How Safe Is Microblading?

Microblading has become one of the most sought-after beauty procedures in recent years, especially for those of us looking to enhance our natural features with minimal fuss. 

Here in Australia, it’s not uncommon for clients to walk into my studio and ask, “How safe is microblading?” This question is a good one, and it deserves a solid answer. 

Microblading is safe—if done correctly, by a skilled technician who follows hygiene standards.

How Safe Is Microblading? Risks and Considerations

The safety of microblading ultimately comes down to the artist’s experience, the sanitation of the environment, and how well the aftercare instructions are followed. Here’s a closer look at the potential risks:

Understanding Microblading Safety

Microblading is generally safe when performed by a qualified, experienced artist. It’s essential that your technician follows strict sanitation standards and uses disposable tools. 

If you’re in the Melbourne area, you know that there are regulations around hygiene and licensing that every technician must adhere to, including bloodborne pathogen training and registration with local councils.

I always ensure that my studio complies with these regulations to ensure that my clients are safe.

Potential Health Risks with Microblading

Infections

• Causes: The primary cause of infection is unsterile equipment or improper aftercare. Infections are rare but can happen if the technician doesn’t follow hygiene protocols, or if the client doesn’t follow aftercare instructions.
• Symptoms: Look for increased redness, swelling, pus, or a foul-smelling discharge. In rare cases, bloodborne diseases like Hepatitis can be transmitted if equipment isn’t properly sanitised.

Allergic Reactions

• Causes: Some clients may be allergic to certain pigments or numbing creams.
• Symptoms: Redness, swelling, and itching are common signs of an allergic reaction. If any of these symptoms arise, it’s important to contact a medical professional immediately.

Scarring

• Causes: Scarring can occur if the pigment is implanted too deeply or if the client picks at scabs.
• Impact: Scarring can affect the growth of natural brows and distort the appearance of the tattooed area. It’s important to follow healing instructions carefully to avoid this.

Pigment-Related Issues

• Fading and Color Changes: Over time, pigments will naturally fade, but some factors like skin type, sun exposure, and aftercare can accelerate this. In rare cases, pigments can turn an unintended color (e.g., green or blue).

MRI Complications

• Some clients report swelling or burning sensations when undergoing an MRI, though this is rare. If you’re planning an MRI, it’s important to inform the technician beforehand.

The Microblading Procedure and Pain Management

Microblading is far less invasive than permanent tattoos, but that doesn’t mean the procedure is without its considerations. In this section, I’ll walk you through what happens during a session and how we manage pain to ensure you’re comfortable throughout.

What to Expect During the Procedure

When you come into the studio for a microblading session, the first thing we do is have a detailed consultation. This is where I get to know your brow goals, assess your skin type, and design the perfect shape for your face. 

It’s important to get this right, as the shape needs to enhance your natural features, not overtake them. We then do a sketch of your ideal brow, and only once you approve, we proceed with the procedure.

The actual microblading process takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. During the procedure, I use a fine blade to make tiny incisions in the skin and deposit pigment in the dermal layer. 

This part doesn’t hurt as much as people think, thanks to the numbing cream applied beforehand. The sensation is more of a light scratching feeling, which many of my clients describe as less uncomfortable than getting their eyebrows threaded.

Managing Pain During Microblading

Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but in my experience, most clients find the procedure quite bearable. I use a high-quality topical numbing cream that ensures the area is sufficiently numb before we start.

I always check in with my clients to ensure they’re comfortable throughout the procedure. To put it into perspective, microblading is nowhere near as painful as getting a tattoo, which involves deeper penetration of ink.

That said, I advise my clients to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and certain medications (like ibuprofen or fish oil) before the appointment, as these can make the skin more sensitive or cause excess bleeding, which can affect the results.

Healing Process and Aftercare

The healing process is just as important as the procedure itself. If you don’t follow proper aftercare, you could compromise the results or even introduce infection. Here’s how it works:

Immediate and Long-Term Aftercare

• Day 1-2: Your brows may look darker than expected and could be a bit swollen. It’s normal for them to appear bold initially, but don’t panic; they’ll settle. You’ll also experience some tenderness, which is completely normal.
• First Week: It’s critical to keep the area dry and clean. Avoid water, makeup, and lotions on the treated area, and stay clear of things like hot showers, saunas, or swimming pools. Keeping the area clean prevents infection and ensures the pigment heals correctly.
• Days 3-5: This is when you might experience some flaking or peeling. It’s important to resist the urge to scratch, as it could cause scarring or prematurely remove the pigment.
• Days 7-14: The scabs should fall off by now, but the brows may appear lighter than expected. This is normal, as the pigment will continue to settle and darken over the next few weeks.

Common Aftercare Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Picking at scabs.
2. Using unapproved skincare products (e.g., retinoids or glycolic acid).
3. Exposing your brows to excessive sun.

Aftercare is crucial to achieving great results. Always follow the technician’s guidelines for safe healing.

The Hygiene and Sanitation Standards That Ensure Microblading Safety

Microblading is generally a safe procedure when performed by a skilled technician in a clean, sanitary environment. 

As someone who’s been in the industry for years, I can say that hygiene is absolutely crucial when it comes to microblading. The safety of the procedure depends significantly on the technician’s attention to detail regarding sanitation practices.

Why Sanitation Matters in Microblading

Infection risks are very low when proper sterilisation procedures are followed, but they increase significantly when safety standards are overlooked. Here’s how to ensure your microblading experience is safe:

• Sterilisation of Equipment: All tools should be either disposable or thoroughly sterilised after each use. This includes needles, blades, and pigment holders.
• Sanitised Environment: The workspace should be wiped down with hospital-grade disinfectants before and after each procedure. Ideally, the artist should wear gloves and masks throughout the procedure.
• Proper Pigment Handling: Pigments must be stored correctly to prevent contamination.

Sanitation Practice	Importance
Use of disposable needles	Prevents cross-contamination and infection.
Hospital-grade disinfectants	Ensures that the workspace and tools are sterile, minimising bacterial risks.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)	Protects both the client and technician from contaminants.
Proper pigment storage	Ensures that the pigments remain free of harmful bacteria or fungi.

By ensuring the technician adheres to these basic safety protocols, you can significantly reduce the risk of infections or complications.

Infection Risks and How to Minimise Them During Microblading

Though microblading is relatively safe, the possibility of infection is still a concern if strict hygiene protocols aren’t followed. Infections are rare but can have severe consequences if not treated properly. Here’s a breakdown of how infections occur and how to prevent them.

Common Causes of Infection in Microblading

Infections typically occur if equipment is unsterilised or aftercare instructions are not followed properly. The main risks come from:

• Unsterile Equipment: Reusing tools, or using improperly sterilised equipment, can introduce harmful bacteria or viruses into the skin.
• Contaminated Pigment: Pigments should always be from reputable sources to ensure they are free from harmful pathogens.
• Improper Aftercare: Not following the post-procedure care instructions (e.g., avoiding touching the area with dirty hands or exposing it to moisture) can lead to infections.

How to Avoid Infection

The most effective way to reduce infection risk is by following a few simple steps:

1. Choose a Qualified Technician: Always choose a professional who maintains a clean environment and uses sterile equipment.
2. Strictly Follow Aftercare Instructions: Do not pick at scabs, avoid getting the treated area wet, and stay away from sweaty environments for at least the first week.
3. Look for Warning Signs: If you notice redness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical attention immediately to prevent the infection from worsening.

By choosing the right technician and following the aftercare plan, you’ll minimise the risk of infections and ensure the best possible outcome for your microblading procedure.

Allergic Reactions: What You Need to Know About Microblading Risks

While allergic reactions to microblading are rare, they can occur, especially due to pigments or numbing agents used during the procedure. Understanding the potential for allergies is crucial before deciding to undergo the treatment.

Common Causes of Allergic Reactions

Some people may experience allergic reactions to the pigment, numbing agents, or even latex gloves. Here’s a breakdown of the common culprits:

• Pigments: Some pigments contain metals like nickel or iron oxide, which can trigger allergic responses in sensitive individuals.
• Numbing Creams: Numbing creams commonly used during microblading often contain lidocaine or benzocaine, both of which can cause skin irritation or swelling.
• Latex Gloves: For individuals allergic to latex, the gloves used by the technician can cause a reaction.

Signs of an Allergic Reaction:

1. Redness and swelling around the treated area
2. Itching or a rash that persists after the procedure
3. Blistering or burning sensations in the eyebrow area
4. Pigment rejection where the body “expels” the pigment, making the brows fade prematurely

Prevention and Management of Allergic Reactions

To prevent allergic reactions, you should:

• Patch Test: Always conduct a patch test at least 48 hours before the procedure to check for any adverse reactions.
• Talk to Your Technician: Inform your artist about any known allergies or sensitivities. They should have hypoallergenic alternatives available, such as anesthetic creams without benzocaine or latex-free gloves.

If you experience any allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately, as these reactions can vary in severity.

Who Should Not Get Microblading? Contraindications and Health Considerations

Microblading isn’t suitable for everyone, and it’s essential to be aware of health conditions or skin types that could increase the risks or interfere with the healing process. Here are some key contraindications to consider before undergoing the procedure.

Health Conditions to Watch Out For

Certain health conditions can make microblading unsafe or result in poor healing. Here are the main conditions that typically preclude someone from getting microblading:

1. Pregnancy and Nursing: There’s limited research on the safety of pigments and numbing agents for pregnant or breastfeeding women. While there is no evidence of harm, it’s better to be cautious.
2. Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy or Radiation: Chemotherapy weakens the immune system and alters skin sensitivity, which can affect the results and healing process.
3. Blood Disorders: Conditions like hemophilia or people on blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, aspirin) are more likely to experience excessive bleeding during the procedure, which may also impact the pigment’s retention.
4. Sensitive or Damaged Skin: Individuals with active skin infections, eczema, psoriasis, or acne near the eyebrow area should avoid microblading, as it can interfere with healing and may worsen the condition.

Skin Type Considerations

Some skin types are more prone to complications, so it’s important to consider the following:

• Oily Skin: People with excessively oily skin may experience faster fading or blurry strokes, as oil interferes with pigment retention.
• Sensitive or Thin Skin: Thin or mature skin may be more prone to scarring, irritation, and discomfort.

If you have any of these conditions, discuss them thoroughly with your technician before proceeding to ensure your safety and the best results.

Choosing a Qualified Microblading Technician

Your technician is the most important part of the process. Choosing the right artist can make all the difference between a safe, successful microblading procedure and a disastrous one.

Why the Right Technician Matters for Your Safety

Look for a technician who has substantial experience and is certified in microblading. Always check reviews and ask for a portfolio of their previous work. A good technician will have a history of satisfied clients and will follow hygiene and sanitation practices.

Microblading is generally a safe and effective procedure when performed by a skilled professional who follows proper sanitation guidelines. 

While there are risks, they can be minimised by choosing a qualified artist, adhering to aftercare instructions, and being mindful of your health and skin type.