You just had your Permanent Makeup (PMU) treatment—whether brows, lips, or eyeliner—and now you’re wondering: what happens next? The healing phase is just as important as the procedure itself. Knowing what to expect day by day can help you stay calm, prepared, and ready to get the best results.
Day 1 – Right After the Procedure
Immediately after your PMU session, the area may feel slightly sore or tight, and you might notice some redness or swelling. This is completely normal. The pigment will look much darker than the final healed result—don’t worry, it will soften!
Do: Gently blot the area with a clean tissue to remove excess lymph fluid every 30 minutes for the first few hours.
Don’t: Apply water, makeup, or skincare products on the area.
Days 2–3 – The Dark Phase
The treated area may darken further as the pigment oxidizes. Your brows (or lips/eyeliner) might look bold, almost too intense. Trust the process—this is temporary.
Common feelings: Shock or doubt about how dark it looks. This is totally normal.
Days 4–7 – The Flaking Phase
This is when the top layer of skin begins to flake and peel off naturally. DO NOT pick or scratch—it can pull out pigment and cause patchy spots.
Do: Let the flakes fall off on their own. You may gently cleanse the area with water and a very mild cleanser if advised by your artist.
Don’t: Go swimming, use saunas, get facials, or expose the area to steam, sweat, or direct sun.
Days 8–14 – The Ghosting Phase
At this point, many people panic—the pigment may appear to have vanished! This is called “ghosting,” a normal part of healing. The skin is regenerating underneath, and pigment will reappear as the skin settles.
Days 15–30 – Color Returns
Gradually, the true color and shape begin to reveal themselves. You’ll notice a softer, more natural look compared to Day 1. Some areas might still look uneven—that’s okay. The touch-up session will perfect it.
After 4 Weeks – Time for Touch-Up
Once the skin is fully healed (typically around 4–6 weeks), you’ll come in for a touch-up. This session ensures perfect symmetry, pigment saturation, and overall balance.
Important Aftercare Tips
- ✅ No water, sweat, sauna, swimming, or sun for 7–10 days
- ✅ No makeup or skincare on the treated area
- ✅ Use only recommended ointment or healing balm (if advised)
- ✅ Sleep on your back to avoid rubbing the area
- ✅ Be patient—healing is a journey
Final Thoughts
Every skin heals differently, but with proper care and realistic expectations, your PMU results can be stunning and long-lasting. When in doubt, reach out to your artist—they’re your best guide through the process.
Tags: PMU Healing, Permanent Makeup Aftercare, Brows Healing, Lip Blush Healing, Eyeliner PMU, Day by Day PMU
