Nano Brows vs. Microblading
Nano Brows, also known as nano-blading or nano-needling, is a cutting-edge technique in the world of semi-permanent makeup. It involves the use of ultra-fine needles, which are significantly smaller than those used in traditional microblading, to deposit pigment into the skin. This allows for greater precision and control, resulting in incredibly detailed and lifelike hairstrokes that mimic the appearance of natural eyebrow hair.
Nano Brows create a more realistic and natural-looking result compared to traditional microblading or eyebrow tattooing. The ultra-fine needles allow for finer hairstrokes, closely resembling the texture and direction of real eyebrow hair.
Thanks to the precision and gentleness of the nano needle technology, the discomfort associated with Nano Brows is minimal. Many clients report little to no pain during the procedure, making it suitable for those with low pain tolerance.
In other words, our preferred method of PMU hair stroke application are nano brows due the fact that year after year it will continue to appear soft and natural, and overall is more gentle on the skin compared to traditional microblading.
How long does it take to heal?
It takes approximately 10-14 days for the brows to heal over, and about 1 month for the color to fully set in, but this healing time will not impede your day to day lifestyle.
After your appointment, your brows will appear darker than desired for the first few days, however the color will fade about 20-30% as it heals. You may experience some scabbing or flaking accompanied by an itchy feeling. It is important not pick at the scabs as this may damage the skin and the outcome. After that, you may experience something called "milk skin", a term used to describe an opaque, milky appearance to the pigment causing the brows to look very light in color. This is due to your body's natural response to heal itself from the “cuts” made into the skin during the application process. Those layers of epidermis will exfoliate over the next few weeks, and the desired color will return once fully healed.
Is the touch up session necessary?
Yes! A touch up session after 4-6 weeks is necessary as everyone heals differently and outcome will vary. Certain areas may not pick up during first session and will need to be refilled. Pigment color may need to be adjusted, brow thickness and more strokes can be added. Individuals with oily skin often require a deeper shade during the touch up session as the oils tend to lighten the pigment. Most importantly, your touch up session is when we refine your brows to ensure it looks perfect and retains the color for the whole year!
What if I need an additional touchup after my 4-6 week session?
Unfortunately we cannot guarantee 100% pigment retention. Additional touch up appointments may be needed for oily, problematic skin, those with dark pigmented skin and people who do not follow after care instructions properly. This is considered a “spot treatment” and be an additional $100.
Is it painful?
Prior to the procedure a topical anesthetic will be applied to numb the area, and also reapplied during the procedure if necessary. Everyone responds differently to anesthetic, however the pain level for the procedure is considered mild to none. Topical anesthetics used may contain lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine and epinephrine.
After the procedure, redness and slight swelling in the area is normal. Clients describe the area feeling similar to a light sunburn. Clients can take Tylenol, but it is recommended to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen.
How long does it last?
PMU typically lasts about 1-3 years, depending on skin type, age and lifestyle. Clients who have oily skin, or excessively sweat will typically fade faster. Each individual's color retention within the skin will vary. To maintain the brows looking fresh, a touch up is suggested every 18-24 months.
What are the pre-care instructions?
Avoid alcohol and aspirin/ibuprofen and any vitamins that may thin your blood for 48-72 hours. Tylenol is ok.
No chemical peels, Botox, or fillers at least two weeks prior to the procedure.
No excessive tanning or sunburn.
No Retin-A or retinols directly on the brow area for 7 days prior.
Feel free to come in with brow makeup on so the artist can see the every day look you prefer. Reference pictures of shapes and colors of brows are always welcomed.
What are the post-care instructions?
Try to keep the treated area as dry as possible for 14 days or until the scabs fall off. (This does not mean bone dry! Just try to avoid saturating the brow area) When showering, make sure to avoid face area. When cleaning or washing face, make sure to avoid brows and clean around it.
No excessive sweating such as intense cardio, hot yoga, etc. for 7-10 days.
Wipe your brow area 3-5 times with the provided water wipe on the first day.
If at any point during the first 2 weeks your brows feel dry, tight, or flaky, you may apply a thin layer of the provided ointment before you go to bed or in the morning when you wake up.
Do not apply other occlusive products to the brow area such as Neosporin, Vaseline, or Aquaphor.
Do not put makeup on the brow area for a minimum of 10 days or until the scabs have flaked off.
The brow area may feel slightly itchy as it heals and will start to lightly scab over. Do not peel or pick at the scabs as this can affect the outcome and pigmentation.
Do not go swimming, tanning, or into saunas for at least 14 days.
No face scrubs or chemical peels at least 2 weeks after.
Is anyone not suitable for the procedure?
PMU is not suitable for the following candidates:
Anyone using Accutane. Accutane usage must be stopped for at least 1 full year prior to microblading.
Have heart conditions or using heart medications
Have diabetes (will require a physician's note)
Have skin disease or irritations on the face (specifically the brow area)
Allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine or epinephrine
Anyone who has any serious medical conditions may require a physician's note.
Pregnant women (breast feeding is allowed)
* We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who we deem not suitable for this procedure or for any other reason.
Can I get PMU if I have an old tattoo or previous work done by someone else?
We are extremely selective when working over existing tattoos and other tattoo artists' work. If you have had your eyebrows previously worked on, please book an in-person consultation, or email us clear photos of your brows BEFORE booking and appointment (sabiskinstudio@gmail.com). In addition to the photos in your email, please include the date of your last brow tattoo and how many sessions you have received.
Risks and complications?
We take all proper precautions for a safe session by using sterilized equipment and new needles in a sanitized environment. Should clients follow our pre and post care instructions, there should be minimal risks or complications. Although allergic reactions to the pigments are rare, it could be possible for certain individuals. We suggest a pigment patch test for individuals who have high skin sensitivities or are sensitive to:
Topical makeup products
Gold, silver and nickel
Hair dyes
Patch tests should be performed 5-7 days prior.
What if I don't like it?
As with all cosmetic procedures, individuals should not make their choices lightly. Every effort will be made to achieve an even appearance, but please realize our faces are never perfectly symmetrical. Brows are sisters, not twins! Uneven appearance can be fixed during the touch up session. Pigment discoloration and color correction can also be fixed during the the touch up session. PMU brows will eventually fade away if no additional touch ups are done.
Still have more questions?
Should you still have more questions or inquiries, feel free to give us a shout at 224.655.2295 or email us at sabiskinstudio@gmail.com