What term describes pigment migration into unintended areas after implantation, also called a blow out?

• A. Blow out
• B. Fading
• C. Spreading
• D. Spillover

Answer: (A)

Pigment migrating beyond the planned area after implantation is called a blow out. The term precisely describes pigment leaking outside the defined borders of the design, often producing a soft halo or smear around the original strokes. This happens when deposition goes beyond the intended depth or area—too deep, too broad, or with tissue movement that pushes pigment along the needle path. Avoiding blow out comes down to controlling depth, pressure, and needle technique to keep pigment within the planned boundaries. Fading refers to color loss over time, while spreading or spillover aren’t the standard PMU terms for this border-migration phenomenon.