Microblading + PMU FAQ

 Frequently Asked Questions 

 

WHAT IS COSMETIC TATTOOING?

Cosmetic Tattooing, also called Semi-Permanent Makeup, Micropigmentation or Permanent Makeup, is the process of implanting pigment into the skin to create longterm cosmetics. Gone are the days of sharpie brow tattoos and harsh lip liner tattoos. We have been specializing in all permanent makeup techniques since 2015. At Renuva Medspa we specialize in a modern, hyper realistic style to create enhancements that mimic nature so closely most people won't even realize you have undergone a procedure unless you decide to tell them!

DOES IT HURT?

A highly-effective, topical medical-grade anesthetic cream and gel are used for numbing before and during your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure. Our patients usually rate pain around a 2 out of 10.

HOW LONG DO COSMETIC TATTOOS LAST?

The treatments are considered semi-permanent and will not wash off, however, it will fade over time and regular touchups are required to keep color crisp. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your touch-up appointment and make any changes necessary. Pigment stability relies heavily on your home-care once you leave. Please regularly protect your new cosmetic tattoos from sun exposure and excessive sweat.

MICROBLADING / COMBO BROWS 

12  - 18 months*

Suitable for; normal/dry skin with no large pores, no coarse brow hair and client's who do not sweat 4x or more per week. Please understand this technique is not recommended for mature skin in some cases.

POWDER BROWS / OMBRE BROWS

12 - 36 months*

Suitable for oily/normal/dry skin and clients who sweat 4x or more per week. Please understand this technique is customizable and buildable based on your style and desired results. ​

LIP BLUSHING

2 - 5 years*

We specialize in providing lip blush to all skin tones. If you have melanin rich lips, neutralization of any cooler tones in the lip is required prior to adding the desired color and an extra session may be required to reach your desired results.​

*Retention depends on a number of factors outside of our control including but not limited to: the pigment color (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure etc.), sweating more than 4x per week, and if any chemical peels or lasers come into contact with treated areas. Please note final results can not be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates.

 

CAN YOU COVER UP MICROBLADING OR BROW TATTOOS FROM OTHER ARTISTS?

In some cases we can perform permanent makeup on previously tattooed or microbladed eyebrows but not always. Cover-ups depend on the current shape, color, age of the previous tattoo and health of the skin.

If you need cover up work please email, DM or text a photo so we can evaluate your brows PRIOR to scheduling an appointment. If you are unsure, please schedule a consultation with brow mapping so we can get you on the best treatment plan. If you fail to obtain approval of your previous tattoo PRIOR to scheduling you will forfeit your reservation fee. 

COSMETIC TATTOO CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Epilepsy
  • Liver Disease
  • Hormone Therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Pregnant or Nursing- illegal to tattoo anyone pregnant in VA + hormone changes while pregnant or nursing can cause pigments to heal much darker than intended
  • Major Heart Problems
  • Viral Infections/ Disease
  • Accutane in the past year
  • Psoriasis, Rash or Sunburn on or Around Treated area
  • An Allergy to Lidocaine, Tetracaine or Epinephrine
  • Previous Permanent Makeup: MUST email photo for approval prior to booking
  • CONDITIONS REQUIRING DOCTOR'S NOTE prior to booking: Diabetes (Type 1 + 2), high blood pressure, auto-immune disease, and any disease causing slow healing and/or high risk of infection

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?

  1. DO NOT exercise or sweat heavily the day of the procedure
  2. Discontinue tanning for three weeks prior
  3. DO NOT take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Ibuprofen 48 hours before the procedure
  4. No alcohol 24 hours before or caffeine the day of procedure
  5. Please note that Lip clients with a history of cold sores (even once years ago) MUST obtain an antiviral medication from their physician and begin their course PRIOR to the procedure to avoid an outbreak. Trauma to the sensitive lip area can cause an outbreak, even if it's been years. We are not responsible for any outbreak of cold sores. 

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER MY PROCEDURE?

BROW CLIENTS

  • DO NOT exercise/sweat heavily until your tattoo has fully peeled (about 7-10 days for brows)
  • Aftercare: Wash 2x daily with provided cleanser, pat dry with clean towel, apply balm sparingly after. If oily, only wash and apply balm 1x per day
  • Do NOT pick any scabs or submerge brows in water
  • Avoid sun exposure, sunscreen and/or moisturizer on the forehead area until the area fully heals

LIP CLIENTS

  • DO NOT take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Ibuprofen 48 hours before the procedure
  • Avoid spicy foods the day of your procedure
  • Avoid sun exposure and hot water until the area is fully healed
  • Aftercare: Wash 2x daily with provided cleanser, pat dry with clean towel, apply balm liberally as needed throughout the day.
  • Do NOT pick any scabs or submerge lips in water. Let the dry skin come. off on its own.
  • Lip clients with a history of cold sores (even once years ago) must complete a full cycle of antiviral medication to avoid a breakout while healing. Cold sores may effect the results.

EYELINER CLIENTS

  • DO NOT take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Ibuprofen 48 hours before the procedure
  • Avoid wearing contacts or dilating eyes same day as procedure.
  • Avoid sun exposure and hot water until the area is fully healed
  • Aftercare: Wash 1x daily with provided cleanser, pat dry with clean towel, apply balm sparingly after.
  • Do NOT pick any scabs or submerge eyes in water

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT LONG TERM CARE?

A broad spectrum sunscreen applied daily AFTER healing on the tattooed area(s) is needed to help keep color true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the color fade faster. Avoid retinoids (within 2 inches of brows), vitamin e, laser treatments and/or chemical peels even after the brows have healed for best results. 

You will need a touch-up every 12 - 24 months. The fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, iron deficiency, and if any chemical peels were done after cosmetic tattooing.  
If you are planning to have laser treatments, tell your laser specialist to avoid the pigmented area. Laser may cause pigment to turn black, discolor, and/or fade your cosmetic tattoo.

I AM NOT SURE WHICH STYLE TO CHOOSE--CAN I SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION?

Your specialist at Renuva will create a custom technique for each patient based on their skin, lifestyle and desired results so all techniques are the same price so no one is penalized for having a certain skin type. Each client is evaluated during the first 30-60 minutes of the appointment. This is the full consultation where we pick a color match, talk about the best technique for your skin, the style you want, and shape your brows or lips. 

If you have oily skin, combination skin that is oily in the t-zone area, coarse brow hair and/or exercise to the point of sweating 4x or more per week it is NOT recommended to get microblading as it will fade very quickly. Instead, an ombre or powder brow is recommended in this case.

If would like a virtual consultation please text 412-880-2522 or email us at info@renuva-beauty.com clear, well-lit, forward facing photos of your brows and/or lips or eyes without makeup. Photos in daylight within makeup work best.