PMU - Aftercare Advice

AWM - Absorb, Wash and Moisturize

Absorb (Day of)

After the procedure, gently blot the area with a clean tissue to absorb excess lymph fluid.

Do this every 5 minutes until the oozing has stopped.

Removing this fluid prevents hardening of the lymphatic fluids.

Wash (Days 1-7)

• Wash daily to remove bacteria, build up of product and oils, and dead skin. (Don't worry, THIS DOES NOT REMOVE THE PIGMENT!)
• Gently wash the area each morning and night with water and gentle soap or an unscented cleanser like Dial Soap, Cetaphil, or baby shampoo.  With a very light touch, use your fingertips to gently cleanse the area.
• Rub the area in a smooth motion for 10 seconds and rinse with water ensuring that all soap is rinsed away.
• To dry, gently pat with a clean tissue. DO NOT use any cleansing products containing acids (glycolic, lactic, or AHA), or exfoliants.

Moisturize and hydrate (Days 1-7)

• Apply a tiny, rice grain amount of the recommended ointment/solution 3 times a day with a cotton swab and spread it across the treated area.
• Be sure not to over-apply, as this will suffocate your skin and delay healing. The product should be barely noticeable on the skin.
• NEVER put the product on a wet or damp tattoo.

Important Reminders

• Use a fresh pillowcase while you sleep.
• Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. Picking can cause scarring or loss of color.
• No facials, botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks.
• Avoid hot, sweaty exercise for one week.
• Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 4 weeks after the procedure.  Wear a hat when outdoors.
• Avoid long, hot showers for the first 10 days.
• Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days.
• Avoid face-down swimming, lakes, and hot tubs for the first 10 days,
• Avoid topical makeup and sunscreen on the area.
• DO NOT rub, pick, or scratch the treated area.

Showering

• Limit your showers to 5 minutes so that you do not create too much steam. Keep your face/procedure area out of the water while you wash your body, then, at the end of your shower, wash your hair.
• Your face should only be getting wet only at the end of the shower.  
• Avoid excessive rinsing and hot water on the treated area.

Wet vs Dry Healing

This is where things get misconstrued. Many artists tell their clients not to wash the area for the entire healing time. Client’s mistake this for a “dry healing method” in actuality, this is what the different healing methods are:  

The wet healing method - applying a product to the area after washing the area

The dry healing method - not applying any product to the area after washing the area.

But, what method actually promotes the best healing?

The wet method of daily washing to reduce the buildup of bacteria and dead skin coupled with the application of an aftercare product allows the skin to heal fastest and so your beautiful artwork can show through.

When to Seek Medical Attention

You should contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Excessive redness, warmth, or swelling at the site that worsens over time

• Pus or unusual discharge

• Persistent or severe pain beyond the normal healing period

• Fever or chills

• Rash, hives, or intense itching (possible allergic reaction)

• Swelling of the lips, face, or throat, or difficulty breathing (seek emergency care)

• Blisters or open sores that do not heal properly

Aftercare Restrictions: Gardening and Animal Contact

After receiving permanent makeup (PMU) treatments—such as eyebrows, eyeliner, or lip blush—it’s essential to follow strict aftercare guidelines to ensure proper healing and avoid complications like infection or pigment loss. Among these guidelines are restrictions on certain physical activities, including gardening and contact with animals.

1. Gardening:

• Why it's restricted: Soil contains bacteria and other contaminants that can easily cause infection in healing skin.

• Duration: Avoid gardening for at least 7 to 10 days post-treatment, or until the area has fully scabbed and healed over. If gardening is necessary, wear a clean mask, gloves, and avoid touching your face.

2. Contact with Animals (especially pets):

• Why it's restricted: Pets may carry bacteria, dander, and allergens that can irritate or infect the treated area.

• Duration: Avoid close contact with pets for 7 to 14 days, especially keeping them away from your face. Do not let pets lick or touch the treated area.

General Healing Timeline

• Days 1–3: Area may appear darker, swollen, and slightly tender.

• Days 4–10: Scabbing and flaking occur—this is the most vulnerable period.

• Days 10–14: Outer healing typically completes; pigment softens.

• Full healing: Can take up to 4–6 weeks depending on individual skin type and location of the PMU.

Would you like a printable aftercare sheet for clients that includes these restrictions?

Signs and Symptoms of Infection

You should contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Excessive redness, warmth, or swelling at the site that worsens over time

• Pus or unusual discharge

• Persistent or severe pain beyond the normal healing period

• Fever or chills

• Rash, hives, or intense itching (possible allergic reaction)

• Swelling of the lips, face, or throat, or difficulty breathing (seek emergency care)

• Blisters or open sores that do not heal properly

Signs and symptoms of infection include, but are not limited to,
redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart, elevated body temperature, or purulent drainage from the procedure site.