Prescription Retinoids
Discontinue prescription-strength retinoids around the brow area, including:
• Tretinoin (Retin-A)
• Tazarotene
• Prescription adapalene
• Other prescription resurfacing creams

These medications significantly increase skin cell turnover and sensitivity, which can affect pigment implantation.

OTC Retinoids & Resurfacing Products
Discontinue over-the-counter retinoids and resurfacing products around the brow area, including:
• Retinol
• Retinal / retinaldehyde
• Adapalene (OTC)
• Glycolic acid
• Salicylic acid (AHAs / BHAs)
• Exfoliating or resurfacing creams

These products can increase skin sensitivity and affect pigment retention.

Injectables
Allow at least 3 weeks between any injectable treatments and your Brow PMU appointment, including:
• Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin (neurotoxins)
• Dermal fillers in the brows, temples, or upper face

Neurotoxins temporarily alter muscle activity in the brow area. Fillers can shift tissue volume. Both need time to fully settle before accurate brow mapping is possible.

Skin Treatments
Avoid the following near the brow area:
• Microneedling or RF microneedling
• Laser treatments or IPL
• Medium-to-deep chemical peels

These need to be fully healed before your appointment for both safety and optimal results.

Brow Growth Serums
Pause brow growth serums such as:
• Latisse
• GrandeLash
• RevitaLash
• Brow growth enhancers

These products may cause vascular changes that increase bleeding or pigment diffusion during the procedure.

Brow & Skin Treatments
Avoid treatments that may irritate or inflame the brow area, including:
• Facials
• Dermaplaning
• Waxing or threading
• Brow tinting or lamination
• Exfoliating treatments or active skincare

Sun Exposure
Avoid sunburn or excessive tanning. Do not arrive with damaged, peeling, or freshly tanned skin on the face or brow area.

Skin Conditions
Please inform your artist if you are prone to keloids, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), or sensitive skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea.

Blood Thinners & Alcohol
Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning agents, including:
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen
• Fish oil
• Vitamin E
• Niacin
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Ginkgo biloba

These substances may increase bleeding during the procedure. Only discontinue prescribed medications under your doctor’s supervision.

Activities
Limit exposure to:
• Saunas
• Steam rooms
• Intense exercise
• Activities that significantly increase circulation and sweating

Caffeine
Please avoid caffeine, including:
• Coffee
• Matcha or tea
• Energy drinks
• Pre-workout supplements

Caffeine increases circulation and sensitivity, which will lead to increased bleeding during the procedure.

Hydration & Skin Prep
Stay well-hydrated and avoid applying makeup, SPF, or skincare products to the brow area the night before and morning of your appointment.

Caffeine
Avoid caffeine of any kind, including coffee, tea, matcha, and energy drinks.

Activity
Avoid intense workouts, sweating, or facial treatments the day of your appointment.

Medications
Do not take sedatives, stimulants, or pain relievers unless medically prescribed.

Skin & Makeup
Wash your hair + come to your appointment with or without makeup on - whatever you are most comfortable with. We will be taking before/after photos. If you normally wear brow makeup, it is helpful for me to see how you usually fill them in.

Skin & Makeup What to bring with you
To enhance your comfort, WiFi is available and headphones are recommended so you can relax during your session. Please feel free to bring cozy slippers and a blanket if you get cold easily!

Reminders: Anyone with any of the following at the time of the appointment cannot be accepted: Younger than 18 years of age, pregnant/nursing, used Accutane within 1 year, freshly tanned/sunburned face, chemo or radiation within 6 months, viral infections (cold/flu/etc.) or on antibiotics the day of appointment. You will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.

Travel, Swimming & Sun
If you are planning to travel, swim, or spend time in direct sunlight within 10 days after your procedure, consider rescheduling. Brows must be protected during the healing process.

Skin Condition at Your Appointment
If you arrive with inflamed, sunburned, damaged, or compromised skin, your artist may need to reschedule your appointment for safety and optimal results.

Medical Considerations
PMU is not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or while undergoing medical treatments that affect the skin or immune system (such as Accutane or chemotherapy).