Microblading, a semi-permanent procedure that creates the illusion of fuller brows by making tiny incisions in your skin and inserting ink (like a tattoo), may seem like a great alternative to filling in your brows on the daily. Many have undergone the procedure for its results and convenience.
As reported by Detroit-based NBC affiliate WDIV, the woman (who chose to remain anonymous) initially walked out of her procedure loving the results. However, in the days following her session, she says she noticed her little lumps appearing on her brow area, which eventually became so inflamed that she sought help at an urgent care center.
“They diagnosed me with cellulitis on my face, gave me an antibiotic, and sent me on my way,” she said to WDIV, which showed pictures of the red, scaly skin that was where her eyebrows used to be. And unfortunately, that’s not where the story ends. (Cellulitis is defined by the Mayo Clinic as “a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection,” with symptoms including redness, blistering, and swelling of the skin.)
Her brows kept getting worse, to the point where she went to the ER, where she was given intravenous antibiotics and steroids, and admitted for three days. During her stay, she dutifully documented her brows with pictures, and her condition eventually worsened to the point that her face began swelling up.
“There are a lot of variables” dermatologist Dr. Steven Grekin, who has been treating this woman’s brows in the aftermath, told WDIV. “Is the patient allergic to the ink that they tattoo you with? That’s number one. Is she allergic to something that they used to prep the skin? Did she get an infection…?”
Dr. Grekin also noted that this could be a life-threatening situation if not treated properly, because of the eyebrows’s proximity to the sinuses and the brain.
However unexpected an adverse reaction of this sort is, there’s one major red flag that should stand out to anyone looking to get their brows microbladed: Most microblading procedures cost upwards of $700, but this woman paid a mere $250 for hers. And while a bargain rate may seem like an irresistible deal, if the price seems to good to be true, it probably is.
As with any procedure that includes cutting into the skin, there’s always healing time involved. Mild scabbing and redness is normal, but after the brows have healed, they’re supposed to look natural. If you’re considering getting your brows microbladed, make sure you do your research. Don’t cut corners by cutting costs, because it could seriously harm your health. Make sure the clinic is legit, and that the aesthetician is properly trained and using sterile tools.
