Consultation and Patch Test
You will receive a thorough consultation to discuss the look you would like to achieve from PMU and to discuss the colour, position and shape.
A patch test will also be done, to make sure you're not allergic to the pigment or anesthetic.
On the day
A local anaesthetic cream will be applied to numb your skin. You will undergo a mapping procedure which involves the clinician drawing on your skin with a surgical pen or pencil.
A sterile single-use needle will be inserted underneath the upper layers of skin to deposit pigmented granules. The pigment is usually iron oxide, which is least likely to cause allergic reactions and bleeding.
Secondary aesthetic might be applied if you are experiencing over sensitivity to the procedure. You will expect some sensitivity due to the use of the sterile needle.
The procedure takes a number of hours to complete.
You will need 2 applications spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, and "maintenance" or "top-up" treatments after 1 to 3 years.
Afterwards
A barrier cream applied and you will need to apply this 2 times a day if you feel the area drying out and continue to use it for up to 14 days, or until the area has fully healed.
You may experiencing some liquid in the area treated. This is normal and is called lymphatic fluid. You will need to gently blot the area with a tissue every 5 minutes until fluid stops.
The area may feel itchy or be quite dry while it is healing.
Initially, the colour may appear very intense. It takes about 4 weeks for the colour to fade to its permanent shade.
The surrounding area may be red and a little swollen immediately after treatment and (depending on the procedure) for a few days afterwards. There may be a few spots of blood on the first day.
It can take about 2 weeks to fully heal, after which time you'll be able to follow your usual routine and use beauty products.
You will be booked a top up appointment in 4 to 6 weeks so the results can be reviewed and refined if necessary.
Avoidance of activities which may cause contra-actions during the skin healing process are UV exposure, saunas, swimming, do not use chemical/perfumed products/exfoliating agents/high factor sun cream, avoid blood donation for 6 months post treatment.