PMU Equipment & Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a topical anesthetic (numbing cream) in a PMU procedure?
- To sterilize the skin before needle contact
- To reduce client discomfort by blocking nerve signal transmission (Correct answer)
- To help pigment bind more effectively to dermal tissue
- To open pores and improve pigment absorption
Correct answer: To reduce client discomfort by blocking nerve signal transmission
Topical anesthetics contain agents like lidocaine that temporarily block nerve signals, reducing pain and discomfort during PMU procedures.
Question 2: Which of the following is a secondary (during-procedure) numbing agent used after skin is broken?
- EMLA cream
- Gel-based lidocaine with epinephrine for open skin (Correct answer)
- Benzocaine topical spray pre-procedure
- Hydrocortisone ointment
Correct answer: Gel-based lidocaine with epinephrine for open skin
Secondary numbing agents such as lidocaine-epinephrine gel are formulated for broken skin and provide deeper, faster anesthesia once the skin barrier is open.
Question 3: What does 'stroke speed' control in terms of PMU outcomes?
- How quickly the artist moves the handpiece across the skin (Correct answer)
- The voltage output of the power supply unit
- The number of passes over a single brow hair stroke
- The drying time of the pigment on the skin surface
Correct answer: How quickly the artist moves the handpiece across the skin
Stroke speed refers to how quickly the artist moves the handpiece across the skin, affecting the density of pigment deposition and the crispness of lines.
Question 4: When performing an ombre powder brow, which technique is used to create a gradient effect?
- Applying uniform pressure with a flat needle from root to tail
- Depositing more pigment at the tail end, fading lighter toward the front (Correct answer)
- Using a 7-round liner needle for consistent density throughout
- Making a single pass with maximum machine speed across the entire brow
Correct answer: Depositing more pigment at the tail end, fading lighter toward the front
The ombre effect is achieved by building more pigment density at the tail/arch and gradually feathering lighter pigment toward the inner brow front.
Question 5: What is the function of the power supply unit (PSU) in a PMU setup?
- It sterilizes the needle cartridges before use
- It regulates and delivers consistent electrical current to the PMU machine (Correct answer)
- It controls the pigment flow rate through the cartridge
- It calibrates needle depth automatically based on skin type
Correct answer: It regulates and delivers consistent electrical current to the PMU machine
The PSU converts wall current to the appropriate voltage and amperage, delivering stable power to the PMU machine for consistent performance.
Question 6: Which type of grip is recommended to maintain control and reduce hand fatigue during long PMU sessions?
- Full-fist grip with the machine resting against the palm
- Overhand grip with extended fingers pointing forward
- Pencil grip with the handpiece resting between index finger and thumb (Correct answer)
- Two-handed grip with both hands on the barrel
Correct answer: Pencil grip with the handpiece resting between index finger and thumb
The pencil grip (handpiece between index finger and thumb with middle finger as guide) offers the best precision and reduces hand fatigue over long sessions.
Question 7: What is 'pigment pull-back' and how can it be minimized?
- Pigment fading in sunlight; minimized with SPF aftercare
- Pigment being pulled out of the skin when the needle retracts; minimized by correct depth and machine speed (Correct answer)
- Pigment spreading under the skin; minimized by slower strokes
- Client's immune response removing pigment; minimized with antihistamines
Correct answer: Pigment being pulled out of the skin when the needle retracts; minimized by correct depth and machine speed
Pigment pull-back occurs when the retracting needle lifts pigment out of the puncture channel; it is minimized by proper needle depth and optimal machine speed.
PMU Equipment & Techniques 3
What is the purpose of a topical anesthetic (numbing cream) in a PMU procedure?