Is Your Skin Suitable for Scar Camouflage? Everything You Need to Know

Scars, regardless of how they are obtained, can be debilitating for some people and significantly impact self-confidence. Whether it's a small scar or extensive stretch marks, various treatment options are available. Clients often come to us as a last resort after trying other methods of treatments. At Skin Conceal, we strive to enhance the appearance of scars by using inkless serums or skin tone pigments. The suitability and success of this treatment depend on several factors.

Is Your Scar Suitable for Paramedical Tattooing?

Age of the Scar

For effective results with pigment camouflage, your scar should be at least 1-2 years old. During the healing process, your skin is still moving and remodelling, which can cause pigments to shift, leading to unpredictable results. If the scar is at least 6 months old, the Inkless technique can be used. Starting Inkless treatment at 6 months is ideal since scars typically thicken between 6 weeks and 6-12 months post-injury. Scar treatment is most effective earlier in the scar evolution process. For new injuries, I recommend Healite II LED light and Laser Genesis or BBL to prevent excess inflammation and scar tissue formation until it if safe to proceed with paramedical tattoo.

Colour of the Scar

For pigment camouflage, scars need to be lighter than the surrounding skin. Lighter pigments cannot effectively cover darker skin tones. Darker scars can be initially treated with Inkless tattooing to lighten them. After this, the scar may naturally blend or may require additional pigment tattooing.

Colour and health of surrounding skin

For natural and realistic results, the skin surrounding the scar needs to be healthy and even toned. If the skin is really vascular (red) and sun damaged (sun spots and discolouration) its almost impossible to effectively colour match the skin with a skin toned pigment. This is common on the face, neck and chest. I always recommend Laser or BBL (Broad Band Light) to improve the skin health and colours as much as possible prior to adding tattooed pigments.

Keloid Scarring

Keloid scars are not suitable for paramedical tattooing. Any skin treatment that causes further injury can worsen keloid scarring. If you have a history of keloids, you might not be eligible for treatment. For keloid scars, I recommend Healite II LED light and Laser Genesis, which gently reduce colour and thickness. If the keloid scar is very severe it should be managed by your doctor or dermatologist.

Hyperpigmentation

If you are prone to experiencing hyperpigmentation, where the skin darkens significantly after an injury, you can still undergo treatment. However, there is a risk of further hyperpigmentation during healing. Hyperpigmentation is often transient and may return to normal within 6-12 weeks, although it can last longer, especially in darker skin tones.

Medical Conditions/Pregnancy

Paramedical tattooing is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Certain medications and medical conditions, such as type I diabetes, blood disorders, and allergies, may also contraindicate treatment. Always disclose all medications and medical conditions to your paramedical tattoo artist to ensure a safe procedure.

What Factors Affect Scar Camouflage Results and Their Longevity?

Age

Older clients often have thinner skin. While the results may not be impacted compared to younger clients, extra care is needed with tattoo depth and pressure on aging skin. Older skin typically has slower cell renewal, which can make pigments last longer.

Lifestyle

Active individuals might lose pigments faster due to increased blood circulation and cell renewal. Frequent sun exposure, swimming, and sauna use can also accelerate pigment fading.

Products Used on the Skin

Active ingredients such as AHAs, BHAs, exfoliating scrubs, retinols, and lightening agents can cause pigments to fade more quickly. Keeping your skin hydrated and using SPF in the sun will help maintain results.

Following Aftercare Advice

Proper aftercare is crucial for the success of paramedical tattooing. You will receive customized aftercare advice, including product recommendations to aid healing and boost results. These products provide hydration, nutrients, and a protective barrier to ensure the best possible outcome.

Skin Retention/Immune System

This point plays a massive part in tattoo pigment retention and successful scar camouflage results. Unfortunately, we have no control over your body’s response to inserting pigments into the skin. From the moment pigments enter the skin, your body knows it is a foreign object and does its best to remove as much as possible to protect itself. Because of this, 40-80% of pigments can be lost per session. Eventually the body will calm down and remaining pigments implanted will be accepted to leave the final result which can take 4-8 weeks on average. This is why 2-5 sessions are often recommended to build coverage and pigment retention, the first session often has the biggest chance of rejecting the most pigment.

Scar Tissue Texture

Depending on how tough your scar tissue is, will determine how easy it is to get tattoo pigments into the skin and stay. Scar tissue is compromised skin and does not behave the same was as normal, healthy skin. It is far more unpredictable. Usually at least 2-3 tattooing sessions are required to camouflage a scar, but this may be more – we simply do not know in advance.

What Are the Risks with Pigment Camouflage Tattooing?

Although we strive to minimize adverse outcomes, this treatment is mildly invasive and carries some risks.

Skin Irritation

Post-treatment swelling and tenderness are common. You will receive aftercare instructions to manage these effects and speed up healing. It’s important to avoid scratching and excess environmental exposure as the skin heals.

Not Achieving an Exact Colour Match

A colour test is usually performed to gauge how the chosen pigment heals. However, skin healing can alter pigment colour. Without a patch test, predicting the final outcome is challenging. If the colour does not meet expectations, adjustments or removals can be made.

Uneven Pigment Colour

Scar tissue is irregular, leading to potential uneven pigment retention. This can result in inconsistent colour across the treated area.

Fading of Colour Over Time

Pigment fading is expected and influenced by several factors discussed earlier. On average, camouflage pigment tattoos last between 2-7 years.

Scarring

While secondary scarring is rare, it can occur. It is typically related to aftercare and the practitioner's technique. Proper aftercare and gentle tattooing help minimize this risk.

Pigment Migration or Spreading

If the scar tissue is still healing, there is a risk of pigment migration. This can be influenced by the artist's technique and the pigment used. Skin tone pigments reduce the impact of migration as they blend with the surrounding skin.

At Skin Conceal, our goal is to provide effective and personalized solutions for scar camouflage. While tattooing scars with skin tone pigments can offer significant improvements, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence the treatment's success and potential risks. We are committed to working closely with you to assess your individual needs, address any concerns, and ensure the best possible outcome. If you’re considering scar camouflage tattooing, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. We’re here to help you on your journey to renewed confidence and self-esteem.