Frequently Asked Questions

All the definitions of paramedical tattooing point to the same thing: it is an advanced cosmetic tattooing procedure designed to replace lost pigment, conceal skin irregularities, improve texture/tone and even recreate missing body parts.

Skin irregularities can develop due to illness, trauma, or everyday activities. Resulting in stretch marks or scars from conditions such as surgery, accidents, self-harm, pregnancy, weight training, acne, skin cancers and more.

Paramedical tattooing offers a way to reduce the visibility of these skin irregularities. By using skin-tone pigments and medical grade inkless serums, paramedical tattoo artists can camouflage and heal scars, improve texture and tone and create tattoos that resemble natural-looking skin.

There are solutions for all types of scars from old, new, flat, raised, indented, hypo or hyperpigmented, surgical, accidental and self-inflicted.

There are 2 distinct ways in which they can be treated and concealed.

INKLESS - Using a medical grade serum into the scar or stretch mark, via a skin needling tattoo technique. This treatment can heal and remodel the area 30-90% in 2-5 treatments. With noticeable improvement from just 1.

Majority of stretch marks and scars will start with the Inkless method and may not even require pigment.

PIGMENT - Using a revolutionary Skin tone Nue Conceal reading device, which determines an exact colour match to your skin. Once matched up the pigment is deposited into your skin via a tattoo technique. Once healed, scars and stretch marks are concealed with the rest of the skin and almost completely unnoticeable. 2-3 treatments are generally required.

Even though both paramedical camouflage tattoo and traditional tattoos are known to deposit some type of colour into the skin, they do it in different ways.

Traditional tattoo ink is deposited deep into the skin, into the dermis, anywhere from 1.5-2mm depth.

Paramedical camouflage tattoo uses pigments (similar to permanent makeup) which are deposited into superficial layers of the skin, the epidermis. This is anywhere from 0.5-1.5mm depth.

Paramedical camouflage tattoo is designed to be semi-permanent so it can be touched up as your skin naturally changes tone over the years. Placing the pigment into the epidermal layer will look the most natural and fade over time. Touch ups are recommended every 3-5 years or as needed. Inkless camouflage is permanent as the skin has been remodeled and healed.

1. The treated area will be swollen and red immediately after.

2. The next day, the swelling will subside but the area will remain red.

3. After about 2-5 days, the redness will dark to turn dark and reddish-brown. This hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) for some people, they may completely heal in a week while others can last anywhere from 4-12 weeks. As long as the area is still darker than the rest of the skin, it is not fully healed.

Once fully healed you can have your next treatment. Achieving best possible outcome may require 2-5 sessions, depending on your skin type and result desired.

You may have noticed your scars or stretch marks never change colour no matter how tanned your skin is. In fact you probably notice they are more visable when you tan due to the increase in contrast.

Although the concealed stretch marks or scars will not tan, it will be less visible as the base colour is now flesh toned instead of white.

Just remember to allow your treated areas time to fully heal before exposing it to the sun. Sun safety is always encouraged regardless of if you have camouflage tattoo or not.

*For Inkless tattoo, as no pigment was implanted into the skin, your skin will tan as normal.

It’s important to note that Paramedical tattooing does not remove scars—it improves their appearance and camouflages them. While it helps blend scars with surrounding skin and boosts skin health, some scar tissue will always remain. Inkless tattoo will improve skin health by triggering the body’s natural healing response, promoting the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin firmness and elasticity. These treatments can also enhance hydration, improve skin texture, and increase blood circulation in the treated areas. In some cases, they can even stimulate the formation of new melanocytes, helping to restore natural pigmentation in the affected area. For areas that don't naturally repigment, pigment camouflage tattooing can be used to add customized skin-tone pigments to conceal the scars. Together, these benefits help create smoother, healthier-looking skin, but it’s important to understand that scars themselves are a permanent part of the skin’s healing process after a trauma has occurred in the area

Anyone who is pregnant, breast feeding, has auto-immune diseases, taking oral isotretinoin (accutane), has undergone cancer treatment in the last 12 months, any medications and skin conditions that create delayed wound healing and skin sensitivity.

The Inkless tattoo permanently remodels and improves the area treated.

The Pigment camouflage tattoo is designed to be semi-permanent so it can be touched up as your skin naturally changes tone over the years. Placing the pigment into the epidermal layer will look the most natural and fade over time. Touch ups are recommended every 3-5 years or as needed.

There is usually some minor discomfort, although tolerance levels vary between clients. Most clients find the procedures only mildly uncomfortable. You may take some paracetamol 30 minutes before your treatment if you wish (avoid ibuprofen or anything anti inflammatory pre treatment). Numbing cream is generally not required.

It’s usually a minimum 6 months for Inkless and 12 months for pigment camouflage from when the initial mark has formed. Feel free to send me a picture of the area so I can advise if it’s ready for treatment. LED and various laser and light based systems (I usually use Healite II LED, Laser Genesis and BBL in clinic) can be used as soon as the wound is closed over.

You will need a minimum of 2 treatments, most often it’s about 2-5 treatments (sometimes more). This can be due to factors like age, genetics, health and the severity + size of the stretch mark or scar being treated.

I use Nue Conceal Pigments, they are Vegan friendly, Cruelty free, CE certified, Halal and have FDA approval.

• Avoid unprotected sun exposure for 2-4 weeks and fake tan for 1 week

• Exfoliate the area 24 hours before

• Avoid caffeine, energy drinks and alcohol for 24 hours

• Avoid blood thinners (including ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oils etc) for 3 days

• Avoid application of numbing creams, gels, sprays.

• Stay hydrated and get a good nights sleep

• Where loose comfy clothing to your appointment

• Take some paracetamol 30 mins before your appointment

• Drink plenty of water to maintain skin hydration.

• Taking collagen and antioxidant supplements will boost your healing and final result.

• Avoid showering for the first 24 hours

• Avoid tight uncomfortable clothing on the area while it’s healing.

• Avoid all products except for the ones recommended to you.

• Make sure you use your aftercare products at least 2-3 times a day until skin is fully healed.

• Avoid exfoliating the treated area for at least 2-3 weeks.

• Avoid fake tan to the treated area for minimum 3-4 weeks

• Avoid direct sunlight over the exposed area until fully healed. Minimum 3-4 weeks Wear a zinc based SPF and/or protective clothing on the areas daily after the first week.

• Avoid soaking in baths, saunas and swimming pools or the ocean until your treatment has healed.

• Avoid excerise for minimum 48-72 hours.

• And of course, as tempting as it is.. don’t stratch or pick at the tattoo at all!

The healing process may take anywhere between 4-12 weeks which is longer than tattooing healthy parts of the skin, due to it being more sensitive when working with scar tissue.

Generally keloid scars are not suitable for Paramedical tattoo as there is a high risk of it getting worse. However, often hypertrophic scars are mistaken for keloid scars and hypertrophic scars can be treated.

With hypertrophic scars, the extra connective tissue that forms within the original wound stays within that area. With keloid scars, the extra connective tissue that forms extends beyond the original wound area.

Please send me a photo of the scar if you are unsure what type of scar you have and i can help guide you.

Camouflage tattoos are commonly used to address:

• Scars from surgeries, accidents, self harm or burns

• Stretch marks

• Vitiligo (skin pigmentation disorder)

• Breast reconstruction after mastectomy

• Skin grafts

• Tattoo removal scars

The longevity of a camouflage tattoo can vary, but typically, they can last anywhere from 3 to 5 years before fading. Regular touch-ups may be required over time, especially if the tattoo is in an area that experiences significant wear, such as the hands or face.

Initial healing time for a camouflage tattoo generally takes around 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. During this period, you should avoid exposure to direct sunlight, excessive moisture, or scrubbing the area. Full healing can take up to a few months, during which the tattoo may go through colour and texture changes as it settles.

Yes, paramedical tattoos can be used to mask pigmentation issues like hypopigmentation or vitiligo by using skin toned pigment that matches the surrounding skin. These tattoos aim to create a uniform skin tone in affected areas, offering a more even camouflaged appearance.

As with any tattoo, there are some risks involved, such as infection, allergic reactions, or uneven results. It's important to choose a skilled, certified artist and follow their aftercare instructions carefully to minimize risks.

While camouflage tattoos can be removed with saline tattoo removal, the process can be complex, multiple sessions are required and may not always result in complete removal, especially if the pigment was inserted deep into the skin. It is important to discuss removal options before deciding.

The cost of a camouflage tattoo can vary depending on the size, complexity, and location of the tattoo. Prices typically range from $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on the area being treated. It’s always best to send me a clear photo of your area of concern for a more accurate quote.

When performed by an experienced artist, camouflage tattoos can look very natural. The key to a successful paramedical tattoo is the artist’s ability to match the pigment to the surrounding skin and use subtle shading techniques to ensure the tattoo blends seamlessly.

Yes, in some cases, paramedical tattoos can be combined with other treatments like laser, light based systems and LED for better results, especially in cases of severe scarring, inflammation or pigmentation issues. I will advise you if i think this should be involved to determine the best course of treatment.

An inkless tattoo, also known as a "scar camouflage tattoo," uses a tattoo technique that does not involve and tattoo ink. Instead, the artist uses a medical grade serum. The controlled micro-trauma stimulates your body to repair the area by increasing collagen, elastin and melanin production, breaking down scar tissue and nourishing the skin.

Unlike regular tattoos, which involve implanting ink and pigment into the skin to create designs or colour, inkless tattoos focus on improving texture and tone of scars and stretch marks with medical grade serums.

Inkless tattoos are particularly effective for:

• White or lighter scars

• dark scars

• textured scars

• Stretch marks

• Acne scars

• Burn scars

• Skin discoloration They work best on scars that have healed completely and no longer show active irritation.

Healing time for inkless tattoos is generally similar to that of a regular tattoo. It typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for the skin to heal on the surface, but the full healing and softening process may take up to 3 months. During this period, the skin will gradually adapt to the changes, and the appearance of the scar or imperfection will continue to improve.

Inkless tattoos tend to be less painful than regular tattoos, as they don’t involve injecting ink deep into the skin. However, some discomfort may still occur, especially in sensitive areas.

Inkless tattoos can significantly improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks by making them less noticeable, but they cannot completely erase them. The result will depend on the size, type, and severity of the scar, as well as how well the skin heals after the procedure. Many clients experience a significant reduction in the visibility of scars.

The results of an inkless tattoo can often be permanent, though touch-ups may be necessary, especially if the treated area experiences significant changes in skin texture or if the scars change over time. The results are typically semi-permanent.

Inkless tattoos are generally safe for all skin types. However, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced artist, especially if you have darker skin tones or specific skin and health conditions, to ensure the treatments will be safe for you.

The risks associated with inkless tattoos are relatively minimal, but like any procedure that creates micro-injuries, there are potential side effects, such as irritation, swelling, or mild discomfort during healing. It’s important to follow aftercare instructions to avoid infection and ensure proper healing.

Yes, inkless tattoos can be performed over old tattoos, but only if you don’t mind that the original tattoo may change in appearance. This is only recommended if you're looking to improve the appearance of scar tissue from previous tattoo removal or if the skin in the area has healed unevenly. However, the results depend on the extent of the original tattoo and the condition of the skin.