If you’re living with a scar that’s causing you emotional distress or self-esteem issues, then you might want to consider a scar camouflage tattoo treatment. Also known as skin color tattooing, scar camouflage is where a qualified technician injects pigment into the tattoo so that it better blends with the rest of your skin tone. While the technique is effectively the same, scar camouflage treatment isn’t the same as decorative tattooing as this aims to reduce the appearance rather than draw attention to it.
How Does Scar Camouflage Work?
This is an advanced technique used to cover all manner of scars and skin-related conditions causing you discomfort. The paramedical tattoo artist will consult with you to assess the type of scar and ensure it can be treated with camouflage. If it’s fine to go ahead, they will custom blend a selection of pigmentation to match your skin tone before performing the tattoo. The idea is to better blend the scar tissue with the surrounding skin so that it’s not quite as noticeable to the naked eye.
What Scars Can’t Be Camouflaged?
If you have a scar that you’d like to have tattooed, then you should meet with a technician to assess whether your scar is suitable for tattoo camouflage. After a full consultation, you can then either go with a scar camouflage tattoo or another advanced scar treatment to address the issue.
Keloid scars
The keloid scar is not suitable for camouflage tattoos largely because of how the skin heals. These scars are often thick and red, with irregular scar tissue that can even spread beyond the area of the original wound. Certain people are more prone to keloid scarring but it can also occur after a serious injury.
Who Can’t Get Tattooed?
Beyond keloid scars, there are certain circumstances where it’s not beneficial to get a scar tattoo. Some of these restrictions include:
Fresh scars
It is recommended that your scar heal completely before you even consider any form of tattooing, otherwise, the scar might never heal properly or even reopen. This could lead to health complications and even more serious scarring later.
Sunburnt skin
If you are going ahead with a scar camouflage tattoo, then you will have to avoid sun exposure ahead of the treatment. Too much sun exposure will lead to sunburn damage which could impact the scar.
Low immunity
If you have any type of immune disorder, then it’s inadvisable to get any form of scar treatment. Those with a low immune system will battle with the healing of scar tissue and tattoo treatment could lead to complications.
What Scars Can Be Camouflaged?
There are many types of scars that can be effectively treated with scar camouflage, as well as certain skin conditions. Examples of scars that can be effectively camouflaged include:
- Cosmetic surgery scars
- General surgery scars
- C-section scars
- Breast surgery scars
- Accident or injury scars
- Cleft lip scars
There are two main scar categories under which these all fall – atrophic and hypertrophic scars.
Atrophic scars
These are often soft scars located beneath the skin’s surface and can be caused as a result of burns, deep cuts, surgical procedures, acne or even chickenpox scars which are small, round depressions. These are generally whitish in color, soft and beneath the skin with some texture. Once the scar has healed fully, it can be tattooed. It’s worth noting that stretch marks fall under the atrophic scar category because they are scars. They are formed when the skin stretches too fast, usually as a result of rapid weight gain or pregnancy.
Hypertrophic scars
These are common among young people in superficial wounds, and are also the result of burns, usually resulting in a thick, red, and elevated scar. It usually heals after about a year, after which you can perform a camouflage scar tattoo.
What Other Conditions Can Be Treated?
Vitiligo
Scar camouflage tattoo is also a great treatment for those suffering from discoloration of the skin such as vitiligo. This is a lifelong skin condition whereby people lose pigment cells over the body and face.
Hyperpigmentation
Similar to vitiligo but on the other end of the spectrum is hyperpigmentation. This is where certain areas of the skin become darker as a result of excess melanin. This is usually from pregnancy, hormonal changes, sun damage, injury, or surgery.
What To Consider When Getting Scar Camouflage Tattoo
Before you decide on which scar treatment to go with, there are a few things to consider ahead of time.
- Healing: Scars can take months or even years to heal fully, so you’ll need to check in with a professional on whether your scar is ready for tattooing.
- Consultation: As we’ve outlined, some scars are just not suited to scar camouflage tattooing, so you’ll need to check in with your technician.
- Treatment type: A scar camouflage tattoo is a great option for addressing the appearance of scars but during your consultation you can ask about advanced scar treatments that address the scar tissue itself.
- Aftercare: Once you’ve had the treatment done, you might require a few more sessions to get that desired look. You will also need to chat with your technician about what aftercare treatment is needed.
Where To get Scar Camouflage Tattoo
If you’re looking for a specialist in this form of scar camouflage treatment in the Washington area, then BeautyInk By LeAnne is your best option. With extensive experience in the industry, LeAnne is able to custom-blend pigmentation to perfectly match your skin tone, ensuring you walk away satisfied with the result. Health and safety are a priority, which is why she uses only quality, vegan, cruelty-free inks in all her treatments. There’s no reason to continue living with a scar that’s causing you pain or discomfort, simply contact BeautyInk By LeAnne today to find out more about this life-changing treatment.
