Previous Lesson

Treatment Procedure

Treatment procedure:

Hair stroke eyebrow stretch technique

Position your client at the top of the treatment couch with the headset at a 45 degree angle so that you have good access to the eyes.

Sensitivity Testing and Allergic reactions:

There is worldwide controversy regarding sensitivity testing for both cosmetic and traditional tattooing.  Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict just by looking at the client’s skin whether or not they are likely to have an allergic reaction.  There have been reported cases of delayed allergic reactions that have occurred many years after the procedure even though a patch test was performed and proved negative.  Allergy testing of pigment does not guarantee that the client will not react at a later date.  All British insurance companies covering micro-pigmentation presently insist on sensitivity testing for pigment prior to infusion.  Up until 2003. Allergic reactions to pigment were rare, then reports of allergic responses to Premier Pigments True Colour Concentrates began.  These allergic reactions were uncommonly severe and effected brows, lips and eye procedures.  All Premier Pigment True Colour Pigments have now been recalled.

Identifying an allergic reaction:

A problem lesion or condition that might manifest itself within the first week post procedure is not usually an allergic response.  Examples of such lesion/conditions are charted below:

Swelling:

Swelling usually lasts 3 days in the case of eye and lip enhancements.  Excessive swelling may however be due to an allergy to Bacitracin or Neosporin anti biotic aftercare ointment.  Symptoms in this instance would be severe swelling accompanied by blistering, itching and discomfort.  Once use of the offending ointment has ceased the associated problems would diminish and disappear.

Swelling and allergic response to antibiotic aftercare ointments

Pain:

Discomfort may be experienced post procedure in the case of:

  • Eyebrow procedures may be tender but not painful (Express My Brows)
  • Lip procedures discomfort may last up to 2 weeks (Express My Lips)
  • Eyelid procedures discomfort may last up to 3 days (Express My Eyes)

Flaking/peeling:

The epidermal layers of the skin are constantly desquamating (shedding) naturally.  Flaking skin post procedure is simply a sign that the body is healing.  Prolonged flaking or dryness beyond 2 weeks is not normal, however lips may need moisture balms for up to one-month post procedure.

Puffiness:

Puffiness of the eyelids usually lasts a maximum of 3 days following the procedure.  If the client is allergic to metals this puffiness could possibly last longer as stainless-steel needles contain nickel and chromium and have been reported to cause transient puffiness of the eyelids.

Bruising:

Bruising is most common on the eyelids and lips and fades away within 3-5 days.

Herpes Simples:

If the Herpes Simplex virus manifests itself, it is usually from day 3.  The client will require an anti-virus mediation, such as Zovirax.

Impetigo:

Impetigo is a skin bacterial infection characterised by blisters that may itch and which needs treatment by a physician.  Yellow crusting occurs during the healing process.  Impetigo is contagious.

Signs of true pigment allergic reaction:

Below are the symptoms of a true allergic reaction that would require a doctor’s attention.  The symptoms would normally manifest themselves usually 3 months post procedure but could take up to 2 years.

  • Swelling
  • Itching
  • Blisters
  • Cracking
  • Oozing
  • Bleeding
  • Scabbing
  • Won’t heal
  • Pain
  • Burning
  • Bumps
  • Tender to touch
  • Skin raised like puff pain

Pigment allergy in the eyebrow region – raised like puff paint

Pigment allergy in the lip region

Eyelid pigment allergy – skin will not heal

What to do if you suspect an allergic reaction:

If you believe that your client has a suspected pigment allergic reaction take the following steps:

  • Invite the client into the clinic and photograph the symptoms
  • Be calm, supportive ad try to answer your clients concerns
  • Send your client to a dermatologist
  • Contact your insurance company
  • Inform the pigment manufacturer in writing

Sensitivity and colour testing – The difference

  • There are groups of pigments and anaesthetic that can be an intra-dermal test or a topical test.  Both these tests determine if the client has sensitivity to pigments or anaesthetics
  • Colour testing performed to determine the final healed colour in the skin

Sensitivity test for pigment and anaesthetic:

Intra-dermal sensitivity testing is performed using a lancet in the following fashion:

If you change products all tests must be carried out again and the results recorded on the client’s chart notes.

  • Apply disposable gloves
  • Clean the test area with antiseptic wipe
  • Apply a small amount of the pigment to be used during the procedure behind the clients left ear, using a micro brush
  • Scratch the area with a lancet
  • Repeat the procedure this time using anaesthetic positioned behind the right ear
  • Log the client’s information and advise the client that an allergic reaction will manifest itself with burning, blistering, redness and classic eczema symptoms

If the client shows no signs of irritation, she will be able to have an appointment to receive the procedure either 48 hours after or at any future date with in 1 year providing your products do not change.

Topical sensitivity testing:


This test is sent to clients who do not wish to have a consultation. The client is then responsible for doing the test at home 3 days before the procedure and must sign to say she has done so with no sensitivity being apparent.

Please refer to the Sensitivity Test Plaster Method – Document 2 and the Sensitivity Test Topical Method – Document 2 for further details and info.

People who are most likely to have an allergic reaction are those who display allergies to pant, crayons, and dyes in general.