Microblading Gone Wrong
What To Do With Microblading Gone Wrong
Microblading is a popular procedure to enhance the brows but there are risks that come with it. Keep reading to find out what happens and how to proceed when a microblading procedure goes wrong as well as precautions to avoid them.
What’s inside (Click on the link to go to a specific step):
- What Is Considered a Microblading Gone Wrong?
- Why Do Microblading Gone Wrong Situations Happen?
- How Is Microblading Regulated by Law?
- What Are the Physical Consequences of Microblading Gone Wrong?
- How Does Microblading Gone Wrong Affect the Client Psychologically?
- How to Fix Microblading Eyebrows Gone Wrong?
- How Can I Avoid Botched Microblading?
- Microblading Gone Wrong – Main Takeaways
What Is Considered a Microblading Gone Wrong?
A big fear that people interested in getting microblading have is that it will end up wrong.
This can mean any of the following:
- Uneven and asymmetric arches
- Too long, too short or too thick strokes (very common)
- Unnatural arch positions
- Blocked color rather than hair-like strokes
- Wrong pigment shade
It is also easy to inject the pigment too deeply which can lead to gray or blue undertones after healing. On the other hand, not injecting them deep enough will affect retention.
And with this, the client is stuck with unsatisfactory brows for more than a year.
Poor execution is not the only risk. There is also the risk of infection, permanent scarring and even allergic reactions. This can come from injecting the needle too deep and if a patch test isn’t done at the start of the procedure.
It is a good idea to do research if you are interested in getting a microblading treatment. Check out our helpful guide here.
Why Do Microblading Gone Wrong Situations Happen?
Currently, there is a lack of regulations for permanent makeup procedures. There is nothing preventing inexperienced artists from doing microblading procedures on others. The same is for self-taught artists with no training or education. And despite these, people seek out these unqualified artists because of the much lower prices they ask.
One other thing to consider is that there are low quality training courses available for low prices. This does not guarantee that the artist is qualified to do microblading procedures on clients. More often than not, the trainers are also underqualified themselves. These are rampant because of the lack of regulations and supervision for these procedures.
How Is Microblading Regulated by Law?
Different states have different laws on microblading. Some require extended training which includes supervision. While other states have less strict or nonexistent laws. For some states, microblading is included under tattooing and does not have regulations particularly for it.
Read more about differences in licensing from this guide.
What Are the Physical Consequences of Microblading Gone Wrong?
For microblading procedures that don’t go according to plan, it can end up with allergic reactions or infections.
Artists should do a patch test at the beginning of the procedure to find out if the client is allergic to any of the supplies. If there is an allergic reaction, it is an uncomfortable inflammatory process. Common ingredients that give this reaction is nickel and any low quality supplies.
Infections are rare but not impossible. Some are mild but there can be more swelling and permanent scarring for more severe infections. Antibiotics would be necessary for treatment.
It is also possible for infections to spread to the sinus cavities and may become life-threatening if not treated properly and promptly.
How Does Microblading Gone Wrong Affect the Client Psychologically?
In terms of how a client feels, a botched procedure affects their confidence and discomfort. It is common to avoid social situations and be more withdrawn to draw less attention to their brows.
Botched brows lead to disappointment. And having the brows corrected or removed can lead to more stress as well as the added financial burden. It also doesn’t help to have strict appointment schedules for removal procedures.
Additionally, correcting the botched brows add more trauma to the skin and leave them physically and mentally drained.
How to Fix Microblading Eyebrows Gone Wrong?
Microblading procedures last up to 2 years and can fade faster without touch ups.
For botched brows, it is much better to avoid it by booking experienced and qualified artists. But in the event you are stuck with unsatisfactory results, there are ways to fix it through camouflage, gradual fading or removal methods.
Makeup
Using regular makeup can be an effective yet temporary way to cover up minor imperfections.
Touch up from another artist
A more recognized and experienced artist can help improve botched procedures especially if they have experience fixing others’ mistakes. But it will come with an added cost.
There is a month and a half wait before any corrective procedure can be done to let the treated area heal fully.
DIY fading techniques
If the brows end up being unnaturally dark, it can work to use hydrogen peroxide or even retinol products to speed up fading.
Saline Removal
This is a popular method of removing PMU pigments. It works by injecting a saline solution to the treated area.
It is one of the few emergency removal methods that can be done within the first 2 days. It’s effective for dealing with botched brows. If you wait too long, you will need to wait for the brows to heal at 6 weeks before doing saline removal procedures.
Glycolic Acid Removal
Similar to saline removal, this method uses glycolic acid to speed up pigment fading. Learn more here.
Laser Removal
A laser removal expert can fix botched brows. How long it will take depends on how much pigment needs to be removed and the sensitivity of the skin. More details are available here.
How Can I Avoid Botched Microblading?
Prevention is the best way to avoid blotched brows. And research is the best way to book the right artist.
Research PMU Artists in Your Area
Your choice of artists is the most important factor for the success of your microblading procedure. Avoid artists who are self taught, under qualified and unlicensed. It is tempting to book them for their low prices, but the results are not worth it. And it costs more to get your brows fixed.
An effective way of getting to know the skill of an artist is by checking their portfolio which is often in their social media pages. Word of mouth from people you know who got procedures done by that artist can also be effective.
Reviews are also available online to help the client decide. Watch out for negative feedback from previous clients.
Ask About the Artist’s Training
Make sure the artist has the right certifications to do microblading procedures. It is often displayed around their salon but if it’s not, make sure you ask to see them just to confirm.
Pay Attention to Hygiene and Possible Misconduct
Clean supplies and environment is crucial for microblading procedures. Notice if the workspace is sterile and if not, don’t push through with the procedure.
Check if the artist is wearing clean gloves and a protective mask and if all disposable supplies have never been used before. Particularly, the blade must be sterile to avoid the risk of infection.
Patch tests are important and artists should ask for one at the start of the procedure. They should also ask about any medical conditions they have to consider.
There is also some paperwork to sign and it is unprofessional if an artist misses these steps.
Ask About the Pigments
The ingredients of the pigments can have a big impact on the quality. Make sure to ask your artist about what makes up the pigments they use regardless of your experience with using PMU pigments or tattoo inks.
Nickel is an ingredient to watch out for and knowing the other ingredients can help you avoid any that you are allergic to. Check out some brands that you know are safe for use on your skin.
Know Your Skin
The microblading procedure works best for normal to dry skin. It can still be done on oily skin but it takes more technical ability from the artist. It is also important to level your expectations as it might not turn up the same as with other skin types. Oily skin has a harder time to retain the pigment and it may end up blurry.
Unfortunately, the final results of the treatment can only be seen once once the brows heal. A recommended option for oily skin types is to go for a machine treatment such as powder brows.
Main Takeaways
Only get microblading done from experienced and qualified artists. The choice of artist is the biggest decision to dictate the success of your microblading procedure.
Botched brows can lead to lower self esteem because of the unsatisfactory look and potential health risks. It can also come with lasting discomfort. Make sure to do your research about microblading and this guide is a good start.
There are ways to correct botched brows but they can be costly and give additional trauma to the skin.