Permanent eyeliner aftercare consists of keeping the eye area clean, not touching the scabs and following the instructions given by the doctor. Mild swelling and fine scabbing are a usual part of healing; their duration and how noticeable they are vary from person to person according to skin structure and the application. Below you can find what to expect in the first days and in which situations you should contact the clinic.
How permanent eyeliner and lower-lash liner are applied
Permanent eyeliner is a permanent makeup procedure in which pigment is placed in a thin line at the base of the lashes. The line on the upper eyelid is called eyeliner, and the line on the lower lash line is called lower-lash liner.
The short answer to how permanent lower-lash liner is done is this: first the line is planned according to your eye structure and the look you want, a suitable pigment is chosen, and then the pigment is worked into the skin with a fine tip along the base of the lashes. The products and method used may vary by practitioner; the whole process should be discussed with you before the procedure.
For detailed information about the procedure, you can look at our Izmir Permanent Eyeliner page.
What you see around the eyes in the first days
In the first days, redness, mild swelling, watering of the eye and the line looking darker than it is can be expected around the eyes. These are the natural reactions of the tissue after the procedure.
- The line stays prominent and dark in the first days, and softens as the scabs fall off.
- A feeling of tightness or tenderness may be felt on the eyelid.
- The swelling may be more noticeable in the mornings.
How long swelling lasts and ways to reduce it
Because the skin around the eyes is very thin, swelling in this area is noticed more easily than in other parts of the body. It generally becomes noticeable in the first days and gradually decreases in the following days; the exact duration varies from person to person.
Simple steps that can help reduce swelling are these:
- Keeping your head slightly raised while sleeping.
- If your doctor finds it suitable, applying a light cold compress with a clean cloth, without putting ice directly on the skin.
- Not rubbing or scratching the eyes.
- Cutting down on salty foods and alcohol in the first days.
For swelling after permanent makeup, a similar subject, you can also look at our article How Long Does Swelling Last After Permanent Makeup.
Scabbing and the rule of not touching scabs
Fine scabbing is normal, because the skin renews on its own the surface where the pigment was worked in. Scabs are not touched; if you pick them off, the pigment may not hold evenly, gaps may form in the line and the risk of scarring increases.
- Do not pick the scabs with your nails or fingers.
- Wait until the scabs fall off on their own.
- It is also usual for the line to look a little light after the scab falls off; the colour is in the process of settling.
Permanent eyeliner aftercare steps
The essence of care is to keep the area clean and moist while staying away from irritation. The written or verbal instruction given by your doctor always takes priority.
- Do not touch the eye area without washing your hands.
- Gently clean the area with clean cotton or sterile gauze, using the method your doctor recommends.
- If an ointment is needed, apply only the product your doctor recommends, in a very thin layer. Do not start an ointment such as Teramycin on your own decision; the doctor decides whether you will use it.
- Wear sunglasses and protect the area from direct sun.
- Do not use an eyelash curler or similar tools until healing is complete.
What to pay attention to regarding water, makeup and the eye area
During the healing period you should not wet the eye area or wear eye makeup. While showering, keeping your face away from soap and the flow of water, and cleaning your face without touching the eye area, is a good habit.
- Avoid places such as pools, the sea, saunas and Turkish baths.
- Do not use mascara, eyeshadow, pencils and eye makeup removers until the area has healed.
- If you wear lenses, ask your doctor when you can put them back in.
- Do not apply skin care products, especially those containing peeling agents or acids, around the eyes.
How long permanent lower-lash liner lasts and colour change
Permanent pigment fades over time; how long it stays visible varies with skin type, the pigment, sun exposure and care. For this reason the line may fade over the years and need to be refreshed from time to time. It would not be right to give a single duration that suits everyone; the doctor can give clearer information by seeing your skin.
If the line is crooked, faded or not in the tone you want, there are also correction options; for details you can look at the permanent makeup correction page.
In which cases the clinic should be informed
You should let the clinic know if the swelling and redness are gradually increasing, if the pain is getting worse or if discharge appears. These symptoms may be outside the usual course of healing and require a doctor’s evaluation.
- Swelling or redness that increases instead of decreasing as days go by.
- Increased warmth in the area, pus or yellowish discharge.
- Pain that becomes more and more severe, or fever.
- Spreading of the swelling together with itching, burning and heavy watering of the eye.
If there is blurring or any change in your vision, go to a health facility without waiting.
Frequently asked questions
How is permanent eyeliner aftercare done?
Keep the area clean, do not wet it, apply the ointment your doctor recommends thinly and do not touch the scabs. Stay away from eye makeup, pools and the sun until healing is complete.
Is scabbing normal after permanent eyeliner?
Yes, fine scabbing is a usual part of healing. Do not pick the scabs; wait for them to fall off on their own.
How many days does swelling last after lower-lash liner?
Swelling is generally noticeable in the first days and then gradually decreases; the exact duration varies by person. If the swelling is not going down but increasing, let the clinic know.
How long does permanent lower-lash liner last?
The pigment fades over time, and the duration varies with skin type, the pigment used, sun and care. Refreshing may be needed over time.
Is permanent eyeliner waterproof?
Because the pigment is worked into the skin, it is not wiped away by water and soap. However, you should avoid wetting the area during the healing period; once it has healed completely, daily contact with water is not a problem.
How is permanent lower-lash liner done?
The line is first planned according to your eye structure, a suitable pigment is chosen and the pigment is worked into the skin with a fine tip along the base of the lashes. Care instructions are given at the end of the procedure.
A next step
If you have questions about permanent eyeliner or lower-lash liner, or if you are unsure about your healing process, you can get in touch with us or make an appointment.
