Microblading What to Expect Before and After

Reviewed by Otto R. Garcia MD Board Certified Internist at Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center. Last updated October 2026

About the reviewer: Dr Otto R Garcia is a board certified internist who sees patients at Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center on Pulaski Road in Chicago. His practice covers internal medicine and general adult care for the Hermosa Belmont Cragin Humboldt Park Logan Square and Austin communities.

A cosmetic specialist byline will replace this general medical review once a credentialed cosmetic provider is confirmed by the clinic.

Key takeaways

• Microblading deposits pigment into the upper layer of skin using fine strokes.

• Results typically last twelve to eighteen months before fading.

• Healing takes about four to six weeks for full color settling.

• A touch up session is usually scheduled four to eight weeks after the first appointment.

• A patch test and consultation happen before any pigment is applied.

The most common mistake people make before booking microblading is expecting the exact final result on day one. Fresh microblading looks darker and bolder than the healed result which softens considerably over the following weeks. Understanding this timeline ahead of time prevents unnecessary worry during the healing process.

What microblading actually is

Microblading is a semi permanent technique that deposits pigment into the upper layer of the skin using a fine hand tool to create individual hair like strokes. The goal is a natural looking fuller brow shape that follows your existing brow pattern rather than a solid filled in look. Results are considered semi permanent rather than permanent since the pigment fades gradually over time.

Before your appointment

A consultation happens before any pigment is applied to discuss your desired shape color and to review your health history for any factors that would affect candidacy. A patch test is typically done in advance to check for any reaction to the pigment. Avoiding blood thinning medications and alcohol in the days before your appointment when possible is commonly recommended.

Wondering if microblading is right for your brow shape. A consultation gives you a clear answer. Call 773 772 8876.

What the healing process looks like

Immediately after your session the color will appear noticeably darker and bolder than the final healed result which is completely normal. Over the following week the area may flake slightly as it heals. By four to six weeks the color settles into a softer more natural looking shade which is the true final result.

The touch up appointment

A touch up session is typically scheduled four to eight weeks after the initial appointment to fill in any areas where pigment did not fully retain and to fine tune the shape. This second session is considered a standard part of the full microblading process rather than an optional extra step.

Caring for your brows after treatment

Keeping the area dry for the first several days and avoiding direct sun exposure helps the pigment heal properly and last as long as possible. Avoiding makeup directly on the treated area until it has fully healed is also recommended. The provider will give you specific aftercare instructions before you leave your appointment.

What Medicaid and Medicare cover for microblading in Chicago

Illinois Medicaid and Medicare do not cover microblading since it is considered a cosmetic elective procedure rather than a medically necessary treatment. What can be bundled into your visit includes the consultation and patch test scheduled ahead of the procedure. Coverage varies by plan so always call to confirm. We accept Medicaid and Medicare. Call 773 772 8876 to confirm your plan before the visit.

Ready to come in

Call 773 772 8876 or book online now (hermosamedicalcenter.com/appointment). Walk ins are welcome at Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center on Pulaski Road. No referral is needed for most visits.

A typical case we see

A patient from Austin came in wanting fuller looking brows after years of over plucking left them sparse. The provider mapped a shape suited to her face during the consultation and completed the first session followed by a touch up six weeks later. She said the healed result looked natural enough that coworkers assumed it was simply her regular brow shape.

Visiting from Hermosa or nearby neighborhoods

Patients from Hermosa Belmont Cragin Humboldt Park Logan Square and Austin can reach the clinic on Pulaski Road for a microblading consultation. The clinic also offers PRP therapy (hermosamedicalcenter.com/services/Hermosa-Cosmetic) and Botox (hermosamedicalcenter.com/services/Hermosa-Cosmetic) if you are exploring more than one cosmetic option.

Who is a good candidate

Most people with sparse or uneven brows are reasonable candidates for microblading though certain skin types and health conditions can affect how well the pigment retains or how the skin heals. Oily skin for example tends to hold pigment less precisely over time compared with normal or dry skin types. The consultation is where the provider reviews your specific skin type and health history to confirm candidacy before scheduling treatment.

How microblading differs from a tattoo

Microblading uses a different technique and pigment depth than a traditional tattoo which is part of why the result fades over time instead of remaining permanent. The pigment sits in the upper layer of skin rather than being deposited as deeply as tattoo ink. This shallower placement is intentional since it allows the brow shape to be adjusted or refreshed as trends and preferences change over the years.

Questions worth asking at your consultation

Bringing a clear idea of the shape and fullness you want helps the consultation move efficiently though the provider will also offer guidance based on your natural brow pattern and face shape. Asking about the pigment used the expected fading timeline and the provider's experience with your specific skin type are all reasonable questions to raise before booking your first session.

Frequently asked questions

Does microblading hurt A topical numbing cream is applied beforehand so most patients describe the sensation as mild discomfort rather than pain.

How long does the appointment take The initial session typically takes about two to three hours including consultation numbing time and the procedure itself.

Will the color look too dark at first Yes this is normal. Fresh microblading appears darker and softens to a more natural shade over the following weeks.

How often do I need a refresh after the first year Most patients return for a color refresh around twelve to eighteen months after their initial treatment as pigment fades.

Related reading

Botox Benefits and Risks What to Know Before You Book (hermosamedicalcenter.com/blog/botox-benefits-and-risks) PRP Therapy Benefits Explained (hermosamedicalcenter.com/blog/prp-therapy-benefits)

Next step

Read more about Cosmetic Services at Hermosa Medical (hermosamedicalcenter.com/services/Hermosa-Cosmetic) or book a visit directly (hermosamedicalcenter.com/appointment).

Visit Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center

Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center 2004 N Pulaski Rd Chicago IL 60639 Phone 773 772 8876 Walk ins welcome. Medicaid and Medicare accepted. Se habla espanol. Book an appointment (hermosamedicalcenter.com/appointment)

Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center welcomes patients from Hermosa Belmont Cragin Humboldt Park Logan Square and Austin. The clinic sits on Pulaski Road with street parking available near the entrance. The Pulaski bus line and the Blue Line both stop within walking distance of the building.

Map: https://www.google.com/maps?q=2004+N+Pulaski+Rd+Chicago+IL+60639

Hablamos espanol. Llame al 773 772 8876 para programar su cita.

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