Let’s face it most of us have stretch marks. Those weird discolored lines flow through our skin like water. They can either look cool or acceptable to you or you can’t stand the sight of them. That’s just how it is with stretch marks. But why do they appear? And what can you do to get rid of them? Well, those are the questions you came to get answers for so let’s get to it!
What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks or striae most commonly appear on the hips, stomach, buttocks, arms, and breasts. These marks appear as a result of your skin stretching naturally, which can happen due to many reasons.
Stretch marks just don’t disappear. There is no magic cure but they can be covered or camouflaged. Stretch marks can also fade away with time given proper care, treatment, and regular fitness.
They are caused as a result of genetics, skin condition, pregnancy, weight gain, and even exercise or gyming. That’s why they are so common! You see, our skin has collagen that makes it elastic (that is why you can pinch yourself). As it stretches it leaves marks behind.
Unlike popular belief, men also get stretch marks. The healing process is the same for both genders.
Why Would You Want to Cover It Up?
Are stretch marks ruining the look of your otherwise flawless skin? For many women and men, having their bodies looking in perfect shape can mean everything. The last thing you want is stretch marks to ruin it all! Being able to cover these marks could help boost the confidence of so many. Thankfully, modern techniques have made it possible to cover stretch marks and even camouflage them to match your original skin tone providing a flawless natural finish.
Some common treatments for stretch marks include:
- Cosmetic surgery
- Fractional CO2 laser therapy
- Microneedling
- Stretch mark camouflage
- Creams and ointments
What Is Stretch Mark Camouflage?
The medical stretch mark camouflage procedure is a form of micro-pigmentation. It is a semi-permanent makeup technique where a cosmetologist matches the color of your skin tone with tattoo ink. This ink is then injected into deeper layers of your skin. Repeatedly, in certain cases. The color added helps mask the marks making them less visible to the naked eye.
There is no restriction on skin color when it comes to this treatment as it can be performed on all skin tones. However, darker skin tones need more care and consideration as they are more prone to hyperpigmentation. This is why it is absolutely vital to visit credible and trustworthy artists for such procedures.
Two to four sessions are recommended by the specialists although 30-60% improvement is visible after just the first session.
How Is It Done?
The treatment combines several pigments on top of one another to make the blend as accurate to your skin tone as possible. It is not like coloring a book where all you have to do is fill the lines with colors. Stretch mark camouflage pigments are specifically developed to fade gently and leave a soft coloration beneath the skin as they disappear. It is much like getting a tattoo except it is not as painful.
Stretch marks that appear as white lines are good as gone using this modern permanent makeup technique.
What To Expect?
In most cases, you should hardly feel any pain during the process. However, if you have darker pigmentation in a particular area you should be prepared for a little bit of discomfort as this can cause redness of the skin. However, the slight pain and redness are not permanent and they will slowly start to disappear. For the pigmentation to lighten it may take up to a couple of weeks.
It is a similar feeling to getting a tattoo and that is why numbing cream is often used for comfort and relief.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
It is not a one-and-done treatment. As mentioned above you are recommended to take at least two to four sessions even if the results are quite visible after the first. The process needs that much time and multiple sessions to get the best possible results. Expect the entire process to take about 6-8 weeks. After that, the results will simply be unbelievable!
Is Pairing Micro-Needling with Stretch Mark Camouflage Recommended?
It is not necessary to pair both treatments but if you do, you will get better results. The combined approach where micro-needling is performed first to fill in the lines and then then the use of camouflage to soften, flatten, and darken/lighten the ink to match the skin tone can offer excellent results when done correctly.
What Conditions Can It Treat?
This treatment can effectively diminish both stretch marks and scars. It is an effective way to cover any unwanted marks on the body.
Micro-needling is highly recommended for raised (hypertrophic) scars. Raised scars are often formed on the area that has gone through body piercings, pimples, surgical incisions, burns, and cuts. After this procedure is completed medical camouflage procedures can be performed to provide even better results.
Stretch mark camouflage works best for scars or marks that are not raised. Stretch marks are the most common of such types of scars. This procedure alone should be enough to take care of that!
Stretch Mark Camouflage in Vernon, BC
With the evolution of permanent makeup techniques, it is now possible to hide and cover unwanted marks on your body, that you are not comfortable showing. However, you need to remember that every mark has a story and there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to stretch marks. However, if covering them helps you feel more comfortable and sexier then stretch mark camouflage is certainly a helpful treatment.
There are numerous treatment options now available to hide stretch marks that are convenient and quick. The healing process is almost the same for all treatments.
The key is to visit an experienced and trusted technician for the treatment because needling and camouflage can both damage the skin for a lifetime if it is not conducted in a proper way and at the right intervals of time. We would highly recommend paying a visit to Studio Ki Permanent Cosmetics if you happen to live around Vernon, BC, or planning a visit there.
Your body is not something you should take risks with, especially when it comes to permanent makeup procedures. It is best to leave it in the hands of the experts. If you are considering stretch mark camouflage give the staff at Studio Ki a call today for a consultation or booking!
