Do you have a scar that keeps you from wearing what you want? Here are your options from creams, skin resurfacing techniques, to scar tattoo procedures.
When you get a wound, whether from surgery or trauma, your skin forms scar tissue as the wound heals. Scarring is a natural process; it is completely normal. However, scars may lower one’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
Having scars is not really a bad thing, especially if it is small, or is in a location where it can easily be hidden. However, if it’s not, there are different methods that you may try to conceal it, make it go away, or change how it looks.
Types of Scars
To help you decide which method to choose, you must first have knowledge of the different types of scars.
1. Keloid
Keloids are the result of an aggressive healing process. A keloid is a raised scar that extends beyond the original injury.
2. Hypertrophic
Hypertrophic scars are thick and raised, and are often red in color. Often, they are a result of skin trauma, surgical incisions, or burns. They flatten and fade over time.
3. Contractures
When a large area of the skin is damaged or lost, like a burn for example, results in contractures. Contractures tighten the skin, which may impair body movement.
4. Acne Scars
Severe acne causes acne scars. These scars may be deep pits or maybe angular or wavelike in appearance.
People who have severe acne scars usually cover them with makeup, which sometimes makes the skin condition worse.
5. Stretch Marks
Stretch marks develop when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly. This is often seen in the body of a woman who recently gave birth.
Most women result in hiding their stretch marks because it does not fit the world’s standard of beauty.
Scar Treatment Options
1. Prescription Creams, Gels, or Ointments
These products can be used to treat scars caused by cuts and wounds. The ingredients in these products target scar tissue and help in restoring the natural look and feel of the skin.
There are some skin creams that contain mild exfoliants that work to remove the top layer of skin cells and eliminate dead skin.
Scar creams contain ingredients designed to target scar tissue and help restore the skin’s natural look and feel. Other ingredients hydrate skin cells and reduce the appearance of scars.
2. Scar Revision Surgery
A scar revision procedure makes the scar less noticeable and makes it cosmetically appealing. IT could also restore a poorly healed scar. However, it does not completely erase it.
There are different options for scar revision, but they vary based on the type and degree of scarring. Scar revision may include simple topical treatment, minimally invasive medical procedures, and revision surgery.
3. Laser
Like the methods mentioned above, lasers could also reduce the appearance of scars. Focused light therapy is used to stimulate the production of new skin cells or to remove the outer layer of the surface of the skin.
Lasers can also target the blood vessels in the scar tissue and reduce redness. In laser stretch marks removal, concentrated rays of light are directed towards the stretch marks to stimulate the growth of new skin cells.
Laser therapy for scars is used to smooth the surface of the skin, remove the abnormal color of the scar, or flatten a raised scar. Laser therapy for keloids is done in conjunction with other treatments. It usually takes several treatments before seeing a notable improvement, at the cost of $3000 to $5000.
4. Microneedling
The principle behind microneedling is that, with the use of a derma roller or pen on the skin’s surface that generates micro-trauma to the skin to relax and smoothen out the texture of the scars. The micro-trauma generated in the skin stimulates the wound-healing response of the body, which leaves scars more even. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin when it creates tiny punctures on the epidermis. This eventually encourages skin regeneration.
5. Scar Camouflage Tattoo
If you want a permanent solution to your scars, the best option is to get a tattoo that will cover the scar. A tattoo that covers up a scar and makes it look like your natural skin is called a scar tattoo or scar camouflage tattoo.
Scar camouflage tattooing is a permanent solution that adds a skin-color pigmentation to the scar through tattooing. The goal is to make your scar “disappear” by blending a special ink that matches your skin color so that its appearance looks like your natural skin tone.
Scar camouflage tattoos can only be done by professionals. It is a non-surgical medical procedure where a needle is inserted into the scar. The needle deposits colored ink that closely matches your skin tone.
Naturally, our skin does not really have a solid color. To achieve the cosmetic color of the skin, the professional technician uses a technique called pointillism, which mixes and matches the colors to add variety to the skin, to achieve the goal of having the scar covered.
A Scar camouflage tattoo can only cover certain types of scars. Before going to your trusted tattoo studio, make sure that:
- Your scar is at least 2 years old;
- The scar does not show any kind of redness;
- Your scar is not sunken; and
- Your scar is more pale/white than the skin surrounding it
Related Post: Shoulder Surgery Scar Tattoo and Scoliosis Surgery Scar Tattoo
Scar Tattoo FAQs
What will happen during my consultation?
During my free virtual consultation, I will carefully analyze your scarring to see if you will benefit from a scar tattoo. We will also evaluate your skin to find out the colors which will blend well with your skin tone. The evaluation will ensure that the colors to be used for the procedure are correct and are exactly what you want.
How long will the scar camouflage session take?
Every session takes an hour or less, depending on the size of the camouflage tattoo. Scar camouflage tattoos may require you to come back to the studio for touch ups after a few years.
What will happen during the procedure?
The tattoo technician will use an electronic device that stimulates the natural healing response of the skin. Multiple blends of pigment are injected to the skin to create a tonal variance of your skin color.
What should I prepare before the scar camouflage procedure?
Before having the procedure, it is important that your skin is at its normal appearance. This is because the pigments that will be used should blend well with your natural skin tone.
If you are tanned at the time of the session, you might end up with a tattoo that does not match your skin.
What after-care should I do after the scar camouflage tattoo?
After the session, make sure that you limit your exposure to the sun. Tattoos are permanent, but they generally do not like the sun, because it fades the color quicker.
Will the scar camouflage tattoo hurt?
Whether it will hurt or not depends on the scar itself. Numbing agents are applied to the scar. Past customers describe the discomfort as no more than 2 out of 10. Do not worry, our technician will make sure that you are comfortable during the entire process.
Get a Scar Tattoo at Studio Conceal
Do not let scars limit you from living the life you deserve. You cannot just hide them underneath makeup. You deserve a permanent solution that will make you feel beautiful again! Avail of our Scar Camouflage service!
Schedule a free virtual consultation today!