Signs include hives, significant swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention.
- Unusual or Persistent Scarring: If the treated area is not healing as expected, contact us so we can evaluate and advise.
