Microblading is a semi-permanent procedure for enhancing eyebrows. It mimics natural hairs using pigment. It’s a great way to get fuller eyebrows without having to maintain them every day. If you are pregnant, you might wonder if microblading is safe or if you should wait.
This article will explain what microblading actually is, how it functions, and if it’s safe to do during pregnancy.
What is Microblading?
Microblading uses medical grade pigments to create hair-like strokes in the eyebrows. A technician with a small handheld tool uses tiny needles to make shallow skin cuts and deposit pigment. The results last about 18 months and provide a permanent solution to fuller looking brows.
Microblading differs from tattooing in that the pigment is not injected as deeply. Microblading is more permanent than tattoos because it only affects the top layers of skin.
Can You Safely Get Microblading During Pregnancy?
There isn’t enough conclusive evidence to prove that microblading can be done safely during pregnancy. There is limited information about the effects of microblading on pregnant women because they are usually excluded from cosmetic procedures and chemical studies. Many experts advise caution and to wait until after pregnancy before microblading.
Safety concerns often revolve around whether pigments used for microblading could enter the bloodstream or pass through the placenta and possibly impact the baby. There is no evidence to support this, but the unknown risks are enough for many people to be cautious.
The risks of microblading during pregnancy
While less invasive than traditional tattooing, microblading still involves small cuts to insert pigment. If you are considering microblading during pregnancy, here are some things to consider:
1. Risk of Infection
Infections can spread easily when you make small cuts on the skin. Infections can be caused by bacterial infections, or more serious conditions like hepatitis and staph.
The immune system is suppressed during pregnancy. This makes it difficult for the body’s defenses to combat infections. Minor infections can be more severe when pregnant. It is important to limit exposure to infection sources.
2. Increased Sensitivity to Pain
The hormones that are released during pregnancy can cause your skin to be more sensitive. This could make microblading uncomfortable. Many technicians also use numbing lotions before beginning, but pregnant women still may feel increased sensitivity.
The hormonal changes that cause increased blood flow can also increase bleeding, which could affect the end result and cause discomfort.
3. Pigment absorption: Unknown effects
Microblading in pregnancy poses a number of unknowns, including whether the pigments are absorbed by the bloodstream. According to some studies, trace amounts of tattoo pigment can enter the body systems such as the lymphatic. Microblading pigments may behave differently because they penetrate deeper layers of the skin. However, since tattooing does not, it is unclear whether microblading’s pigments will behave the same.
It’s difficult to know for sure without more data whether these pigments can reach the baby through the placenta or bloodstream. It is unclear whether pigment particles can affect fetal growth. This makes it a factor to be considered.
4. Hormonal changes can cause complications
The hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy affect many systems of the body, including skin sensitivity. For example, higher estrogen levels can increase blood circulation, which could lead to increased bleeding when microblading. A lot of bleeding can dilute pigment and reduce the effectiveness of treatment.
Can you touch up microblading during pregnancy?
It may be best to wait after your pregnancy if you have already had microblading and want a touch up. Touch-ups require reopening of the skin to add new pigment. This procedure carries the exact same risks as an initial procedure. Touch-ups are just as risky as a full treatment. They can cause infection, pain and even pigment to enter the bloodstream.
Microblading and Breastfeeding: Is it Safe?
Breastfeeding is also a concern. There is not enough research to prove that microblading pigments are present in breastmilk, but if they can enter the bloodstream then it’s possible. Some mothers wait to microblading until after breastfeeding in order to avoid possible risks.
There are safer alternatives to microblading during pregnancy
There are safer options to microblading if you want to enhance your eyebrows without any risks. These alternatives don’t require breaking the skin, or use semi-permanent colors. Here are some options:
- Traditional Brow Shaping – Regular tweezing or waxing will help you achieve well defined brows, without any health risks.
- Brow Tinting: Tints can temporarily color your eyebrows and make them look fuller without damaging the skin. Choose natural, pregnancy-safe dyes.
- You can create more defined, fuller brows by using eyebrow pencils and gels. They are easy to remove at the end.
You can maintain your beauty regimen safely and still achieve the look you want.
Why wait to get microblading done?
Many healthcare professionals advise waiting to perform the procedure after breastfeeding and pregnancy. This is due to the lack of studies and the potential risks. While it might be tempting to treat yourself, you should always prioritize your safety and that of your child. It is possible to enhance brows with microblading, but not during pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
While it is up to you whether or not you decide to have microblading done while pregnant, understanding the risks and lack research is important. Although the likelihood of serious complications is low, parents-to be may still be concerned about the unknowns surrounding pigment absorption.
Consider other beauty treatments and brow enhancement methods that do not involve pigments or invasive procedures. After your baby’s birth and after you have finished breastfeeding, microblading is a great option.
Prioritize your own health and that of your child. Patience now will help you to maintain peace of mind, and ensure that both your child and yourself are safe during this crucial time.
This post was written by a professional at Lash Addict Studio. Lash Addict Studio’s owner has over 10 years of experience as a lash artist. Lash Addict Studio offers the best quality Lash Extensions Clearwater FL. In addition to being a lash studio, Lash Addict Studio also offers eyelash training certifying girls across the nation!
