Pittsburgh Microblading Master Artist at Beneath The Surface

Permanent Makeup, like Microblading, Powder Brows, Eyeliner and Lip blush, uses sterile tools to insert pigment into the epidermis. The color appears darker for 5-7 days, then fades by up to 40%. Healing takes up to 28 days, followed by a 6-8 week follow-up. Oily or problematic skin may need extra sessions. Pigment lasts up to 5 years, but touch-ups are advised every 2-3 years to refresh the color.

Microblading, Powder Brows, Eyeliner & Lip Blush are semi-permanent procedures meaning they don't last forever, but can last several years.

For clients with dryer skin-type, pigment can retain longer.  Oils in the skin, sweating from the brow, regenerative creams, sun exposure and other factors can break pigment down more quickly, but ultimately everyone's skin holds on to pigment differently.  Some clients need a touch up yearly, and some need one every 3-4 years.

Simultaneously, our pigments and tools are advancing.  Our blades and cartridges are now thinner than ever.  Our pigments are now much more stable.  Our skills and techniques have improved tremendously.  The art we create today is much more realistic in appearance than the art we did years ago.  Similarly, the art we will do in the years to come will advance in the same manner.  For this reason, Laser Tattoo Removal has become a major player in this process. 

Instead of waiting until the brows fade, we simply remove the unwanted pigment with the laser, and start fresh.  The process is not only effective, but it requires no downtime.  PMU looks better immediately, but can require anywhere from 1-7 treatments for complete removal.  

Please, text us (412-545-5444) a photograph of your treatment area so that we can help determine what is best for you!

Any treatment, medication, or illness that compromises the immune system, and therefore the healing process, would make you NOT eligible for permanent makeup. 

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding (must wait 6 months after you stop nursing)
• History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring 
• Diabetic (require doctor clearance)
• Taking blood thinning medication (unless it can be paused 5 days prior) 
• Autoimmune disorder (would require doctor clearance)
• Recently completed chemotherapy (require doctor clearance)
• Hepatitis B/C
• Currently sick with cold/flu/viral infection (rest and reschedule, please!)
• Epileptic (require doctor clearance)
• Have a pacemaker (require doctor clearance)
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure     
• You are currently tanned, sunburned or have a skin rash (postpone until it is gone)  

Please consult with us if any of the following apply to you before booking:

• There is psoriasis/dermatitis, eczema, keratosis pilaris, chronic acne, broken capillaries or rosacea (mild cases can be okay) or other skin irritations on and around the brow area
• You have previous microblading or permanent makeup (send us a photo)
• You have a heart condition (consult with your doctor as the numbing contains epinephrine)
• You have taken/used Accutane in the last two years
• You use products with retinoid/retinol/AHA. It is advised that clients are off retinol and retinoid (any derivative of vitamin A) 1-4 months before and after treatment, depending how strong it is. This includes Isotretinoin, Tazorac, Differin... etc.   

Vaccinations, Surgeries, Treatments:

• Please, wait at least 45 Days after to have any treatments done following a vaccination, surgery, or treatment to your body.

This procedure is the implantation of pigment between and slightly above the natural lashes.  It is performed with the intention of giving a fuller lash appearance and more defined eye shape.  Prior to performing the treatment, your artist will map out this line for your approval.  

Lip Blush is a subtle to moderate color enhancement for uneven or pale to medium toned lips.  Color is completely customizable and will heal about 40-50% softer than post-treatment results show.  For a more saturated look, one to two 6-8 Week Touch ups are recommended, but not included.

1) Already have PMU in the requested treatment area?

• Please, do NOT book an appointment without first contacting us.
• Send a photograph of the previously treated area via email or text.
• Please, take the photograph in natural lighting.

2). Please, avoid the following 24 hours before your scheduled treatment:

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• OTC Drugs

3) Please schedule your appointment on a date that you can avoid the following 14 Days prior to your treatment:

• Blood Thinning medications, vitamins, or supplements (Get Physician Approval)
• Sun Exposure including Tanning Beds & Spray Tans
• Antibiotics & Hormone Therapy (Get Physician Approval)

4)  Please, STOP using the following at least 45 Days prior to treatment:

• Regenerative Creams - Any anti-aging, brightening, whitening, tightening, hair growth or , etc serums including retinol, vitamin c, laser therapy, chemical and fruit acid peels, etc.
• Laser treatments
• Botox/Fillers

5) Prior to booking your treatment, it is necessary to receive Physician Approval if you have:

• Have problematic skin being treated by Dermatology
• Have had any cancerous or benign tissue removed in the last 90 days
• Are taking a Blood Thinner (including Fish Oil or daily Aspirin),  antibiotic, or skin specific medications.
• Please, wait at least 2 years after the use of Accutane

6)  Anti-Virals, such as L-Lysine, are recommended to take 3 days prior to Lip Blush if you are prone to cold sores.  Please, consult your physician first.

The successful outcome of the treatment also depends on the following:

• Skin quality
• Post- treatment care
• Exposure to various external factors

Artists have no control over any of the three factors listed above and therefore cannot guarantee the desired outcome of the treatment.  

Proper post-treatment care accounts for 70% of the success of the treatment. It is essential to adhere to these Post Care directions.  Otherwise, up to 80% of the pigment may be lost.

Day 1:  WIPE & OINTMENT x 5 

• 30 Minutes Post Procedure: Wipe the treated area in both directions with the PhiWipe in your Post-Care Bag.
• Apply a rice-size amount of ointment to the treated area.
• Repeat both of these steps every 2.5 Hours until bedtime.

Days 2-14:  OINTMENT ONLY x 3 

• Apply a rice-size amount of ointment to the treated area three times per day.

Healing Stages:

• Day 1:  The treated area looks beautiful!
• Days 2-4:  The treatment area might appear too dark or bold.
• Days 5-7:  The treatment area might begin to flake.
• Days 8-10:  If the treatment area flakes, it may begin to look faded.
• Days 11-28:  If it looked faded, the pigment will return to a beautiful color.
• 6-8 Week Follow Up:  This treatment is suggested as a perfection session, but is not included in the original treatment price.

During the first 14 days:

• Do NOT workout.
• Do NOT get the treatment area wet.  Use shower shields provided.  Use washcloth around the treatment area to avoid splashing.
• Do NOT touch or pick at the treatment area.

During the first 30 days:

• Do NOT use sauna or public pool.
• Do NOT expose your treatment area to direct sunlight, humidity, or hot climates for extended periods of time.
• Do NOT get a Facial or Skin-regenerating treatment.
• Do NOT apply makeup or products near the treatment area.

The following can significantly affect the appearance of your PMU indefinitely:

• Regenerative Creams - Any anti-aging, brightening, whitening, tightening, etc serums including retinol, vitamin c, laser therapy, chemical and fruit acid peels, etc.

The successful outcome of the treatment also depends on the following:

• Skin quality
• Post- treatment care
• Exposure to various external factors

Artists have no control over any of the three factors listed above and therefore cannot guarantee the desired outcome of the treatment.  

Proper post-treatment care accounts for 70% of the success of the treatment. It is essential to adhere to these Post Care directions.  Otherwise, up to 80% of the pigment may be lost.

Day 1 & 2:  WIPE & OINTMENT x 10

• 30 Minutes Post Procedure: Wipe the treated area in both directions with the PhiWipe in your Post-Care Bag.
• Apply a rice-size amount of ointment to the treated area.
• Repeat both of these steps every 1-2 Hours until bedtime.

DAYS 3-14:  OINTMENT ONLY x 5

• Apply a rice-size amount of ointment to the treated area three times per day.

Healing Stages:

• Day 1:  The treated area looks beautiful!
• Days 2-4:  The treatment area might appear too dark or bold.
• Days 5-7:  The treatment area might begin to flake.
• Days 8-10:  If the treatment area flakes, it may begin to look faded.
• Days 11-28:  If it looked faded, the pigment will return to a beautiful color.
• 6-8 Week Follow Up:  This treatment is suggested as a perfection session, but is not included in the original treatment price.

During the first 14 days:

• Do NOT workout.
• Do NOT get the treatment area wet.  Use shower shields provided.  Use washcloth around the treatment area to avoid splashing.
• Do NOT touch or pick at the treatment area.

During the first 30 days:

• Do NOT apply makeup or products on or near the treatment area.
• Do NOT use sauna or public pool.
• Do NOT expose your treatment area to direct sunlight, humidity, or hot climates for extended periods of time.
• Do NOT get a Facial or Skin-regenerating treatment.

The following can significantly affect the appearance of your PMU indefinitely:

• Regenerative Creams - Any anti-aging, brightening, whitening, tightening, etc serums including retinol, vitamin c, laser therapy, chemical and fruit acid peels, etc.