SCAR CAMOUFLAGE
montreal, qc
WHAT IS SCAR CAMOUFLAGE?
Scar camouflage is a form or paramedical tattooing (micropigmentation) that consists of implanting a skin-tone pigment into the dermis, similar to a traditional tattoo. The colour implanted is meticulously chosen and blended to match your skin-tone, taking into account your skin’s undertones and overtones. This in turn, creates a more even appearance to your skin and helps the imperfections blend in with your natural hue.
Most of the population has scars and stretchmarks, whether they are little memories from playing a little too rough as children, surgical scars, burn scars, self-harm scars, a quick growth spurt, weight-loss or pregnancy. We all have perfect imperfections on our bodies. Some don’t mind these little marks, while others want them erased as much as possible. Technology has advanced and certain treatments are available to soften scars such as laser therapy and microneedling, however, when these treatments reach their full potential, camouflage tattooing can be a great way to attend to these issues. Since colours are deposited layer by layer to create a sheer translucent look similar to skin, the results are very natural-looking.
SCAR CAMOUFLAGE MAINTENANCE & TOUCH-UPS
Camouflage tattoos are long-term, since the pigment is deposited into the dermis similar to a traditional tattoo. However, maintenance will be required if you choose to keep the treated area’s appearance intact (similar to a tattoo’s bright colours that fade over time). Depending on metabolism, lifestyle (smoking, drinking, sun exposure) and time that has passed, it is possible that you might need a touch-up 1-5 years down the line.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR SCAR CAMOUFLAGE?
Many types of scars may be treated with camouflage. Some of the most common types of scars include those originating from:
• C-section
• Appendectomy
• General surgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Tummy-tuck
• Breast lift, augmentations & reductions
• Face-lifts
• Sunspots
Scars that are hyperpigmented, red, blue, purple or brown are also possible to treat to reduce their appearance. Certain keloids are also possible to improve. Birth marks such Mongolian spots, port wine stains and café au lait patches are also good candidates for this procedure. The ideal scars to camouflage should be a minimum of 4-6 months healed (or sometimes more), quite soft and flattened to the touch.
WHO IS NOT AN IDEAL A CANDIDATE?
People with vitiligo are not good candidates for this procedure. Vitiligo is a condition where the skin loses its pigment cells (melanocytes), resulting in discolored patches throughout the body. This condition is not recommended to treat, as pigment can be very unpredictable once deposited into the skin and may change over time.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
Multiple sessions are normally required to properly camouflage a scar, as we work in layers with the intention of creating a beautiful sheer hue that mimics our natural skin-tone, all the while reducing the appearance of the scar. Our intention is to blend everything together and not have heavy patches of colour standing out from the surface of the skin. With a touch of pigment, so much confidence can be restored!
STRETCHMARK CAMOUFLAGE
Some stretchmarks may be camouflaged, although this technique must be done with caution, as the skin of a stretchmark (striae) is very thin and its elastin and collagen fibers have been torn. Stretchmarks that may be a good candidate for this technique must be either white or silver in colour and a minimum of one year healed. If they are red, blue or purple in hue, they are still in the process of healing.
INKLESS STRETCHMARK REVISION
An alternative to stretchmark camouflage is the Inkless Stretchmark Revision technique, which works without using ink by using natural serums beneficial to skin rejuvenation with the help of dermal needling to help individual stretchmarks heal by forcing them to produce collagen and elastin.