Stretch marks, while affecting a large portion of the population, can cause a lot of self-consciousness, especially when they’re located in conspicuous areas of the body. Although some stretch marks might disappear on their own over time, others will not, and it might be worth seeking treatment options if they’re causing a lot of undue stress. Stretch mark camouflage tattooing is one of the best ways to drastically minimize the overall appearance of the stretch marks, but when is the best time to get it done? Here’s some insight.
What is Stretch Mark Camouflage Tattooing?
Also known as Brazilian Stretch Mark Camouflage for its origins in the South American country, this is a form of medical tattooing that hides unsightly stretch marks and scars. The technician will match the tattoo ink to your skin tone and will then apply it to the stretch mark, thereby disguising the area. In some cases, this form of medical tattooing will stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing response.
How Do Stretch Marks Form?
Stretch marks are commonly caused by the rapid stretching and shrinking of our bodies for whatever reason. The reason this results in scarring is that the collagen and elastin – which supports our skin – ruptures. Ahead of the stretch mark appearance, the skin will appear to be thin, pink, irritated and itchy. The stretch marks will then develop as indented, wrinkly streaks which can be various colors, starting with red, purple, pink, or brown. For some, stretch marks will disappear, for others, hormone fluctuations or genetics will result in more severe stretch marks.
Some of the ways stretch marks will form include:
- Puberty-related growth spurts
- Pregnancy
- Rapid weight gain or loss
- Muscle growth through weight training
- Cushing’s disease or Marfan syndrome
- Corticosteroid use decreases collagen levels
Who is a Good Candidate?
The great thing about Stretch Mark Camouflage Tattooing is that it’s an ideal treatment option for almost anyone. The skin tone of the area being treated must be your natural skin tone, which means no tans or fake tans. It will cover scars or stretch marks for all people, old or young, but the area of the body must be fully healed.
When to Get a Stretch Mark Camouflage Tattoo
If you’re looking to get this skin camouflage treatment, then you need to wait at least two years for your stretch marks or scars to heal, which means they will be lighter than your original skin tone. If you’re unsure as to whether or not you’re ready, then book a consultation with a medical technician to find out. Your skin tone has to be natural, which means no tanning or fake tans for a month to three months ahead of the treatment. This way, the ink color can be custom blended to your skin tone, not the tone of the skin that will disappear.
Is Treatment Only For Stretch Marks?
Stretch mark camouflage tattoos can also be used to cover other types of scarring and skin conditions besides stretch marks. This includes surgical or acne scars, but you’ll need to wait around 24 months for complete healing before getting the treatment. Keloid scars, where the skin is raised, cannot be treated with such tattooing, however, as the scars need to be flat. People suffering from the skin condition, vitiligo, can also be treated with stretch mark camouflage tattoo as it covers up the lightened area of the skin, matching it to the surrounding skin tone.
How Long Does Stretch Mark Camouflage Last?
Unlike a permanent tattoo, stretch mark camouflage tattoos will need to be touched up again, depending on the individual and external factors. Your personal immune system and lifestyle will impact the longevity of the tattoo treatment, as well as the amount of sun exposure to the treatment area. The reason the tattoo ink doesn’t always last as long is that the scar tissue is more difficult to penetrate, and there’s less elasticity and melanin production.
What Happens After Treatment?
You can expect the stretch marks to appear red and swollen at first, but will subside around 72 hours after the treatment. During this time, you will be given instructions on how to minimize the inflammation to speed up the healing process, including keeping it clean. You can expect some peeling and flaking of the skin, possibly even scabbing, but around two to three months later, the area will be completely healed.
Post-Care Treatment For Stretch Mark Camouflage Tattoo
Your cosmetic technician will provide you with the necessary aftercare treatment for your tattoo, but for some basic tips:
- You will have to avoid applying water and soap to the scar treatment area for the first 48 hours.
- You can wash the skin after 72 hours using lukewarm water, or an anti-bacterial wash.
- You will have to apply a healing ointment to the area, once or twice a day.
- You will have to avoid touching the area, which includes picking at any skin.
- You will have to avoid direct sunlight exposure to the treatment area for the first few days.
- You can expect the healing scab color to fade anywhere from eight to 10 weeks after the procedure.
Where To Get Stretch Mark Camouflage Tattoos?
When it comes to this form of medical tattooing, it’s important to go through an experienced professional who uses only the latest technology and equipment. For a specialist in this form of scar camouflage treatment in the Washington area, then BeautyInk By LeAnne is the number one option. LeAnne has years of experience and will be able to custom-blend the pigmentation to match your specific skin tone.
Because health and safety are a priority at BeautyInk By LeAnne, only quality, vegan, cruelty-free inks are used in all treatments – better for you and better for the planet. If you’re feeling self-conscious about any stretch marks, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with BeautyInk By LeAnne today to find out more about camouflage tattoos.
