Pigment Removal Techniques Flashcards

What mechanism does saline solution use to remove PMU pigment from the skin?

Answer: Osmosis to draw pigment particles to the skin surface

Saline removal uses osmosis — the hypertonic saline solution creates a concentration gradient that draws pigment particles upward to the skin surface where they are expelled during healing.

Which laser type is most commonly used for removing dark (black or dark blue) PMU pigments?

Answer: Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is the most widely used laser for PMU removal because its energy is selectively absorbed by dark pigment particles, shattering them for the body to clear.

What is 'emergency removal' in the context of PMU procedures?

Answer: Immediate removal attempted within 48 hours of the original PMU procedure

Emergency removal refers to attempting to remove or significantly lighten fresh PMU pigment within 48 hours of application, when the pigment is still relatively superficial and the skin has not fully sealed.

Which of the following is a contraindication for laser PMU removal?

Answer: Active keloid scarring or a documented tendency to form keloids

Active keloid scarring or a history of keloid formation is a contraindication for laser removal because the thermal trauma from the laser can stimulate further keloid development.

What is 'paradoxical darkening' in the context of laser PMU removal?

Answer: When certain pigments containing iron oxides oxidize and turn darker upon laser exposure

Paradoxical darkening occurs when pigments containing iron oxides — such as white, flesh-tone, or pink — oxidize upon laser exposure, causing them to turn a darker shade rather than lighten.

How many saline removal sessions are typically required to fully remove PMU pigment?

Answer: 6–10 or more sessions

Full PMU removal with saline typically requires 6–10 or more sessions, depending on pigment density, implantation depth, and individual skin healing response.

What is the recommended minimum waiting period between saline removal sessions?

Answer: 6–8 weeks

A minimum of 6–8 weeks between saline removal sessions is required to allow the skin to fully heal and complete its regenerative cycle, preventing excessive trauma and scarring.