Powder Brows procedure, skin layers and bleeding
Where is Powder Brows pigment implemented
Permanent makeup procedures like Powder Brows involve depositing pigment into the skin, specifically targeting the upper layer of the dermis. Let us examine that more closely. As many of you may know, the skin consists of three main layers: the epidermis (outermost layer), dermis (middle layer), and hypodermis (innermost layer). The layer PMU ends up in is the dermis.
“The act of introducing pigment into the skin with a needle inherently inflicts microtrauma on the skin, disrupting its typical way of functioning (homeostasis). Regardless of the pigment’s quality, the tools’ sophistication, or the artist’s skill level, the process causes the body to react to damage caused and foreign substance inserted.”
The Dermis Layer
The dermis is the middle layer of skin and contains connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands. This layer is also rich in blood vessels and nerves. The dermis provides strength and flexibility to the skin and plays an essential role in temperature regulation and sensation. It is composed of two sub-layers:
Papillary Dermis. This is the uppermost layer of the dermis, directly beneath the epidermis. It contains thin collagen fibers and is responsible for providing nutrients to the epidermis.
Reticular Dermis. This lower layer of the dermis contains thick collagen fibers that provide strength and elasticity to the skin.
Permanent makeup procedures (including Powder Brows) target the upper layer of the dermis (papillary dermis) to deposit the pigment.
Is bleeding normal during the Powder Brows procedure?
Bleeding during the Powder Brows procedure can be considered a normal reaction as it is an invasive process that involves the breaking of the skin barrier, thus penetrating into the capillaries that lie within the dermal layer of the skin. However, excessive bleeding is not common and may be due to a variety of factors. Here's a more detailed explanation:
Breaking the Skin Barrier
In the Powder Brows procedure, the use of a micro-needle to deposit pigment into the dermis layer of the skin inherently involves breaking the skin's barrier. This disruption of the skin allows a small amount of blood to come to the surface.
The Substance That Comes Out
The substance that you see during the procedure is typically a mixture of blood and interstitial (lymphatic) fluid (the fluid that surrounds the cells of your tissues). The color can vary from pinkish to clear, depending on the individual and the exact depth of the needle penetration.
Thus, we can say that during a Powder Brows procedure, it is normal and even expected to notice the secretion of lymphatic fluid. This clear fluid is the body's initial response to the procedure, aiming to form a protective layer to minimize the potential of bacterial invasion. The appearance of lymphatic fluid usually suggests that the procedure has been carried out to an adequate depth, without causing substantial injury to blood vessels.
What may cause more intensive bleeding
Depth of Needle Penetration: If the needle goes too deep, it can cause more capillaries to rupture, resulting in more bleeding. Thus only in case the procedure punctures a blood vessel, bleeding alongside lymphatic fluid secretion is expected. However, the intensity of bleeding varies among individuals and is influenced by factors such as skin thickness, the individual's vascular system, and the body's blood clotting capabilities.
Individual Variations. Some people have more delicate skin or a higher density of capillaries close to the surface of the skin, which could lead to more bleeding during the procedure, even if the Powder Brows artist is experienced and competent.
Medication and Supplements. Certain medications or supplements can thin the blood or affect clottings, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and certain vitamins, leading to increased bleeding.
Alcohol and Caffeine. Consumption of alcohol or caffeinated drinks before the procedure can increase blood flow, possibly leading to increased bleeding. As we have discussed blood vessels can be affected by caffeine and when (also tiny) blood vessels get damaged during the procedure, total bleeding can be more extensive.
Health Conditions. Certain medical conditions, such as blood clotting disorders or liver disease, can also increase bleeding.
How much bleeding is normal?
The extent of bleeding during a Powder Brows procedure is usually minimal so that the blood will not start to dribble, and there are just tiny blood dots noticeable. These are tiny droplets of blood that appear at the site of pigment implantation but do not cause excessive spillage.
While minor bleeding is normal, excessive bleeding can pose challenges as it can cause the pigment to dilute or spread, potentially affecting the results of the procedure. It's important for clients to follow pre-procedure instructions, including avoiding certain medications and substances that can increase bleeding. As always, any concerns regarding bleeding should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Numbing Creams and Their Effect on Bleeding. Some numbing creams contain epinephrine, which can constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding during the procedure. Therefore, if such a product is used, you can expect less bleeding during Powder Brows.
Post-Procedure Bleeding. Typically, there should be no active bleeding after the Powder Brows procedure. The small incisions made during the procedure generally stop bleeding by the time the client leaves the salon. Any residual traces of blood should be dried up and would contribute to scab formation rather than active bleeding.
Importance of Understanding Skin Anatomy. Comprehending skin anatomy is crucial for all Powder Brows artists, particularly when determining the adequate depth of pigment insertion and assessing the extent of bleeding during the procedure. Artists are recommended to undertake courses that specifically focus on skin anatomy, to ensure they understand the procedure's medical aspect comprehensively. Next, let us see why the pigment remains in the skin as a result of the Powder Brows procedure and why it fades off eventually.
Why the Powder Brows procedure pigment remains in the skin?
The permanence of the pigment in the skin is due to the body's response to foreign material, in this case, the pigment. As we have already discussed, no matter how high the quality of the pigment or how "natural" the maker claims it to be - for a human body it still is something foreign, which should not be in the skin naturally.
Thus, once the pigment is introduced into the dermis, the body's immune system responds and starts to fight it, with cells known as macrophages attempting to "eat up" the foreign particles to remove them from the body. However, the pigment particles are too large for the macrophages to eliminate entirely.
As a result, the pigment particles and macrophages become trapped in the dermis, providing the appearance of permanent color. The pigment particles are visible through the skin, contributing to the desired color effect of the Powder Brows.
Why the pigment eventually fades off over time?
Over time, the pigments in permanent makeup procedures fade due to multiple factors:
Skin Cell Renewal. The body naturally sheds skin cells, including those in the dermis, which leads to the gradual fading of the pigment. As pigments consist of different particles of different color substances, the disappearance of different colors over time can be different.
Sun Exposure. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can degrade the tattoo pigments over time, leading to fading. Thus sun (and solarium) is also one of the main reasons brows disappear sooner than one wants. As we have discussed, powder brows should be protected from extensive sun also not only during the initial healing phase, but always.
Immune System Activity. While the macrophages can't eliminate the pigment particles entirely, they can gradually transport tiny amounts of the pigment away, contributing to fading over time.
Body's Metabolic Processes. The body's natural metabolic processes also contribute to the gradual breakdown and removal of pigment particles inserted during the Powder Brows treatment.
This is why even though the procedure is called "permanent makeup," touch-ups are required over time to maintain the color and shape of the Powder Brows as the pigments fade.
It's also important to note that the pigment doesn't disappear completely- it fades over time. The fading process is individual and depends on factors such as lifestyle, skin type, exposure to UV light, and the quality of pigment used.