Pigment Removal Techniques Flashcards

Which pigment color is most challenging to remove with laser and carries the highest risk of paradoxical darkening?

Answer: White or flesh-toned

White and flesh-toned pigments are most challenging because they contain titanium dioxide, which readily oxidizes to a dark gray or black tone when exposed to laser energy.

What is the primary practical difference between saline removal and laser removal for PMU?

Answer: Saline removal falls within many PMU technicians' scope of practice, while laser removal typically requires a licensed laser or medical professional

Saline removal can be performed by trained PMU technicians in many jurisdictions, whereas laser removal generally requires a licensed laser technician or medical professional due to its higher risk profile.

What does the Fitzpatrick scale help determine when planning PMU removal?

Answer: Skin phototype to assess risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation

The Fitzpatrick scale (I–VI) classifies skin phototype and is used to predict the risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation complications that can result from laser or saline removal procedures.

How is glycolic acid used in the context of PMU pigment removal?

Answer: As a chemical exfoliant to accelerate cell turnover and lift superficial pigment

Glycolic acid functions as a chemical exfoliant that accelerates skin cell turnover, helping to fade and lift superficial PMU pigment from the upper layers of the skin over time.

After a saline removal session, what is the single most critical aftercare instruction for the client?

Answer: Do not pick, scratch, or disturb the scab that forms during healing

Clients must not disturb the scab after saline removal because the pigment being expelled is contained within the scab — picking it off prematurely reduces effectiveness and significantly increases scarring risk.

For non-emergency saline removal, what is the minimum recommended wait time after the original PMU procedure?

Answer: 30 days or until the skin is fully healed

For non-emergency saline removal, practitioners should wait until the skin is fully healed from the original PMU — typically a minimum of 30 days — to reduce infection risk and improve removal efficacy.

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of saline removal compared to laser removal for PMU?

Answer: Requires fewer total sessions to achieve complete removal

Saline removal typically requires more sessions than laser — not fewer — making this a drawback rather than an advantage when comparing the two methods.