SKIN & ANATOMY
What are the three main layers of the skin, and which layer do we aim to place pigment?
Epidermis - top layer acting as a protective barrier. Contains mostly dead skin cells.
Dermis - middle layer containing hair follicles, blood vessels, nerves, collagen and elastin
Subcutaneous/Hypodermis - deepest fatty layer, provides insulation, affixes the skin to underlying muscles
We aim to place pigment in the UPPER DERMIS
What 3 components are used to choose pigment formulations?
Hair color, undertone, Fitzpatrick
What are the four components to a needle syntax?
Number of needles, size/diameter, configuration, and taper
What 3 certificates are needed to legally take clients? (These certificates do need to be updated every 1-2 years)
CPR, First Aid and BBP
What is the difference between a contraindication and a contra-action?
A contraindication is a pre-existing condition preventing a client from receiving a service.
A contra-action is positive reaction that occurs during or after the procedure (allergic reaction, excessive bleeding, swelling, etc.)
What potential outcomes could occur if pigment is placed too shallow or too deep?
Too shallow - Pigment will slough off with natural cell turn over cycle
Too deep - Results will be over saturated, blurred/migrated, and ashy toned.
Which Fitzpatrick types are most prone to hyperpigmentation and keloid scarring?
Fitzpatrick 5-6
Thoroughly explain the difference between microblading application v.s. machine shading application
Microblading- manual, hand held disposable device used to create hair like cuts in the skin. Creates more trauma in the skin and is not good for all skin types
Machine Shading- uses a digital machine that is reusable, can create a pixelated look or hair strokes. Less trauma is created and the machine is versatile with skin types.
When should gloves be changed during a service?
Anytime they become contaminated, damaged, or when you leave your station.
A client has disclosed that they took ibuprofen the night before their scheduled appointment. Can you proceed? Why or why not?
Yes you can still proceed with caution. Advise the client that the ibuprofen may cause some excess bleeding, which can cause more patchiness and fading during the healing process.
Why do we consider SKIN TYPE when choosing different brow styles?
Different skin types will heal differently and have varied healed results. Dry skin really holds the pigment in, while oily skin will heal patchier and may require more touch ups. Microblading is not recommended for oily or thin skin.
A client with previous work comes to you for a touch up. Their previous work is very green and splotchy. How would you correct this?
Re-outline the shape with your target color. After a defined outline is present, go over the green with your orange color corrector. Any areas that appear lighter or untouched, go through again with your target color.
What are some signs that your needle hang is too long or too short while you're working?
Too long- excess trauma, redness, minimal to no pigment implantation
Too short- overly saturated, lots of excess pigment spilling out of the chamber
You've just pricked yourself with the needle you are using on your client. What following steps need to be taken?
1. Stop procedure and notify client of what happened.
2. Needle in sharps
3. Gloves off, throw in biohazard trash
4. Thoroughly wash hands, bandaging if needed
5. New gloves, new needle, continue service
How long must you wait to do PMU if a client has gotten recent botox/fillers?
At least 2 weeks, the longer the better
Which facial muscle is responsible for puckering the lips?
Orbicularis Oris
Thoroughly explain the difference between organic pigments and inorganic pigments.
Organic - carbon based, vibrant colors. Carbon stays in the skin for an extremely long time, usually leaving an ashy tone. Saturates the skin quickly
Inorganic - Iron-oxide based, earthy tones are present. Generally takes longer to saturate the skin and does tend to fade more. Warmer healed results are common
Explain the difference between a RL and a CM. How do each look and what are they best used for?
RL- Round liner is a group of needles in a round formulation, very closely soldered together. They are great for boldness, definition and line work. the pigment that's implanted will be dense
CM- Curved magnum is a group of needles that are woven together in two rows. They are great for shading especially larger areas such as lips.
In the middle of a procedure, you find yourself needing more pigment. What next steps need to be taken?
1. Gloves off and thrown away
2. Wash/ sanitize hands
3. Grab a new pair of gloves and put on
4. Now you can grab more pigment, ensuring the pigment bottle does not touch your ink ring or tray.
A client that has booked for lip blushing discloses that they have Herpes Simplex. Are they able to continue with the service? If yes, how will their before care / after care differ from clients who do not have the virus?
The client is still a good candidate. They should be advised to use an antiviral medication 2-3 days before and after the scheduled procedure to help reduce the risk of an outbreak.
Name the four stages of healing and describe what happens at each stage
Hemostasis - The moment a wound occurs, the body forms a blood clot to stop bleeding
Inflammation - white blood cells rush to the surface to control bleeding and prevent infection. This creates redness, swelling, and some pain. Occurs day 1-4, brows will be dark
Proliferation - new tissue starts to form, making the brows appear light and patchy. Occurs around day four, for as long as 2-3 weeks.
Maturation - Skin is coming back to its healthy thickness, starting around week 3. Full healed time depends on severity of the wound. Healed results are visible at this point
A client got their brows done four months ago. The brows are now a dull, ashy tone. What are two possibilities that could have created this result?
- The artist went to deep into the skin
- The artist chose the wrong pigment formulation for the clients undertones
A client is booked for a powder brow. The client is a Fitzpatrick 2 and has very sensitive, reactive skin. What needle grouping (# of needles, configuration) would work best with this client? Why?
3RL or 3RS. More needles will help to implant more pigment with less excessive trauma.
Thoroughly explain what steps are taken after completing a PMU procedure.
1. With contaminated gloves ON, take needle out of machine, throw in sharps.
2. Ball up dental bib and throw away in biohazard trash can. Slip gloves off without touching the outside of them to avoid contamination.
3. Wash/ sanitize hands
4. Spray down entire procedure area (Bed, tray, stool, light, etc.) and let it sit for 3 minutes.
5. Wipe down everything with Cavi wipes (or other medical grade disinfectant) from cleanest to dirtiest.
6. Set everything back up where you found it so it's ready for the next person.
A client used retinol the night before their appointment, but there is no sign of redness or irritation. Is it safe to proceed? Why or why not?
The procedure should be rescheduled. Retinol can increase skin sensitivity and affect the skin barrier.