10 by Ten proudly specializes in permanently camouflaging and treating scars and stretch marks.
If you have stretch marks or scars that make you self-conscious, this is the service for you! The camouflage technique can give you a boost of self-confidence by disguising and concealing them.
What is Scar Camouflage?
Also known as Para Medical Tattooing, scar camouflage is the best and easiest way to conceal and blend scars and stretch marks. Skin re-pigmentation is a positive solution to conceal imperfections by mimicking skin and restoring confidence. Each skin imperfection and scar is as unique as the living canvas on which it resides. I am able to formulate a customized ink pigment that matches any unique skin tone.
What is a Stretch Mark?
Stretch marks are a type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks in a relatively short period of time. This causes the collagen and elastin, which supports our skin, to rupture. As the skin heals, indented, irregular lines or streaks appear on the skin where it has been stretched or distended.
What is a Scar?
A scar is formed when the dermis (deep, thick layer of skin) is damaged. The body forms new collagen fibers (a naturally occurring protein in the body) to mend the damage, resulting in a scar. The scar tissue will have a different texture and quality than the surrounding tissue.
| Traditional Tattoos | Cosmetic Tattoos |
|---|---|
|
Considered a ‘cosmetic’ by the FDA (meaning they’re not regulated) |
Considered a ‘cosmetic’ by the FDA (meaning they’re not regulated) |
|
Ink (black and bright colors) derived from a variety of chemicals, including metals |
Micropigments (neutral skin tones) made from organic and inorganic substances |
|
Injected deeper into the dermis |
Injected more superficially into the dermis |
|
Cannot be broken down by the body (i.e., they’re permanent) |
Partially broken down and faded by the body (i.e., semi-permanent) |
|
May fade slightly and/or become fuzzy over time |
Likely to fade completely over time |
Before
Inkless Technique
This treatment allows your skin to do all of the work by restoring color, promoting collagen, and improving the texture of your skin. Instead of ink pigments, I deposit a mixture of natural vitamins, oils, and serums to stimulate your skin to produce collagen and restore from a cellular level. As a result, the color and texture of the damaged skin is naturally restored and improved. The inkless treatment allows for all different colored and textured stretch marks and scars. This treatment is suitable for all skin tones.
After
Before
Ink/Pigment Technique
This treatment is a form of tattooing where pigments are inserted into the middle layer of the skin (the dermis) to correct the color of the white stretch marks to blend in with the surrounding skin tone. The process of needling itself can improve the appearance of stretch marks by increasing collagen production within the scar. The insertion of ink disguises them, further making the scar match your skin tone. A touch-up session is recommended to achieve the best results.
After
Risks of Scar Camouflage Tattooing
Just like a conventional tattoo, corrective cosmetic tattooing carries certain risks. Choosing a well-qualified provider will minimize your chances of complications, which include:
- Infection
- Allergic reaction
- Granulomas
- Poor color match
- Fading
- Discoloration
Sticking to the recommended after-care regimen is also extremely important, as your tattoo is essentially an open, healing wound.
Factors that Affect Results of Scar Camouflage
There are many variables that can impact the final results of micropigmentation, which is partially determined by variations in skin type, and can also be affected by:
- Natural skin tones
- Individual healing ability
- Medication
- Skin characteristics (dryness, oiliness, sun damage, thickness, color)
- PH balance of the skin (acidity)
- Alcohol intake
- Smoking
- Illness
What to Expect during a Consultation
During your consultation, I will evaluate your particular scar and ask many questions — particularly about your medical history — in order to gain a better understanding of your body chemistry. This includes questions about: