Techniques & Tools Flashcards

What is 'blowout' in SMP and how is it identified during a procedure?

Answer: Pigment spreading laterally under the skin, visible as a halo around dots

Blowout occurs when pigment is placed too deep, spreading laterally and creating a blurred halo visible around the dot.

Which type of pigment consistency is preferred for SMP to produce well-defined, small dots?

Answer: Medium consistency with controlled flow

Medium-consistency SMP pigments flow predictably without flooding the skin, producing clean, well-defined dots.

How does a practitioner correct a dot that has migrated or become too large after healing?

Answer: Use laser treatment or saline solution removal to reduce the dot size

Laser lightening or saline removal techniques can reduce oversized or migrated dots to restore the intended appearance.

What does 'hand speed' refer to in SMP technique, and how does it affect results?

Answer: The speed at which the practitioner moves their hand across the scalp between dots

Hand speed controls dot spacing — faster movement increases spacing while slower movement risks dots merging together.

Which area of the scalp typically requires the lightest touch and shallowest needle depth during SMP?

Answer: Temporal hairline

The temporal hairline has thinner, more delicate skin requiring the shallowest needle depth to prevent blowout.

What is the advantage of a wireless (battery-powered) SMP machine over a corded machine?

Answer: Greater mobility and reduced cord drag during treatment

Wireless machines eliminate cord drag, allowing freer hand movement and reducing fatigue during SMP treatments.

When should a practitioner switch to a fresh needle cartridge during an SMP session?

Answer: When the needle shows visible bending, dulling, or resistance increases

A dull or bent needle creates inconsistent dots and increases skin trauma; replace cartridges whenever degradation is detected.