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Pigment Migration

To avoid pigment particle movement, commonly referred to as migration, it is helpful to understand how pigment migration can occur. There are four factors that contribute to migration:

1. Tattooing in areas prone to migration of pigment
2. Dispersions made with extremely fine pigment particles
3. Improper technique
4. Tattooing over inflamed and/or swollen areas.

There are areas of the body that are prone to migration. Those areas include the inner and outer corners of the eye — from the tear duct to the inside corner of the eye on the bottom eyelid and the crease near the outside corner of the eye. Also, the upper lid extended above the lash line is prone to migration. (See Diagram A)

Migration can occur as a result of improper angle of the machine during implantation. The needle should enter the skin at a ninety-degree angle. (See Diagram B) The position of the client during the procedure is important, especially when working near the corners of the eye. (See Diagram C)

The use of fine needles and/or single needles can contribute to migration. It is especially important to use #3 or larger needles sizes when working with dispersions formulated with extremely fine pigment particles. Implanting pigment into fluid pockets and/or inflammed tissue may result in migration, as in the case of tissue injected with anesthetic and/or skin that has been overworked.

When your client insists on jet-black eyeliner color, inform him/her of the risk of pigment movement associated with all dark black colors. Try to encourage the use of soft black or lighter colors. Or simply explain you cannot achieve dark black color and avoid using fine grind black dispersions altogether.

When working with dark or bright black dispersions follow these tips:

1. Know the risks. Inform your client of the risks.
2. Avoid areas of the eye that are more prone to migration —the tear duct to the inside corner of the eye on the bottom, the crease near the outside corner of the eye and the upper lid extended above the lash line. (See Diagram A)
3. Never use a single needle when tattooing with fine grind black pigments. Use at least three needles.
4. The angle of your machine is important. You should be tattooing at a ninety-degree angle, especially when you are tattooing with smaller needle sizes.

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