Paramedical camouflage
Stretch mark camouflage in Winnipeg
Skin-tone pigment for mature white or silver stretch marks.
- Appointment
- 1 to 2 hours, depending on the area
- Healing
- About 1 to 2 weeks for the surface to settle
- Lasts
- Fades gradually; a colour refresh as needed
- Sessions
- 2 to 4 or more, 6 to 8 weeks apart
Stretch mark camouflage is cosmetic tattooing that places skin-tone pigment into mature stretch marks.
It softens the contrast between the marks and the skin around them so they stand out less. It helps camouflage the colour; it does not change the texture much.
It is for mature marks only: white or silver, no longer changing. Newer red or purple marks are not suitable yet. We look at your skin in person at a free consultation and will tell you plainly whether it is a fit.
Pricing is quoted at your consultation, once Geet has seen your skin and you have agreed on a plan.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if
- Your stretch marks are mature, white or silver, and no longer changing
- You would like the contrast softened and understand the texture will change little
- You are ready for several sessions and a patch test
- You are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- You can plan sessions around summer sun and tanning
Better to wait, or check with your doctor, if
- Your stretch marks are red, purple, raised or still changing
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have a keloid tendency, or an active skin infection in the area
- You are on blood thinners, took isotretinoin within the last 6 to 12 months, have uncontrolled diabetes, or are having chemotherapy: wait or get your doctor's OK first
What happens at the appointment
Consultation and patch test
We look at your marks, talk through realistic expectations and review a full health and consent form. A patch test is done first. Pricing is quoted at the consultation, which is free.
Colour matching
Geet mixes a skin-tone shade and tests it beside the marks. The colour is matched to your untanned skin, because pigment does not tan.
Numbing and pigment
Topical numbing goes on first. Pigment is placed in light layers with a single-use sterile needle and new barrier film.
Aftercare and next session
You leave with written aftercare, and we plan your next session for 6 to 8 weeks later so the area can settle between rounds.
Afterwards
How it settles, stage by stage.
Days 1 to 3
The area looks pink and feels tender. The colour looks stronger than it will end up.
Days 4 to 10
Light flaking or scabbing. Do not pick.
Weeks 2 to 4
The colour softens and can look uneven. This is normal between sessions.
Weeks 6 to 8
The surface has settled and you can judge the colour. Your next session builds on it.
Aftercare
- Keep the area clean and apply a very thin layer of the aftercare balm we give you.
- Do not pick, scratch or peel. Moisturise the skin around the area, especially in dry winter weather.
- Avoid saunas, hot tubs, pools, lake swimming and heavy sweating for about two weeks.
- Wear loose clothing over the area while it settles to limit rubbing.
- Keep the area out of the sun, and do not tan between sessions.
How long it lasts
Camouflage pigment is long-lasting, not permanent. It fades gradually and varies with skin type, sun and skincare, and a colour refresh keeps it blended. Because the pigment does not tan, tanned skin around the marks can make the camouflaged area look lighter, so we match colour to your untanned skin and plan sessions with summer in mind.
Common questions
Which stretch marks can be camouflaged?
Mature marks that are white or silver and no longer changing. Red, purple or raised marks are not suitable yet. We check your skin at your consultation.
Will my stretch marks disappear?
No. Camouflage softens the contrast between the marks and your skin, but it does not change the texture much. Results vary, and we will be honest about what to expect before you start.
How many sessions will I need?
Usually 2 to 4 or more, spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. The size of the area and your skin tone affect the number. We build colour in light layers rather than rushing it.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel scratching and pressure, and some areas are more sensitive than others. Topical numbing is used for every tattoo service. Tell us if you need a break.
How long does it take to heal?
The surface usually settles in 1 to 2 weeks, and the colour evens out between sessions. Avoid sun, pools and saunas while it does. Plan sessions well ahead of beach trips and lake weekends.
Who should not get stretch mark camouflage?
Not during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and not on red, purple or raised marks. Wait or get your doctor's OK if you are on blood thinners, took isotretinoin in the last 6 to 12 months, are having chemotherapy, have uncontrolled diabetes, a keloid tendency or an active skin infection.
Ask about stretch marks.
A consultation is where Geet looks at your skin, draws the shape or matches the tone, and gives you a clear quote. You decide after that.