Microblading and the Science Behind it

Characterization of the role of Facebook groups for patients who use scalp cooling therapy: a survey study

Since the emergence of scalp cooling therapy (SCT) for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA), support groups on social media platforms for interested patients have surfaced. Though there are over 20,000 active members across SCT Facebook groups, little is known about how members use this platform. A 23-question survey was posted in five scalp cooling Facebook groups, reaching 219 women. Results indicated that these Facebook groups play clear roles in providing the following: (1) a supportive community for patients, (2) instructions for SCT use, (3) advice regarding insurance coverage and reimbursement, and (4) recommendations for over-the-counter products for hair loss. Despite reported interest in hair loss products, only 5% of patients sought medical treatment from dermatologists. Due to group-specific access restrictions, private Facebook groups provide patients with a protected platform to learn more about SCT from both those with personal experience and SCT company specialists. Providers may consider recommending these online groups to interested patients during the scalp cooling counseling process. As patients with CIA express a growing interest in over-the-counter hair, eyebrow, and eyelash products, it is important for dermatologists to be aware of where their patients obtain recommendations, and further, if these recommendations have clinical evidence of efficacy.

Microblading reaction as a manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis: two case reports and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease characterized by granulomatous inflammation. Sarcoidosis often poses a diagnostic challenge owing to its nonspecific or mild clinical features. In 20-35% of cases, sarcoidosis initially presents on skin. However, skin lesions commonly mimic dermatological conditions. Therefore, it is important to not underestimate the skin manifestations and perform histopathological examinations to make a timely diagnosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present two cases of 33-year-old Caucasian female patients with orange-red macules and plaques that developed in the eyebrow area 1 and 6 years after microblading, respectively. Histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The lymph nodes and lungs were also affected in both patients.

CONCLUSION

Our two reports suggest that an esthetic procedure involving dermal or subcutaneous injection of foreign materials can trigger the development of cutaneous and systemic sarcoidosis. However, this relationship has not been described yet. Physicians should, therefore, be aware of this complication to properly evaluate and treat such patients in a timely manner.

Lasers for the treatment of eyebrow microblading and cosmetic tattoo pigment: a review of the literature

We aim to discuss the use of laser for the treatment of eyebrow microblading and cosmetic tattoo complications through a review of the literature. Our research question is whether quality-switched or picosecond laser is superior for the removal of eyebrow tattoos. This structured review was conducted using a PubMed search using the search terms "laser tattoo removal" AND "cosmetic tattoo" AND "eyebrow" with the article type filtered to "case reports," "clinical trial," and "randomized controlled trial" ranging from dates 1994-2023. All case reports or series evaluating the effect of laser on eyebrow cosmetic tattooing pigment were included. We summarize the results of 11 studies evaluating the use of laser for cosmetic tattoo removal, with 129 patients treated specifically for eyebrow pigment. Most studies (8/11) report Fitzpatrick skin type or race. Seven studies utilize quality-switched (QS) neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), alexandrite or ruby, three used picosecond (PS) Nd:YAG or alexandrite, and three used carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. We report laser energy, spot size, and pulse duration, as well as treatment outcomes and adverse events. Historically, methods of pigment removal included dermabrasion, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, radiofrequency, infrared light, intense pulsed light, and surgical excision; however, these methods often led to poor cosmetic outcomes including scarring and further dyspigmentation. QS laser treatments provided superior cosmetic outcomes and thus were considered the gold standard treatment option for pigment removal. However, the advent of PS lasers has challenged this given their increased selectivity, lower fluence requirements, and reduction in surrounding thermal damage. Our review demonstrates that PS Nd:YAG is quicker and more effective that QS Nd:YAG in the treatment of eyebrow tattoos. Additionally, the paradoxical darkening seen with QS lasers is less common with PS lasers. We also demonstrate that CO2 laser may be a helpful adjunct to QS or PS laser. This review focuses on Fitzpatrick skin type and race, providing a unique perspective on the use of laser treatment in skin of color, which often poses an additional treatment challenge.

Considerations and recommendations on camouflage in alopecia in Black women

Alopecia is among the leading dermatological concerns affecting Black women. For many women, hair is a central component of identity and self-expression, the loss of which can have significant psychosocial effects. Hair camouflage is often utilized to minimize the visibility of hair loss, provide aesthetic benefits, and improve quality of life. The versatility and affordability of hair camouflage allows patients with alopecia to conceal hair loss, increasing self-confidence, and decreasing social stigma. However, hair camouflage practices often involve adhesives, chemicals, and/or high-tension braiding, all of which can exacerbate alopecia. Accordingly, special considerations should be made to protect patients' natural hair from damage while using these styling practices. A better understanding of best practices for some of the most widely used camouflage options-wigs, extensions, topical hair fibers, and micropigmentation-can help clinicians establish rapport with Black women and optimize individually-tailored therapeutic plans during active treatment and end-stage hair loss.

Micropigmentation

Micropigmentation and microblading is a popular technique now a days which is used as a semi permanent method for camoflaging various dermatological indications. This article will elaborate upon various indications of micropigmenation. Micropigmentation is used in variety of dermatological conditions like semi permanent make up and vitiligo (stable forms). In this technique, a thorough knowledge of the indication and colour theory is crucial to achieve near to natural output. Micropigmentation or medical tattooing is a novel and easy to learn technique to camouflage various dermatological conditions like stable vitiligo, alopecia (androgenetic alopecia or stable alopecia areata) as well as for semi permanent make up.

Chronic Granulomatous Reaction to Semi-permanent Eyebrow Tint

Eyebrow micropigmentation, also known as eyebrow microblading or embroidery, is a new technique in the field of semi-permanent cosmetics that are used for therapeutic and aesthetic purposes to recreate eyebrow structure and definition. It uses synthetic pigment that is deposited through fine needles into the papillary dermis and remains till the body metabolizes the pigment and clinically fades away by 12-18 months. Similar to other tattooing procedures, microblading involves risks including local inflammation, infection, allergic contact dermatitis, and granulomatous reactions that can occur from months to years after the procedure. We describe herein a case of a 49-year-old female who has persistent erythematous and indurated plaques on both eyebrows after a microblading procedure performed over a year and a half prior to her initial visit.

Microblading-Induced Granulomatous Reaction: Case Report and Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT

Microblading is a common cosmetic procedure that can modify the appearance of one's eyebrows. Although generally well-tolerated, the procedure can cause a number of dermatologic issues; on rare occasions, granulomatous reactions can manifest. We use this case to highlight a presentation of a nonsarcoidal granulomatous dermatitis and review the literature on granulomatous reactions secondary to microblading. Of the 21 cases included in our review, approximately half (10/21) were diagnosed with foreign-body granulomas and the other half with sarcoidosis (7 of 21 with systemic sarcoidosis and 4 of 21 with cutaneous sarcoidosis). Although microblading remains a commonplace cosmetic technique, it is not without risk. Much like other types of tattoos, microblading can cause granulomatous reactions for which we must be vigilant, and further workup for sarcoidosis might be considered in select patients.

Trends in eyebrow makeup after COVID-19 and long-COVID era

Background and Objectives

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, which began in 2019, is threatening millions of people around the world. Coronavirus, a severe acute respiratory syndrome, made it mandatory to wear masks, it was carried out through public awareness and review of changes in cosmetics.

Methods

This literature review paper was written by referring to keywords such as "Eyebrow," "Permanent Make-up," "Microblading," "Make-up," and "COVID-19." The study selected a total of 485 references using representative journal search sites such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, RISS, DBPia, and CrossRef, of which a total of 43 papers were selected at the final stage from 2000 to 2022 using PRISMA flow diagram.

Results

With the wearing of a mask due to COVID-19, we are paying attention to the change in the makeup trend caused by the preference for easy eye makeup.

Conclusions

This narrative review understands that eyebrow makeup has a significant impact on human images due to changes in makeup methods after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected to be used as important data for the rapidly growing semi-permanent makeup market.

Eyebrow and Eyelash Alopecia: A Clinical Review

Madarosis is characterized by either complete or partial loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair. Etiologies for madarosis are varied, and accurate diagnosis is the first step in clinical management. Many studies have described findings related to specific causes of madarosis, but few have summarized the collective literature. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview on the symptomatology, diagnosis, trichoscopy findings, and treatment of eyebrow and eyelash alopecia.

Cutaneous sarcoidosis in eyebrows cosmetically pigmented with microblading method: A case report and review of the literature

Microblading is a novel method of semi-permanent makeup, which has achieved popularity in the last few years. We present the case of a patient who developed cutaneous sarcoidosis after microblading of her eyebrows. A 45-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of pruritic erythematous granulomatous plaques on bilateral eyebrows corresponding to the site of microblading 1.5 years prior. A tissue biopsy was preformed which was consistent with cutaneous sarcoidosis. An extensive work-up including assessment by respirology, rheumatology, and ophthalmology did not reveal any evidence of systemic sarcoidosis. The patient was treated with intralesional triamcinolone injections and tacrolimus ointment twice daily, with complete resolution. To our knowledge, this is the first case of cutaneous sarcoidosis associated with microblading in the literature. Dermatologists should be aware of popular and novel cosmetic procedures and the potential complications that arise from these interventions.