3. Theory and Application of Micropigmentation Flashcards
Evidence of decorative tattooing has been found as early as _____.
8000 BC
Methods of primitive tattooing
- Piercing skin with a needle made of bone
- Pushing in pigment with the sharp edges of a shell
- Drawing a pigment-soaked thread through the skin
- Needle fastened to a bamboo stick and tapped on the skin (still used)
The earliest pigments included _____ and _____.
soot; carbon
India ink became popular in more modern times.
Early tattoos were used as ____, _____, and _____.
ornaments; status symbols; punishment
The earliest use of tattooing to restore a natural appearance rather than adding decoration was in the ____ when a doctor reported using tattoos to _____.
1850s; disguise lesions
Tattooing of corneas to cover scars was done in the ____.
1870s
By the _____, tattoos were being used to correct scarred lips.
1920s
In the ____, lash enhancement techniques were being used on people with had lost their eyelashes.
1960s
Cosmetic tattooing was used to enhance, rather than restore, appearance as early as the ____.
1920s
Since the ____, the permanent cosmetics industry has grown dramatically with new technicians entering the field every year.
1920s
Hair loss
alopecia
A skin disorder characterized by patches of unpigmented skin
vitiligo
Micropigmentation can benefit anyone who:
- Has difficulty putting on makeup
- Is allergic to topical cosmetics
- Wants to save time
- Reapplies makeup during the day
- Likes to swim/exercise or do other activities that affect topical cosmetics
- Wants to enhance their appearance without wearing makeup
- Enjoys looking their best at all times with minimum effort
Many clients seek permanent makeup services to restore a normal appearance, such as those who have:
- eyebrow loss due to aging, scarring, or disease
- areas of vitiligo
- areolas damaged by scarring or removal by surgery
Possible drawbacks of micropigmentation procedures:
- risk of infection
- removal is difficult or impossible
- pigments may fade to an undesired color
- may experience temporary discomfort during an MRI procedure
- must avoid laser procedure on/near the pigmented areas
Face shape that is balanced and approximately the width of five of the client’s eyes; considered the ideal face shape.
oval
Face shape that is narrow and long, often with hollow cheeks.
oblong
Face shape that is narrow at the forehead and wide at the jawline and chin.
pear
Face shape that is narrow at the forehead and chin, and wide across the cheek.
diamond
Face shape that is wide at the forehead and gradually narrows to the chin, often with a widow’s peak hairline.
heart
Face shape that is curved at the hairline and the chin.
round
Face shape that is characterized by a straight hairline and jawline.
square
The goal in permanent makeup is not to make the client’s features appear perfectly _____, but to enhance their _____ while detracting from anything they’re unhappy with.
symmetrical; good features
On the “ideal” face, brows are _____ apart.
one eye-width
Brows farther apart are considered widely space, while brows closer together are considered closely spaced.
Drawing a map/outline/plan as the first step in your procedure will allow the client to visualize the work, but also keep you on track once you begin because _____.
the shape of the skin can be distorted when the client changes position, or when topical numbing is applied to the skin.
List some of the tools and (reusable) equipment used for micropigmentation
- tattoo machine
- PPE/safety equipment
- sterilization equipment
- chair and table
- lighting
- scrubs
- trays and containers
List some of the supplies (consumables) used for micropigmentation
- needles
- pigments and cups
- anesthetics
- pre/post-care supplies
- PPE
- eye wash
- markers/pencils/string
- cleaning and sanitation supplies
- drapes/covers/barrier film
- other
Micropigmentologists, unless licensed in the medical field, are limited to the use of _____ for client pain management.
topical anesthetics (non-prescription)
You may only use anesthetics you can legally purchase over-the-counter in the US. You may not use products obtained in other countries. You may not use your own personal prescription products on anyone else.
Why must you never instruct clients to use a certain medication?
Doing so is too close to practicing medicine.
You may give suggestions, but never “prescribe” or instruct them to discontinue use of a prescription medication without consulting their doctor. If necessary, refer clients to a physician for medication advice.
The most commonly used topicals are _____, _____, and _____.
benzocaine, lidocaine, and tetracaine
When using topicals, apply a _____ amount of cream and occlude for _____.
small; 30 minutes
The fastest-acting topicals generally have the ____ effect, and the longest-acting ones do not take effect ____.
shortest; immediately
Many topical mixtures combine a fast-acting anesthetic such as ____ with a long-lasting anesthetic such as ____.
benzocaine; tetracaine
The hormone ____ has no anesthetic properties, but is often added to topicals to increase the ____ of pain relief.
Epinephrine; strength and duration
Epinephrine added to topical anesthetics can help reduce ____, ____, and ____.
swelling, bleeding, and bruising.
Some topicals can anesthetize unbroken skin and are meant to be used ____, while others cannot penetrate the ____.
before a procedure; epidermis.
Topicals meant to be used on ____ may be applied after the first pass or may be added to ____, though careful mixing is required.
broken skin; the pigment itself.
Topicals are never meant to be used ____ and some cannot be used anywhere near ____.
in the eye; the eye area.
Always check the ____ before using a topical for a lip or eye procedure.
the label
The safe pH level for the eyes is ____ (neutral).
7
EMLA cream uses ____% of each lidocaine and prilocaine, and is meant for use on normal ____ skin.
2.5% (25mg); unbroken.
Generally, all topicals are safe to use unless your client has an ____.
allergy
If they have ever had a reaction to ANY product ending in “caine”, get clearance from their physician before proceeding.
Benzocaine may cause a reaction in clients allergic to ____, an ingredient found in some sunscreens.
PABA
Considered the safest topical and the least likely to cause an unwanted reaction.
lidocaine
Topical products often require ____.
refrigeration
Store topicals according the manufacturer’s instructions. Check expiration dates often.
Applying a small amount of a product to the inside of a client’s elbow to check for sensitivity.
patch test
To help prevent ____, never apply a product directly from the container to the client’s skin.
contamination
Place topical in a small container (preferably disposable) and refill as needed. Use a swab or small brush to apply the topical.
Some technicians cover the topical with an ____ for several minutes for maximum effectiveness.
occlusive barrier
Before using any topical, check the label to know what to do if there is an ____ or unintended exposure such as contact with the client’s ____.
adverse reaction; mucous membrane
Applying pressure to certain points on the body to provide pain relief.
acupressure
Using essential oils for the therapeutic properties.
aromatherapy
Using hypnosis to decrease feelings of pain and anxiety.
hypnotherapy
Alternative methods of reducing the client’s pain and anxiety:
- make food available
- keep the client informed
- provide distractions (music/tv)
- provide a relaxing setting
- give them something to hold or squeeze
- use cryotherapy
The three major types of tools used in micropigmentation
hand tools, rotary machines, and coil machines
The original instruments used for tattooing and micropigmentation
non-motorized hand tools
Advantages of using hand tools for micropigmentation
- lower cost
- no sterilization required (if using pre-sterilized disposables)
- silent
- lightweight
- no maintenance
Disadvantages of hand tools
- takes longer
- more difficult on tough skin
- no pigment reservoir
- high long-term cost
Consist of a reusable, motorized base and a removable needle assembly. Also called pen machines.
rotary machines
Parts are either disposable or sterilizable for re-use. The needle moves up and down in a reciprocating motion like a sewing machine needle.
Advantages of rotary machines
- little maintenance
- lightweight
- quiet
- no sterilization required if used with disposable, pre-sterilized components
Disadvantages of rotary machines
- might not have pigment reservoir
- cannot be repaired if damaged
Consists of a reusable base/frame that is used with disposable or sterilizable components, but the frame of the machine is not enclosed in a casing.
coil machine
Named for the electromagnetic coils that provide the power.
Machine that uses pigment tubes—reservoirs that automatically feed pigment to the needles.
coil machines
Why is sterilizing pigment tubes for a coil machine not the best practice?
Pigment tubes can become brittle and porous over time.
Plastic pigment tubes for coil machines often made out of ____ or ____.
Lexan; plastic
If reusing sterilized pigment tubes with a coil machine, always be sure to use the tube for the same ____.
type of procedure
Even with careful cleaning, microscopic bits of pigment can remain in the tube and may show up during a future procedure.
Advantages of coil machines
- low long-term cost
- powerful for thick skin or scar tissue
- fast
- greatest variety of needle patterns available
- no sterilization required when used with pre-sterilized, disposable parts
Disadvantages of coil machines
- heavier than other tools
- loud
- requires regular maintenance and adjustments
- requires more practice to become proficient
- higher start-up cost
Using the correct ____ is one of the most important things you can do to ensure good results with minimum pain.
needle(s)
Always use needles made of ____.
stainless steel
A damaged needle or one that has been dulled by use can result in unnecessary ____, ____, ____, and even ____.
pain, bleeding, skin damage, and even scarring
It can also prevent the pigment from being embedded correctly. Inspect needles for damage before and during the procedure, especially if the client seems to be feeling increased pain or pigment isn’t taking.
Two important factors for needles are ____ and ____.
taper; gauge
The point of the needle.
taper
A sharp, narrow point that makes a small opening in the skin, depositing a smaller amount of pigment and creating a finer line.
long taper
A larger, stubbier point that makes a larger opening in the skin, depositing more pigment and creating a wider line.
short taper
The diameter of the needle.
gauge
The larger the gauge number, the narrower the needle (ex: #12 needle is narrower than a #8).
Needle selection should be based on the ____ and ____ of the area to be pigmented.
size; condition
Narrow needles and long-tapers enter the skin with less resistance, but carry less pigment so it takes longer and increases the risk of tissue damage. They may also penetrate too deeply. Larger gauge needles have more resistance but hold more pigment.
A configuration of needles attached to a bar.
needle group or needle cluster
The cluster may be referred to as a ____ if the needles are closer together or a ____ if the needles are further apart.
liner; shader
Needle clusters are available in various patterns, including rounds, flats, and magnums. Single needles, flats, and magnums generally require extra care and skill when used, but rounds are a good choice for ____.
beginners
Needle group used for very fine lines, such as individual hair simulation.
single needle
Needle group used for coarser individual hair simulation, thin eyeliner, eyelash enhancements, and filled-in brows.
three needle
Needle group used for thin lipliner, eyeliner, and pigmentation/camouflage of small areas.
five needle round
Needle group use for wide eyeliner, wide lipliner, full lip color, and pigmentation/camouflage of larger areas.
seven or eight needle round shader
Needle group used for full lip color or pigmentation/camouflage of larger areas.
flat shader
Needle group used for wide lipliner, full lip color, or pigmentation/camouflage of larger areas.
ten (or more) needle round
Needle group used for full lip color or pigmentation/camouflage of larger areas.
magnum shader
Tattoo pigments consist of solid particles of powdered color suspended in a “wetting agent” such as ____, ____, or ____.
alcohol, glycerine, or water
When a needle is dipped into pigment, the pigment clings to the needle and is carried in the ____ between the needles in the cluster.
air pockets
The more space between the needles in a cluster, the more pigment is carried.
Pigment that is deposited into the ____ will be pushed out over the course of a few weeks as the cells are sloughed off.
epidermis
Pigment that is properly placed in the upper level of the ____ will not be pushed out. It will be surrounded by ____ and will remain in the tissue.
dermis; macrophages
Pigment that is placed too deep in the lower level of the ____ or deeper in the ____ may be carried away by ____, which means it could disappear completely or migrate.
dermis; subcutaneous tissue; macrophages
Pigment will appear very intense at first but will become lighter as the area heals and the ____ evaporates.
wetting agent
The time required for healing to the final color depends on the client’s age. A good rule of thumb is to allow ____ for each ____ of the client’s age.
one week; decade
Within ____ the wetting agent should have evaporated and the skin should be completely healed, leaving the the pigment’s true color visible.
4-8 weeks
