Eyeliner tattoos, also known as permanent eyeliner, have become an increasingly popular beauty treatment. This procedure is ideal for those who want to save time on their daily makeup routine or achieve the perfect eyeliner look without the hassle of reapplying throughout the day.
However, before undergoing this procedure, it’s essential to know what to expect, particularly regarding the healing process. This will not only help you prepare but also ensure that you care for your eyes correctly as they heal. So, how long does it take for an eyeliner tattoo to heal, and what should you expect throughout the process?
How Long Does It Take For An Eyeliner Tattoo To Heal?
The healing process for an eyeliner tattoo typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. However, it’s essential to understand that healing times can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as skin type, aftercare, and the body’s natural healing ability.
In this time frame, the tattoo will go through different stages, starting with some immediate swelling and scabbing to the final stage, where the colour fully settles into your skin.
Day 1 To Day 3: Immediate Recovery
Right after the procedure, your eyes may appear swollen, red, and sensitive. This is entirely normal as your skin reacts to the tattooing process.
The swelling can last up to 72 hours, and during this time, it may feel similar to the discomfort one experiences after crying or having puffy eyes from allergies. Cold compresses or ice packs wrapped in a soft cloth can help reduce swelling, but make sure not to apply too much pressure on the area.
In these early days, it’s essential to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, as doing so may disturb the tattoo pigment and increase the risk of infection. You’ll notice that the colour of your tattoo may appear much darker than anticipated. Don’t worry! This is due to the pigments sitting on the surface of the skin, and it will lighten as the skin heals.
Day 4 To Day 7: Scabbing And Peeling
As your eyeliner tattoo begins to heal, scabs will start to form. This is a natural part of the healing process. It’s crucial during this time to avoid picking at the scabs. Picking can result in uneven colour distribution and increase the chances of infection or scarring.
The peeling phase can be a little unsettling, as it often causes the eyeliner to look patchy or uneven. Don’t be alarmed if some areas look lighter than others. This is temporary, and the full colour won’t reveal itself until the skin has healed completely. By the end of the first week, the swelling should subside significantly, and the scabbing will begin to fade.
Day 8 To Day 14: Pigment Softening
In this stage, the scabs have typically fallen off, leaving behind what looks like a lighter or more faded version of your desired result. This phase can cause concern for some people, as they fear the tattoo didn’t “stick.” However, this is entirely normal.
As the deeper layers of your skin continue to heal, the pigment will slowly resurface, and the colour will gradually intensify. The healing process underneath the surface of your skin is still in progress, and you’ll need to be patient as the final result starts to show.
Week 4 To Week 6: Final Healing
By week four, the majority of the healing process should be complete, although some people may experience minor flaking or slight skin sensitivity. At this point, your eyeliner tattoo should start looking closer to its intended colour and shape.
The final colour won’t be fully visible until around 6 weeks after the procedure. It’s at this point that any touch-ups can be considered. A follow-up appointment with your artist may be required to adjust any faded areas or imperfections. A touch-up is quite common and can enhance the longevity of the tattoo.
What To Expect During The Healing Process
Swelling and Redness
- As mentioned earlier, some swelling and redness are expected after the eyeliner tattoo procedure. In most cases, these side effects are mild and last no more than a few days. However, some people with sensitive skin or allergies may experience more pronounced reactions. If your swelling lasts more than 72 hours or you develop severe redness, contact your technician or a healthcare provider to rule out any possible infections.
Itching and Discomfort
- It’s natural for your skin to feel a bit itchy or uncomfortable as it heals. It’s vital not to scratch, rub, or pick at the area. Applying any ointment recommended by your technician can help soothe these symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also provide some relief if you’re experiencing discomfort.
Blurry Vision and Sensitivity
- Some people experience blurry vision or light sensitivity during the healing process. This is typically due to mild swelling and shouldn’t last longer than a day or two. If your vision remains blurry after this period, it’s essential to seek medical advice.
Colour Changes
- Expect the eyeliner colour to go through various stages before settling. Immediately after the procedure, it may look darker than desired, then fade during the healing phase. By the end of the 6 weeks, it will stabilize, revealing the final colour.
Eyeliner Tattoo Aftercare Tips
Proper aftercare is crucial for ensuring your eyeliner tattoo heals well and looks its best. Here are some important aftercare eyeliner tattoo tips to follow:
- Avoid Water on Your Eyes: In the first few days, you should avoid getting water directly on your eyes. This includes swimming, sauna sessions, or long showers that expose your face to water. Clean your face with a soft cloth and be careful to avoid the eye area.
- Don’t Rub or Touch the Tattooed Area: It can be tempting to touch or rub your eyes, especially if you experience itching. However, doing so can disturb the pigment and increase the risk of infection.
- Apply the Recommended Ointment: Your technician will likely provide you with an ointment to apply to the tattooed area. Use it as instructed to keep the skin moisturized and help with healing. Be sure to apply it with clean hands to avoid introducing bacteria.
- Avoid Makeup and Skincare Products on the Eyes: It’s important to skip wearing makeup or applying any harsh skincare products around the eyes during the healing process. Makeup can irritate the skin, and some products may interfere with the healing.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Exposure to the sun can cause the tattoo to fade prematurely and can also slow down the healing process. If you need to be outside, wear sunglasses and avoid direct sun exposure on the tattooed area.
When To Seek Medical Attention
Although rare, infections or adverse reactions can occur after an eyeliner tattoo. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s essential to seek medical attention:
- Excessive swelling or redness that lasts more than three days
- Pus or yellow discharge from the tattooed area
- Intense pain that doesn’t subside after a few days
- Fever or other signs of infection
Infections are uncommon, but they can happen if proper aftercare isn’t followed or if the procedure is done in an unclean environment.
Conclusion
Eyeliner tattoos offer a fantastic way to enhance your eyes with a low-maintenance, long-lasting look. Understanding the healing process and how to take care of your skin afterwards is essential for achieving the best results.
The healing process can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, but with patience and proper aftercare, you’ll soon enjoy a beautifully enhanced eyeliner that simplifies your beauty routine. Just remember to avoid rushing the healing process and be prepared for some temporary discomfort and colour changes during the recovery period.