Stretch Mark Camouflage in Vancouver WA

Not completely.

• Currently, there isn't a proven method to completely eliminate stretch marks.
• If you get a stretch mark camouflage tattoo or an inkless stretch mark treatment, you'll be able to reduce the appearance.
• Your stretch marks will be less noticeable to others, but they will still exist on your skin.

• Stretch mark camouflage is not for everyone. Your stretch marks must be white, indicating they're fully healed.
• If your stretch marks are pink, red, gray, dark, or skin-tone colored, their color will affect the pigments used to disguise the stretch marks. Which means you're not a candidate for stretch mark camouflage.
• However, you may be a perfect candidate for an Inkless Stretch Mark Treatment.

You can do the inkless serum treatment, but not stretch mark camouflage tattoo.

All in all, its probably best to wait until after you have had your baby to discuss the best treatment options!

Minimize Stretch Marks

• The process works by applying the vitamin serum to the scar or stretch mark while lightly needling the skin with a tattoo machine. Together, the serum and needling jumpstart the body's natural healing process, leading to less noticeable scars and stretch marks.  
• The best candidates: Stretch marks can be tattooed if they are white and the surrounding skin is at least two shades darker than the stretch mark itself. 
• Consult: Please consult with us using email or text and photos, we will be able to determine the best course of action for you.

Yes!

If your stretch marks are fully healed and at least two shades lighter than the surrounding skin, you may be a candidate for stretch mark camouflage. If your stretch marks need help with texture and are not at least two shades lighter than your surrounding skin tone, then you may be a candidate for our inkless treatment.

No!

It's essential to match the tattoo with your natural skin tone color, so it's best if you don't tan before your appointment. Your artist must be able to create an ink pigment that blends with your natural skin tone. However, our inkless treatment can be used on tanned skin, anytime of the year.

Stretch mark camouflage lasts 3-5 years and it won't change colors while you're tanning. This means your stretch marks will remain your natural skin tone color while the rest of your skin darkens. But don't worry—there won't be a significant contrast to the naked eye.

You'll experience some discomfort with this treatment since it's a penetrative procedure, but the pain will be minimal. We offer medical grade numbing if needed.

How long the treatment takes will depend on the size of the area being treated. On average, a session takes 1-3 hours and may require more than one session.

Usually, there's no downtime after the procedure. With stretch mark camouflage and inkless stretch mark treatment, you can resume your daily activities the same day.

After the treatment, you may notice some swelling or redness, which is common and normal. The swelling can last for 1-3 days, but the redness will reduce over the following three weeks. In fact, you may notice the stretch marks change colors, going from dark to light until your skin heals.

If your aftercare process is good, the stretch mark camouflage tattoo will last around two-five years. Afterward, you may need a touch-up, but that's not always true. However, like other tattoos, a stretch mark tattoo will change as you age because your skin will decrease in melanin production and lose elasticity. So, at some point, you'll likely need a touch-up. 

Laser treatments reduce the appearance of stretch marks by damaging the skin's top layer to kickstart the healing process. But laser treatments are very expensive and don't put color back into your skin. That means your stretch marks will still be noticeable, which is why stretch mark camouflage tattoos are a better choice. 

Follow the aftercare instructions and use the aftercare products recommended or provided to you by your artist. 

• Wear loose fitting clothing to your appointment.
• Apply a cold compress over the top of your clothing on the treated area every 2-4 hours for 10 minutes for the first 2 days to help with swelling and faster healing times.
• Wash your hands first! To keep the area clean: Gently wash with a mild unscented cleanser. 
• For at least 5 days avoid vigorous exercise that may cause excessive sweating, and hot environments like saunas/hot tubs/pools or hot showers/baths.
• Do not apply makeup or skincare products on the treated area for 2 weeks.
• DO NOT PICK OR DISTURB THE TREATED AREAS. Picking can cause scarring, extended healing times and undesirable results.
• Refrain from sun exposure and always use an SPF 40 or higher on the treated area when exposed to the sun. 
• Do not worry about the area appearing darker and bolder, it will soften and lighten.
• Refrain from microdermabrasion and strong chemical peels in the treated area until completely healed and you have completed all treatments.
• Each client’s skin will respond differently, both in the length of time it takes to heal, and the number of sessions needed for your desired results.  This information acts as a guideline only, and we cannot guarantee your results. Every client's treatment plan is unique to their treatment, skin trauma and health history.

Preparing for your appointment is as important as following aftercare instructions. 

Here are some things you need to know!

• Before your appointment, buy a cold press to use for your aftercare healing. 
• No sauna or tanning 1 week prior
• No blood thinners or pain killers 1 week prior
• No caffeine 24 hours before your appointment
• No alcohol 24 hours before your appointment
• Shower, clean the area being treated. 
• Do not put any oils, lotions, or creams on the area being treated on the day of your appointment.
• Wear loose fitting clothing to your appointment.
• Eat before your appointment to promote good feelings and help with your pain threshold.
• Not following these guidelines may result in the need to reschedule your appointment!