Aftercare and Follow-Up
Aftercare questions test healing timelines, client instructions, and recognition of normal versus abnormal healing. Good aftercare protects pigment retention and reduces infection risk.
Core rules
Give written instructions before the client leaves. For brows, expect oozing and tenderness for 1-3 days, flaking around days 3-7, and patchiness until the 4-6 week touch-up. For lips, expect more swelling and peeling. Clean gently per protocol, apply a thin ointment if recommended, and avoid picking, scratching, makeup over the area, swimming, saunas, and intense exercise for the advised period. Use sun protection after healing. Signs requiring referral include spreading redness, pus, fever, increasing pain, or a blistering rash.
Worked example
At day 3, a client reports flaking brows and wants to scrub them smooth. Reasoning: flaking is normal epidermal healing; scrubbing can remove pigment and irritate skin. Advise gentle cleansing, no picking, and review at the touch-up window.
Traps
Advising thick occlusive ointment that suffocates the area; letting clients exfoliate; scheduling a touch-up too early; ignoring signs of infection; failing to document aftercare instructions.