Paramedical Scar Camouflage Tattooing

In fact, scars are formed to protect the skin, the largest and most remarkable organ of the human body.  If part of the skin is injured, a fibrous matrix will form to protect it from further damage. While this is positive in terms of ensuring full healing, it is often negative in terms of the ultimate appearance, no matter where on the body it may be.

Clients with scars can be assured predictable and positive results from BEAUTYINK®, Vancouver’s award winning cosmetic tattoo boutique. Careful preparation, educational expertise, and comprehensive treatment plans permit Shauna to use a combination of modalities to promote the body’s healing process over time.

It is imperative that you trust a trained and experienced scar revision professional for best results. Since 2016, Shauna has trained with leaders in the field and worked extensively on compromised and scarred skin. Scars or skin irregularities CANNOT simply be corrected by tattooing skin coloured ink over the area of concern. There are many reasons for this. Only a knowledgeable technician can approach paramedical scar camouflage tattooing and offer reasonable and predictable results.

We apply a combination of paramedical tattoo techniques to treat unsightly, bothersome scars. First, scars can be treated by “breaking down” the tissue using state-of-the-art technology called medical microneedling. Often times, this is all that is required as the trauma from microneedling invokes a healing cascade where new melanocytes are formed, in tissue once absent of colour. The loss of colour at the site of the scar is often the most troublesome concern. There can be no guarantee, but melanin stimulation is possible with the right skin. Second, once the skin has flattened, multiples layers of colour are carefully added in order to blend the uncoloured void into the surrounding skin. This process takes multiple procedures over time for best results.

What is scar revision?

Scar revision is the use of microchanneling and stem cell serums to actively release and stimulate traumatized scar tissue. This is generally used before scar camouflage to flatten and soften the texture of the skin. In some cases it can also stimulate a person’s natural pigmentation. You may have also heard the term medical microneedling. This is very similar, but targets specific areas more aggressively breaking down the fibrous tissue, thereby allowing it to soften and release. This is great for burns or severe trauma.

So what is paramedical scar camouflage tattooing?

Scar camouflage is a form of paramedical tattooing, and in this case, we use skin-coloured tattoo ink. By layering multiple colours, we are able to create the illusion of a blended scar. The skin is made up of multiple colours with undertones, midtones, and overtones. With our custom layering techniques, we implant colour that is missing.

How soon can you get scar camouflage tattooing?

Generally, we recommend one full year of healing from the time of injury. Due to the trauma, the skin tissue can be damaged if it is worked on too soon. The scar must be lighter than your skin tone, and no longer have any pink, red or purple colouring.

How long does the procedure take?

We require a 30 minute complimentary in-person consultation to assess your skin and set out a treatment plan. If you are a good candidate, we will schedule you in for a 2-3 hour session. Shauna insists on taking whatever time is needed to ensure you are completely at ease and fully understand the process.

We will see you back for a 6 week check up to assess your healed results and see what steps are required to move forward.

How many sessions will I need?

Shauna has worked miracles in one session for light scarring. Generally, traumatic scarring requires between 2-4 sessions. Once healed, we can proceed with pigmentation to achieve the desired results. This includes 1-4 sessions for layering the colours and detailing work.

My scar is darker than my skin colour. Can this be tattooed?

Generally, when the scar is darker, this is due to hyper-pigmentation which is the over production of melanocytes, the cells that pigment your skin.

The tattooing process causes micro-injuries that will stimulate this production, further causing the area to darken. When light pigment is added to a dark scar, it will result in a chalky, milky look that will translate Ito muddy and gray.

We know people are doing this, but it doesn’t mean it’s correct or ethical! This industry is unregulated and there is no governing body looking out for the well being of the public. It solely comes down to the artist’s skill and training. This is why we hold our CPCP (Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professionals) credentials in such high regard. The SPCP (Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals) works by a Code of Ethics, and requires advanced training and testing for all CPCP holders. Shauna is currently only 1 of 5 who holds this designation in Canada.