SPMU Top Up: Why is it important?

Yes, top-ups (also called touch-ups) are generally needed for semi-permanent makeup (SPMU), including procedures like microblading, nanoblading, powder/combination and lip blushing. Top-ups are essential to maintain the desired look and ensure optimal long-term results. Here’s why a top-up is important:

1. Initial Pigment Retention

• Reason: After the first procedure, the skin undergoes a healing process, and it's common for some of the pigment to fade or lighten as the skin repairs itself. This is because the skin naturally sheds layers and the body works to heal the tattooed area, often resulting in pigment loss.

• Why a Top-Up Helps: A top-up, typically scheduled 4–8 weeks after the initial procedure, allows the technician to adjust and reinforce the pigment in areas where it may have faded or healed unevenly. It ensures the brows, eyeliner, or lips achieve the intended colour and shape.

  
  

2. Colour and Shape Refinement

• Reason: The initial healing phase may cause some slight changes in the colour intensity or shape of the semi-permanent makeup, as skin type, healing process, and environmental factors can affect the final outcome.

• Why a Top-Up Helps: During the top-up session, any minor imperfections or areas that didn’t retain enough pigment can be corrected, ensuring that the shape is symmetrical and the colour is uniform.

3. Longevity of Results

• Reason: The results of semi-permanent makeup typically last 1–3 years, but without proper maintenance, the pigment fades gradually. Skin types like oily or combination skin tend to fade pigment faster.

• Why a Top-Up Helps: Regular top-up sessions, usually once every 12–18 months, help refresh the pigment and extend the longevity of the SPMU, keeping the look fresh and defined over time.

  
  

4. Skin and Pigment Interaction

• Reason: Different skin types (oily, dry, sensitive) can affect how well the pigment holds, with some areas potentially fading faster than others.

• Why a Top-Up Helps: The top-up provides an opportunity to adjust the pigment or technique for skin-specific needs, ensuring that the results remain vibrant and well-blended.

  
  

5. Client Satisfaction

• Reason: After the initial procedure, you may realise they want a slightly different shade, density, or shape.

• Why a Top-Up Helps: The follow-up session allows for personalised adjustments based on how the you feel about the healed results, ensuring greater satisfaction.

  
  

Summary of Why a Top-Up is Important:

• Reinforces pigment lost during healing.

• Refines colour, shape, and symmetry.

• Extends the lifespan of the results.

• Adjusts for skin type and healing response.

• Allows for minor corrections to enhance the overall look.

A top-up ensures the semi-permanent makeup looks as intended and remains vibrant and long-lasting, making it a crucial part of the SPMU process.

Nanoblading set up.