Immediately following the procedure: Some tenderness, puffiness/swelling, and redness is expected. Heavy swelling and even bruising is normal, although rare. Your liner will be darker and bolder than what it will be once fully healed. It will also appear thicker due to swelling.

Day 1 (Day of procedure): You will have slight to heavy swelling, depending on the amount of histamines in your body. You may have uneven swelling. You may appear as though you have been crying or have allergies. Your liner may weep. Be sure to not pull or tug on your eye area. Be sure to blot excess fluids off. Sleeping slightly elevated may help in the reduction of swelling.

Day 2: The morning following your procedure is most likely when the swelling will peak. Your eyes may feel tight and tender. The liner will appear darker and thicker, and may still weep. Be sure to continue blotting. Be sure to wash at bedtime at the end of 48 hours and begin applying a very tiny amount of ointment. If absolutely necessary, cool packs may be used to help reduce swelling. Dampen paper towels with water and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Cool the eye area for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off. Do not use ice.

Day 3-4: You will have less swelling. Your eyes may still feel tight. Your liner will begin flaking. Do not scratch, itch, and/or rub your eyes as this could result in the color healing unevenly, as well as risk scarring and/or infection.

Day 5-7: Your liner will finish flaking. Once finished, the color will be softer and lighter and the liner will be a little thinner. Do not pick or peel the flakes off prematurely as this could result in the color healing unevenly, as well as risk scarring and/or infection. Be sure to stop ointment once flaking stops.

Day 8-10: Color will fully bloom during this time, but the liner may still appear a little patchy until touch-up. You may begin using eye makeup and mascara. You are encouraged to wear sunglasses to protect your new liner when outdoors.

Next, read my article about Eyeliner Aftercare.