The camouflage of stretch marks and scars is a procedure of dermo-pigmentation for aesthetic and beautifying purposes, which consists on camouflaging stretch marks and scars through tattooing methods using a pigment of the same color and similar tone as the client’s natural skin, making the stretch marks and scars, often times, virtually invisible. It is a permanent procedure, because it is a permanent tattoo. After healing (60 days), it is possible to sun bathe normally, so that there is no change of pigment. Camouflage does not change the appearance, the texture of the stretch marks and the skin of the client; it improves the coloration of the stretch marks and the scars by improving the color contrast between the stretch marks or scars and the skin, making them invisible.

One of the most common questions is: Will I affect the procedure if I get tanned? For instance if you go to the beach and get tanned, will the tattoo become more obvious? Does the tattoo get darker?

The answer is: ABSOLUTELY NOT!

The reason why is there are grooves that do not tan with exposure to the sun, the stretch marks remain white, and even if all the skin gets tanned and becomes darker, there will be a lower contrast versus the contrast prior to the camouflage, after masking the stretch marks and scars they will be of similar tint to skin color, so the contrast will be much less.

There are also the stretch marks that are darker in nature, these remain dark, and the same camouflaging technique can be used. The camouflage does not alter the outcome of the suntan, the layer of skin that tans is the first layer (epidermis) and the tattoo ink is applied to the second layer of skin (dermis).

Normal Evolution of the Procedure (Healing)

Important key factors

Camouflage lasts about 10-15 years before touch is up needed

Everyone asks why is the American camouflaging technique different from the Brazilian
Camouflage technique? here’s why:

These formulas and techniques are made up of diff comps of ink.

The pigments that are made for camouflaging have different undertones in them and change color.

The Brazilian inks have been formulated to not change color even in the sun, they stay the color that was matched and implanted into the client’s skin.

Body parts we work on:

STRETCH MARKS

  • Arms: 2 areas (we don’t work on inner arms)
  • Buttocks: 1 area
  • Thighs: 2 areas (we don’t work on inner thigh)
  • Knees: 1 area
  • Back of Knees: 1 area
  • Calves: 1 area
  • Breasts: 1 area
  • Love handles: 1 area
  • Lower Back: 1 area
  • Stomach: 1 area
  • Back: 1 area
  • Legs (Front and Back): 2 areas
  • Shoulders: 1 area
  • Flanks: 1 area
  • Toes: 1 area

SCARS

  • Breast Lift Scars
  • Tummy Tuck Scars
  • C-Section Scars
  • Knee Surgery Scars
  • Cleft Palate Scars
  • Face-lift Scars
  • Liposuction Scars
  • Burn Scars
  • Self Harm Scars
  • Surgical Scars in general
Since the areas to be treated vary so largely in size and amount, our camouflage services are subjected to a previous virtual or in person consultation. During our consultation we will evaluate the area to be treated, go over the expectations and educate our clients in aftercare protocols as we as map the area and provide you with a quote per session. Only then an appointment is scheduled. Please submit all virtual consultations through this portal or by emailing lashandbrowbarnj@gmail.com

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR PROCEDURE

  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Skin Diseases
  • Hemophilia
  • Diabetes
  • Contagious infectious diseases
  • Serious medical conditions
  • Diagnosed Keloids
  • Vegetarian or Vegan (will heal slower)
  • Redness with edema, there may be an appearance of some specks of blood.
  • Burning and itching, in the early days. Do not scratch the area.
  • When the edema is gone, redness might last up to 20-40 days.
  • When all redness has cleared the tattoo might become darker than the color of the skin, it is part of the healing process of the body because the ink comes in contact with the blood causing a chemical reaction to it which causes this dark color. We always tattoo your stretch marks or scar a shade lighter than your ski so there will be no staining of color during the procedure.
  • The final result may occur between 60-90 days, we will assess the need of another session after 60 days. In some cases it can take longer to heal, don’t panic. The longest we’ve seen is 120 days. If you are a vegan or have an autoimmune disorder, the healing process may take longer.
  • Of course in the first 7 days, any excess ink that was in phagocyte will be eliminated in the form of a crust (set of inflammatory cells, red blood cells, plasma and fibrin mixed with epithelial residues on the epidermal surface) leading to a clearing of 50% of pigmentation, often occurring a need for a touch up after the first application.
  • Please send us a picture every week so we can assist you on your healing process and supply you with the best plan of action. Remember this procedure can take 1-4 sessions for successful results.

It is very important to follow the post-procedure care of camouflaging so that proper healing occurs. Camouflage is a tattoo, so during the recovery process it requires special care to encourage healing.

1. Proper hygiene. Frequent cleaning prevents infections and it is important to use antiseptic soap to clean the area before applying Aquaphor in order to remove the product used on previous occasions.
A shower can be taken 3 hours after the procedure and should be maintained while the skin forms a scab and the resemblance of a wound. This cleansing can be done during the shower. Do not rub the area or use any scented soaps to clean the area, this will help prevent any  reactions or allergies and assist with the healing process.
2. Correct use of the ointment. The use of the ointment is done immediately after the procedure, which must continue during home care. Aquaphor is the most indicated ointment because it helps with the healing process. On the first week, the ideal treatment is to apply the Aquaphor twice a day, morning and night. Its use must continue during the first 14 days.
3. Do not remove the scab. In the first 7-14 days, there might be a thin scab, do not touch it. It might fall on its own, and its function is to protect against skin infections. This crust (set of inflammatory cells, red blood cells, plasma and fibrin mixed with epithelial wastes) is the ink in excess, which did not go through phagocyte
4. Do not scratch the area of the tattoo. It is normal to want to scratch the area of the camouflaged area. Instead of scratching, give light pats on the area, it relieves without impairing healing (you can use a baby wipe to help). However, if the itching is very strong, the ideal is to seek dermatologist, because it may be an allergic reaction to the ink which is highly uncommon.
5. Ice the area 3 times a day for 3 days for 20 minutes
6. Apply Aquaphor on treated are twice a day for 10 days
7. No sun, no saltwater, no exfoliation, no laser hair removal, no picking at area
8. Do not workout for the first week
9. In the first 40 days, stretch marks will be dark please don’t panic
10. Do not take Vitamin D pills
11. Healing process may take 45 – 60 days to see final results

Virtual Consultation

To request a virtual evaluation, send us high quality pictures and complete the following information if you have existing permanent make up in the area to be treated