PMU Eyeliner Aftercare
Eyeliner Aftercare
Saltbox Aesthetics | Dallas, Texas
Performed by Casandra Brown
Proper aftercare is essential for comfort, pigment retention, and safe healing. The skin surface typically heals within 7β10 days, while pigment continues settling for up to 28 days.
Day 1 β Treatment Day
- Apply ointment every 2 hours to the brow bone area (not directly on the tattoo line unless directed β ointment will naturally soften downward).
- Gently blot the liner area with clean, damp cotton rounds to remove lymphatic fluid.
- At home, rinse lightly with warm water and allow to air dry.
- Apply a thin layer of the provided ointment as directed.
- Wash hands before touching the eye area.
- Use a fresh pillowcase and sleep slightly elevated.
- Avoid sleeping on your face.
It is normal for eyeliner to appear bright and dark immediately after treatment. Mild redness and puffiness may occur and can last 1β3 days.
Cool compresses (clean cotton rounds soaked in cool water) may help reduce swelling.
Day 2
- Apply ointment 3β4 times daily to the brow bone area.
- Gently cleanse once daily with warm water only.
- Pat dry carefully β do not rub.
- Continue applying a thin layer of ointment.
Pigment may appear darker during this stage. This is normal.
Days 3β7 β Active Healing Phase
- Apply ointment twice daily (morning and evening) to the brow bone area.
- Cleanse gently once daily with water only.
- Avoid over-washing.
Light crusting or scabbing may form. Mild itching is normal.
- Do NOT pick, peel, or scratch.
- Premature removal can cause uneven healing, pigment loss, scarring, or infection.
If small crusts rest on lashes, they may be gently removed once naturally loosened. Some lash shedding may occur and is normal.
Days 10β14
- Discontinue ointment.
- The skin is healed but remains delicate.
- Scabbing should be resolved and pigment will begin softening in color.
Avoid cosmetic procedures, lash tinting, swimming, or sauna use during this period.
Pigment may continue adjusting in tone. Minor gaps or unevenness are normal and refined at the touch-up appointment (6β8 weeks after initial treatment).
Showering (First 10 Days)
- Keep showers brief to minimize steam.
- Keep face out of direct shower spray.
- Wash hair at the end of the shower to limit water exposure.
- Avoid excessive rinsing or hot water on the treated area.
For 10β14 Days β Avoid
- Contact lenses (first 48 hours)
- Mascara until outer healing is complete (do not use old mascara)
- Eye makeup for 10 days
- Saline eye drops
- Eyelash curlers for 2 weeks
- Eyelash extensions for at least 2 weeks
- Sweating on the face
- Swimming, hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms
- Direct sun exposure or tanning beds
- Heavy household cleaning or dusty environments
- Driving open-air vehicles (convertibles, motorcycles, boats, bicycles)
Always avoid retinol, glycolic acid, AHA, hydroquinone, vitamin C, peels, or brightening treatments near the eyes, as these may cause premature fading.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may delay healing.
What to Expect
Normal healing may include:
- Dryness
- Tightness
- Patchy color
- Temporary fading
- Mild swelling
Additional normal changes:
- Liner will appear darker initially and soften over 2β4 weeks.
- Mild swelling or redness may last up to 72 hours.
- Light flaking or crusting may occur during days 3β7.
If needed, the first touch-up is typically performed 6β8 weeks after treatment. Maintenance refresh sessions are commonly scheduled every 1β2 years, depending on skin type and lifestyle.
Contact Your Artist If You Experience
- Signs of infection such as spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus or drainage, or fever
- Worsening swelling after 72 hours
- Severe pain that is not improving
Questions or Concerns
All post-treatment questions, healing concerns, and touch-up scheduling are handled directly by the artist.
If you experience signs of infection or an adverse reaction, seek medical care promptly and notify your artist.
Casandra Brown
Saltbox Aesthetics β Dallas
Phone: 469-659-8610