Use advanced micropigmentation techniques
Overview
This standard is for aesthetic practitioners using advanced micropigmentation design and techniques using a hand tool or device to improve skin condition, simulate, rectify or camouflage features on the face or body. Advanced micropigmentation improves skin condition through skin rejuvenation and scar relaxation techniques and creates effects such as hair follicle simulation, scalp camouflage, simulated areola(s) and freckles. Aesthetic practitioners will be required to develop a design template for the client to demonstrate potential outcomes based on the client's needs. You will also be required to do a post treatment evaluation for continuous improvement of both your delivery and for the client's future needs.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- implement consultation, health, safety and hygiene practices throughout the advanced micropigmentation treatment
- agree the treatment objectives and design template with the client
- agree the pain management strategy considering the client's tolerance level, following organisational procedures
- magnify and illuminate the treatment area
- select the type and size of needle, load and use the equipment according to the treatment protocol and manufacturers' instructions
- select and use colour* pigments in accordance with the *treatment objectives
- use* implantation* and treatment techniques in a way that will create the desired effects, following the treatment protocol
- check the client's wellbeing and monitor the level of skin reaction throughout the treatment
- adapt the treatment to suit the client's needs
- implement the correct course of action in the event of an adverse **reaction to the treatment
- confirm that the finished *effects *meet the treatment plan and the client's satisfaction
12. take treatment photographic evidence of the treatment area following organisational procedures
- complete the client's records and store in accordance with data legislation
- use evaluation methods which were agreed within the treatment protocol
- collate and record the information gained from client feedback, client records and your own observations
- provide verbal and written advice *and *recommendations to your client regarding the post treatment aftercare
- agree any alterations for future treatment with your client and record the outcome of your evaluation
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the consultation, health, safety and hygiene requirements when performing an advanced micropigmentation treatment
- the reasons for agreeing the design template
- the factors that need to be considered when creating a design template
- the options for pain management and the potential associated risks
- the legal requirements and restrictions for sourcing, storing and using topical anaesthetic licensed in the UK
- why you must magnify and illuminate the treatment area
- the different types of needle *configurations and implantation *techniques to create desired effects
- how to select, mix and test colour pigments to take account of:
8.1 treatment* *objectives
8.2 skin classification
8.3 skin characteristics
- the types, formulations, uses and limitations of pigments when mixed and diluted
- the safety requirements for pigments including:
10.1 recording pigment batches used
10.2. storage
10.3 material data sheets
10.4 expiry date
- the principles of colour theory in relation to the pigment selection
- how colour pigments change throughout the healing process and post healing
- the application of colour theory to change undesirable colour results after the healing process
- the selection, use and application of different advanced micropigmentation treatments and equipment
- why you manipulate the skin to ensure effective pigment implantation
- the different types of presented conditions that require medical referral prior to the treatment
- the different types and causes of hypopigmentation conditions that can benefit from micropigmentation
- the risk associated when performing micropigmentation on vitiligo
- how skin rejuvenation treatments can be used in conjunction with micropigmentation to maximise treatment results
- how to recognise the different forms of scar tissue
- the precautions to performing micropigmentation over atrophy, hypertrophic and keloid scarring
- the correct treatment techniques to achieve the required depth of colour and pigment distribution
- how poor treatment techniques impact on the final result
- the reasons for adapting the treatment to suit the client's physical and psychological needs
- possible adverse reactions which may occur and how to deal with them
- the different pigment removal techniques and their limitations
- the effects of laser treatments on pigment within the skin
- the importance of confirming the finished effects to meet the treatment plan and the client's satisfaction
- the legal significance of producing photographic evidence of the treatment area
- the anatomy and physiology relevant to this standard
- the different forms of hair growth disorders and how it effects the micropigmentation treatment
- the legal requirements of completing and storing client records
- the treatment outcomes expected from an advanced micropigmentation treatment
- the purpose of evaluation activities
- how to collate, analyse, summarise and record evaluation feedback in a clear and concise way
- the aftercare advice and recommendations on products and treatment
Scope/range
Additional information
It is expected that an individual undertaking this standard already has the skills, knowledge and behaviours identified within the aesthetic practitioner's treatment guidance or the aesthetics National Occupational Standards.
The individual is expected to already be able to demonstrate competency in determining the relative (restrictive) and absolute (preventative) contraindications for the aesthetic standards undertaken.
It is expected that this standard is used in conjunction with SKABA1 – Maintain safe, hygienic and effective working practices for aesthetic treatments and SKABA2 – Consult, plan and prepare for aesthetic treatments.
Items listed within the scope/range should be evidenced in line with the specific type of treatment being performed.
Scope Performance
Treatment objectives
- defining natural features
- creating features
- correcting features
- improving and balancing features
- introducing skin colouring
* *
Needle
- flat
- magnum
- round
- single point
- sloped
- micro
- shaders and liners
- nano
* *
Equipment
- hand tool
- machine
Pigments
- organic
- inorganic
- pigment dilutant
Implantation techniques
- pointillism
- pendulum
- shading
- obovoid
- cross-hatching
- sweep
- stroke
Treatment techniques
- three way stretch
- needle depth
- speed
- pressure
- angle
- pigment dipping
- wrist support
- posture and positioning
- treatment passes
Effects
- hair stroke eyebrows
- shaded eyebrows
- eye liner
- eye lash enhancement
- lip liner
- lip blush
- lip shading
- hair follicle simulation
- scalp camouflage
- skin camouflage
- simulated areola
- scar relaxation
- skin rejuvenation
- freckles
Scope Knowledge
Skin classification
- Fitzpatrick scale
- Glogau photo-damage
* *
Skin characteristics
- type
- underlying skin tone
- condition
- disorders
Adverse reactions
- hyperaemia
- corneal abrasions
- migration of pigment
- blistering
- excessive discomfort
- oedema
- reactions leading to bruising
- hives
- dizziness
- fainting
- stinging
- nausea
- anaphylaxis
- pain
- hypertrophic or keloid scars
* *
Anatomy and physiology
- the structure and functions of the body systems and their interdependence on each other
- the different types and structure of scar tissue
- the structure and function of the hair and hair growth cycle
- the different types of hair growth disorders
- skin diseases, disorders and conditions
- the aging process of the skin including the effects of genetics, lifestyle and the environment
- the skin and wound healing process
- the location and function of the muscles responsible for facial expression
- the facial, cranium and anatomical structures
- the purpose and function of phagocytes and how they affect the pigment
Advice and recommendations
- the client and practitioner's legal rights and responsibilities
- treatment maintenance
- post treatment expectations and associated time frames
- restrictions and contra-actions
- additional products and treatments
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Micropigmentation
Micropigmentation is used to create make up effects to enhance the eyebrows, lips and eyes, through the process of depositing pigment into the upper dermal layers of the skin.
Advanced Micropigmentation procedures can also be used to restore the appearance of brows and lashes lost through alopecia or chemotherapy, camouflage areas of pigmentation loss, scars and burns and improve and remodel scar tissue after surgery of trauma.
Obovoid
An implantation technique used in micropigmentation whereby the pigment is applied in an overlapping circular movement.
Pointillism
An implantation technique used in micropigmentation whereby a surface is covered with tiny dots of colour pigment to create a shaded effect for example lower lash line and the areola.
Scar relaxation
Scar relaxation is a skin needling treatment without the use of pigment, which stimulates the growth of healthy new collagen, smoothing and improving the appearance of scar tissue.
Skin classification
Skin classification can be determined by the level of melanin in the skin and is measured by a numerical Fitzpatrick scale. The Fitzpatrick scale is categorized into three scales, the Ultra Violet Phenotype to determine the skins sensitivity to Ultra Violet, the pigmentary photo-type that determines the skin ethnic colour type and finally the level of risk to skin cancer. The Glogau photo-damage scale is categorized into four levels, the severity of skin damage determines a beauty aesthetic treatment plan. Both methods are commonly integrated within new technologies and devices.
Topical anaesthetic (numbing agent)
This is a cream applied to the surface of the skin as a method of reducing pain. This can be applied prior to and during treatment.
Treatment protocol
A plan, that sets out a device and treatment indication specific protocol, identifying pre-treatment checks and tests, the manner in which the procedure is to be applied, acceptable variations, settings used, the expected outcome and when to modify or abort the treatment.