What to Expect Before, During, and After Your First PMU Session

Getting your first permanent makeup (PMU) treatment is exciting! Whether you’re opting for microblading, ombré brows, lip blush, or another PMU service, knowing what to expect can ease any nerves and make the experience even more enjoyable. Let’s break down what you’ll experience before, during, and after your first PMU session.

Before Your PMU Session: Preparation is Key

Preparing for your PMU session is essential to ensure the best possible results and minimize any discomfort.

1. Consultation and Choosing the Right Style

• Consultation: Many artists, including myself at PermaGlowShanna, offer consultations where we discuss your goals, review photos, and answer questions about the process.

• Choosing Your Look: Each PMU treatment can be customized to achieve your desired look. Whether you want a natural enhancement or a more defined style, we’ll help you select the colors, shapes, and styles that suit your features best.

  
  

2. Pre-Treatment Instructions

• Avoid Certain Products: For 48 hours before your session, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and blood-thinning medications, as they can increase sensitivity and bleeding during the procedure.

• Skin Care Caution: Skip exfoliants, retinoids, and other strong skincare treatments near the PMU area for about a week before your appointment to reduce skin sensitivity.

• Rest and Hydrate: Arrive well-rested and hydrated, as this will help your skin be in the best condition for the procedure.

  
  

During Your PMU Session: The Process Unfolded

Understanding the steps involved during your PMU session can help you feel more comfortable.

1. Mapping and Numbing

• Mapping and Shaping: Your artist will begin by mapping out the treatment area (whether brows, lips, or lash line) using a pencil or marker. This step ensures that the shape aligns with your facial features and meets your expectations.

• Approval of Shape: You’ll get a chance to review and approve the shape before proceeding. Feel free to ask for adjustments—this is your time to make sure the outline is perfect!

• Numbing Cream: A numbing agent is typically applied to minimize discomfort. Most clients report feeling only slight pressure or tingling rather than pain.

  
  

2. The Tattooing Process

• Layering the Pigment: The artist will use a specialized tool or machine to insert pigment into the upper layers of your skin. For brows, this may involve a microblading pen for hair-like strokes, while a machine is often used for lip blush or eyeliner.

• Comfort and Communication: You’re encouraged to communicate any discomfort, and touch-ups to the numbing cream can be made as needed. The session can last anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on the treatment and level of detail.

  
  

After Your PMU Session: Healing and Aftercare

Once your session is complete, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure optimal healing and color retention.

1. Immediate Aftercare

• Swelling and Redness: You may experience slight redness and swelling in the treated area. This is completely normal and should subside within a few hours to a couple of days.

• Avoid Touching the Area: Refrain from touching or rubbing the area to reduce the risk of infection.

  
  

2. Following Your Aftercare Instructions

• Keep It Dry: Avoid getting the area wet for the first 7-10 days. This means being careful when washing your face and avoiding swimming, steam rooms, and excessive sweating.

• Apply Ointment as Directed: Your artist will recommend a healing ointment to keep the area moisturized. Only apply it as instructed—over-moisturizing can affect pigment retention.

• Avoid Makeup and Skincare Products: Don’t apply makeup to the treated area, and avoid harsh skincare products around it while healing.

  
  

3. The Healing Stages

• Peeling and Flaking: It’s normal for the treated area to start flaking and peeling a few days after the session. This is part of the natural healing process as the skin renews itself.

• Color Fading: The pigment may appear darker initially, but it will soften and settle into a more natural shade over the next few weeks.

• Touch-Up Session: Most PMU treatments require a touch-up session 4-6 weeks after the initial treatment to perfect the results and address any faded areas. This session ensures that your PMU lasts longer and looks even.

  
  

FAQs and Tips for Your First PMU Experience

• How Long Will My PMU Last?The longevity of PMU varies based on the technique and skin type. Typically, brow treatments last 1-2 years, while lip blush can last up to 2-3 years.

• Will It Hurt?Discomfort varies per person, but numbing agents keep most clients comfortable. Many describe the sensation as mild scratching or tingling.

• Can I Wear Makeup After?You should avoid makeup on the treated area until fully healed to prevent infection or irritation. Once healed, feel free to enjoy your fresh look with or without additional makeup!

  
  

Final Thoughts

Getting your first PMU treatment is an exciting step toward low-maintenance beauty. By knowing what to expect before, during, and after your session, you can ensure that your PMU experience is smooth and satisfying.

At PermaGlowShanna, I am dedicated to making your PMU journey as comfortable and rewarding as possible. If you’re ready to embrace effortless beauty and wake up with confidence every day, book your consultation today!