Section App. B: Advanced Case Studies
Appendix B: Advanced Case Studies
The following case studies illustrate integrated mastery-level practice. Each case presents complex challenges requiring synthesis of multiple analytical frameworks and strategic execution.
Case Study 1: Severe Asymmetry with Previous Work
Presentation: Client presented with significant orbital asymmetry (right eye appearing smaller due to lower orbital rim and more prominent supraorbital ridge) complicated by previous microblading that followed symmetric template application, exacerbating rather than accommodating the asymmetry.
Analysis: Bone mapping revealed 3mm difference in supraorbital ridge prominence and 2mm difference in orbital rim height between sides. Previous work was positioned identically on both sides, causing the right brow to appear relatively lower and heavier due to the structural differences beneath it.
Strategy: Correction plan involved allowing previous work to fade significantly before new application. New design would position right brow approximately 2mm higher than left to compensate for structural differences. Right brow tail would terminate slightly shorter to avoid emphasising the smaller-appearing right eye.
Execution: Work was staged across three sessions—initial correction session, eight-week assessment and refinement, and final perfecting session. Client education regarding why different positioning on each side would create more symmetrical appearance was essential for acceptance.
Outcome: At twelve-month follow-up, the asymmetric design produced dramatically more symmetrical facial appearance than the previous symmetric application had achieved. Client reported receiving compliments on her eyes for the first time in years.
Case Study 2: Colour Correction with Undertone Complexity
Presentation: Client with olive skin showing green undertones presented with previous powder brow work that had shifted to an orange-rust colour creating significant contrast with her cool-toned skin.
Analysis: Skin assessment revealed strong olive undertone with significant green bias. Previous work had used a warm-based pigment that had lost its cooler components through preferential fading, leaving the warm orange base visible. The contrast between orange brows and green-olive skin created jarring appearance.
Strategy: Colour correction plan involved using a custom-mixed pigment with strong violet undertone to neutralise the orange, followed by application of final colour with green-grey undertone to harmonise with skin. Two-session approach planned for incremental colour adjustment.
Execution: First session applied violet-based corrector over existing work, immediately reducing orange intensity. After healing, second session applied final pigment—a taupe with distinct green-grey undertone. Layered application built colour gradually while monitoring integration.
Outcome: Healed result showed warm-neutral taupe that harmonised with client's olive complexion. The dramatic improvement demonstrated the importance of undertone analysis in both predicting problems and planning corrections.
Case Study 3: Extremely Oily Skin Retention Challenge
Presentation: Client with extremely oily skin (visible sebum production during consultation) reported multiple previous microblading attempts by other practitioners, all of which faded to near-invisibility within months.
Analysis: Skin examination revealed high sebum production, large pores, and thick dermis. Previous work showed characteristic oily-skin fading pattern with stroke diffusion and rapid lightening. Standard microblading approach was unlikely to produce acceptable retention.
Strategy: Hybrid approach combining powder technique (better retention in oily skin) with hair-stroke overlay. Modified technique parameters: slightly deeper implantation, higher pigment saturation, custom pigment mix with enhanced retention formula.
Execution: Powder shading established base layer with good saturation. After initial healing, assessment confirmed improved retention compared to client's previous experiences. Second session added hair-stroke overlay for dimensional effect.
Outcome: At eight-month follow-up, work maintained significantly better than client's previous experiences, though somewhat lighter than optimal. Client was highly satisfied with improvement over previous total fading. Maintenance schedule established at twelve-month intervals.
Case Study 4: Managing Unrealistic Expectations
Presentation: Client presented with reference images of heavily filtered and retouched brow photographs requesting exact replication. Physical presentation showed sparse, fine natural brows with limited density-building potential.
Analysis: Reference images showed brows that were not achievable through any permanent makeup technique—they were digitally altered images representing impossible density and perfection. Client's natural brow hair was extremely fine with minimal natural density to build upon.
Strategy: Expectation management became primary focus of consultation. Direct conversation addressed the difference between digitally altered images and achievable results. Alternative reference images showing excellent but realistic outcomes were presented. Emphasis placed on what enhancement was achievable given natural starting point.
Execution: Extended consultation process allowed client to adjust expectations. Work proceeded with clear agreement on achievable outcomes. Design maximised enhancement within realistic constraints, and client was prepared for the process through thorough pre-procedure education.
Outcome: Client expressed satisfaction with results that, while not matching impossible reference images, represented significant improvement over natural state. The time invested in expectation calibration prevented the disappointment that would have followed unrealistic promises.