SKIN & SCAR CAMOUFLAGE 

Scar or Skin Camouflage Micro Pigmentation is a form of paramedical tattooing. Paramedical procedures are permanent cosmetics services that support medical work but do not require the help of a physician. These procedures can often bring great relief to clients who have experienced trauma, or self-consciousness for a variety of medical-related issues. These procedures disguises scars so that they are less distinguishable from the surrounding skin. In some cases, that involves tattooing scarred or compromised skin with pigment that is tailored to match a patient’s skin tone. In other cases, it involves stimulating collagen or implementing a serum that changes the texture and tone of the skin in the scar.

 

Scar camouflage with pigment is best suited for patients with lighter scars.

Tattooing using pigment is most effective on scars that are paler than the surrounding skin. When the scar is a lighter color than a patient’s pallor, I create a custom mix of pigments that matches their skin type. I then tattoo that pigment into the scar to conceal it.

 

All restorative tattooing and scar camouflage is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure.

After a consultation, I use a machine to tattoo pigment into the upper layer of the dermis. Scar camouflage tends to cause minimal discomfort, regardless of whether pigment is used. In rare instances I apply topical anesthetic to make a patient more comfortable, however this is usually unnecessary. Overall, the procedure recovery and downtime are quite minimal.

 

This is not a one-and-done approach.

Patience is key when working with scar tissue. It is essential to understand that whatever approach we choose together is usually not a one-shot step. It typically takes at least three sessions to see a really good result.

 

Which Types of Scars Can Be Camouflaged?

The general rule of scar camouflage is that any scar can be camouflaged or re-pigmented as long as it’s not a keloid and it’s healed completely. This means that the source of the scar itself is not as important as its look and feel.

Artists and technicians usually recommend waiting for 6 months to a year or longer if necessary, for the scar to fully heal after surgery or injury. Once fully healed, color correction can be applied to:

​

• Surgery caused scars

• Injury caused scars

• Stretch marks

• Cleft lip and palate scars

• Age spots

• Burns

• Hypopigmentation

​

At the first visit or consultation session, we will perform a patch test to ensure that we have the best color matches and that it is deemed safe for the clients to proceed. In some cases, we refer to the doctor’s order or consult with the office before we proceed. Subsequent visits for pigmentation will be scheduled after that. Although this may seem like a lengthy process this can’t be rushed as it takes time to make sure the color develops well.