Paramedical Tattooing
Scar Camouflage
The scar camouflage procedure uses the natural tones of specialist pigments and a micro pigmentation machine to cover up any pigmented area following on from skin trauma, including surgical procedures as well as cosmetic surgery such as facelifts.
Also known as skin color tattooing or camouflage tattooing, scar camouflage is a needle and pigment technique that blends scars into the surrounding natural skin using permanent makeup pigments. Typically performed by a medical or paramedical tattoo technician/artist, skin depigmentation has become increasingly popular for its ability to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and other areas affected by hypopigmentation.
Just like other forms of paramedical tattooing, scar camouflage isn’t the same as a typical decorative tattoo. Let’s review what makes cosmetic tattooing different from traditional tattoo techniques:
The Stretch Mark Camouflage Tattoo is a penetrative skin treatment that’s only been around for 6-7 years. According to our industry, it’ll last 5 years, or more provided that the correct after-care procedures are adhered to.
Scar camouflage tattoo blends white scars with the healthy skin around it. Tattoo pigments are implanted into the scar tissue that is lacking color. The healed result calls less attention to the scars after completing the treatments and color is restored in the scar tissue.
Tattooing your skin is never going to be a breeze, and some have a higher pain threshold than others. This factor alone makes it a very subjective experience. It’s fair to say, however, that tattooing over scar tissue can be more painful than on normal, unscarred skin.
Around 2 1/2 years
We customise and blend a pigment which matches your skin tone identically, we use a range of needles to implant this pigment into the skin creating a ‘permanent’ camouflage. Results last around 2 1/2 years before you will need a refresh.
The most common side effects of scar camouflage are redness and swelling to the area directly after the procedure. It is also recommended to avoid sun exposure to the treated area. Exposure to UV rays will change the colour of the skin around the treated area, but the tattooed skin will not change with it.
Stretch mark camouflage
It is a pmu technique where we match the pigments to your skin tone and with the usage of a digital device, we implement pigments into the skin. We cover the discoloration of stretch marks and scars with a soft pigmentation, so they are less visible.
The medical camouflage procedure is a form of micropigmentation. Pigments are carefully selected and mixed to match your surrounding skin tone and inserted into the deeper layers of skin using a needling device to correct the colour, making scars or stretch marks appear less visible.
The Stretch Mark Camouflage Tattoo is a penetrative skin procedure so a small amount of discomfort will be experienced. Usually on a scale 1-10 (10 being most painful), the average consensus is a 6 or 7.
5 years. The Stretch Mark Camouflage Tattoo is a penetrative skin treatment that’s only been around for 6-7 years. According to our industry, it’ll last 5 years, or more provided that the correct after-care procedures are adhered to.
It takes on average, 60-120 days for Stretch mark Camouflage clients to fully heal.
Your results after just one session are usually apparent. The pigments and colours are layered and adjusted during each session. Your stretch marks or scarring will fade or no longer be visible. Any side effects or skin reactions from permanent makeup or traditional tattoos are extremely minor or non-existent.
Scalp Micro pigmentation
A hair tattoo or scalp micropigmentation is a non-surgical, superficial cosmetic tattoo that gives the illusion of a close buzz cut hairstyle on a bald head or density to a thinning crown.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a cosmetic tattoo procedure where natural pigment is applied to the epidermal layer of the scalp via a needle with the aim to add density and replicate the appearance of natural hair follicles. By camouflaging the surface area of the scalp where hair loss has already occurred, it helps to create a new hairline for the client.
Micro pigmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure for men and women of all skin types who suffer from alopecia or hair loss. Most commonly, Micropigmentation is used to enhance the shape of eyebrows to improve definition. The same process is applied to the scalp as the smudge-free hair loss solution lasts for years to help restore confidence and self-esteem.
SMP is a great hair loss treatment for those who have experienced any form of hair loss including:
- Alopecia areata
- Thinning hair
- Male and female pattern baldness
While it does not cure the cause of hair loss, in conjunction with existing hair, it can help to create the look of a shaved full head of hair.
As well as the obvious boost to a client’s confidence, SMP treatment also offers a way to cover any surgery scars from past procedures. For example, if a client has previously had a hair transplant procedure that brought with it a few complications, SMP can be carried out in order to help camouflage any scars and imperfections.
During your initial consultation, our experienced technicians will help you prep for the procedure and will let you know what you need to prepare ahead of time.
After the final treatment, you may be asked to take certain precautions such as:
- Not swimming
- Avoid saunas and steam rooms for 28 days after the final procedure
- Avoid strenuous exercise for five days after the final treatment
You should also begin to moisturise the scalp after the fourth day of your last treatment (something you’ll be asked to do between treatments).
After a scalp micropigmentation treatment, it’s important that your head remain completely dry for at least FOUR days. When showering in the first four days after a treatment, avoid getting any water or shampoo on your scalp. After four days, it’s okay to wash your head using warm water and shampoo.
Scalp Micropigmentation does not help hair growth. It is a hair tattoo that emulates the look of a shaved head. By having a needle penetrate the skin to inject the natural pigment into the scalp, it helps to create a natural-looking shaved head look.
Although the effects of hair pigmentation can be noticed immediately, for optimum results, around 2-3 sessions/treatments will be required with a practitioner after the initial consultation. Each session is carried out within a sterile, comfortable environment ensuring that the patient’s experience is a positive one, meaning clients are assured that their results will be of high quality.
With sufficient aftercare, scalp micropigmentation can last years. However, like any form of tattoo, touch-ups may be required to ensure the results are maintained. Minimise exposure to direct sunlight to your scalp to increase the longevity of the results.
Micropigmentation does not damage your hair follicles. Our specialists carefully position their insertion points between your follicles to increase density.
Before the procedure takes place, your SMP practitioner applies a numbing agent to your scalp to alleviate pain. However, you may still feel some discomfort during the procedure. How much discomfort you feel will depend on your pain tolerance.
After the final treatment, you may be asked to take certain precautions such as:
- Not swimming
- Avoid saunas and steam rooms for 28 days after the final procedure
- Avoid strenuous exercise for five days after the final treatment
You should also begin to moisturise the scalp after the fourth day of your last treatment (something you’ll be asked to do between treatments).
The most common side effects of scalp micropigmentation are redness and itching in the treated area. This usually goes away in a few days as the skin on the scalp recovers. In some rare cases, clients may experience more serious side effects.
Areola Micropigmentation
Areola Micropigmentation (tattooing) is used to create a semi-permanent image of an areola and/or nipple for patients who have had breast reconstruction surgery. The procedure is carried out by a trained nurse practitioner who works within the breast team.
The nipple tattoo, or tittoo as it is occasionally known, is a body trend which gained widespread recognition in 2013. It is a type of tattoo which appears on the areola and is semi-permanent. Nipple tattooing has its origins as a medical procedure for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.
The procedure is carried out by a trained nurse practitioner or a paramedic tattooist. Pigment is applied to the top layer of the skin with a small electronic machine which uses a cluster of fine needles to implant semi-permanent colour (pigment). These needles are sterile and disposable.
The treatment usually lasts around three to five years and is carried out in line with strict health and safety protocols. The pigment does not go as deep into the skin as tattoo ink, which is why it fades over time. The chosen colours will replicate your natural nipple and areola after your breast reconstruction.
Don’t soak in a pool, bath, or hot tub until your tattoo is completely healed. This usually takes about 2 weeks. If a crust or scab appears on the area, don’t peel it off.
Keep the pigmented area clean and dry. Apply yellow soft paraffin/bepanthen ointment over the nipple and areola area and place gauzes in your bra to aid comfort. Do not sleep on your stomach. To prevent infection, try not to touch the pigmented area with your fingers until it is completely healed.
It’s completely normal to experience slight swelling and redness after the tattoo, and you may feel like your skin is “tight” or pulled taut. Scabbing and flaking is also to be expected, so don’t be alarmed if your healing ink looks patchy or feels hard to the touch.