What happens during a scar camouflage treatment?

Your treatment begins with a consultation to assess the scar, discuss your goals and determine whether camouflage tattooing is suitable for you. Jenny then colour-matches pigments against the surrounding skin before carefully implanting pigment into the scar tissue. Because scar tissue behaves differently from normal skin, treatment is tailored to each individual and may require more than one session.

How many scar camouflage sessions will I need?

At least two sessions are generally recommended. The first creates the initial foundation, while the second refines the colour match. Depending on how your scar tissue heals and retains pigment, some clients may require additional sessions.

Is scar camouflage tattooing painful?

Sensitivity varies depending on the treatment area and the individual. Some clients feel very little discomfort, while scar tissue may be more sensitive for others. Jenny works carefully throughout the procedure and will discuss any concerns during your consultation.

Can scar camouflage completely hide a scar?

Scar camouflage aims to reduce the colour contrast between the scar and the surrounding skin, making the scar less noticeable. Results vary depending on the scar, skin texture, pigment retention and the healing process.

Does scar camouflage work on all skin tones?

Scar camouflage can be suitable for many different skin tones. Jenny carefully colour-matches pigments for each client, although results vary depending on skin characteristics, pigment retention and aftercare.

Can raised or textured scars be camouflaged?

Some raised or textured scars may be suitable following an assessment. However, keloid scars are not suitable for camouflage tattooing because tattooing may encourage further keloid formation.

How does Jenny colour-match the pigment to my skin?

Jenny carefully compares and blends pigments against the surrounding skin to achieve the closest possible match. Colour may then be refined during follow-up sessions depending on how the scar heals.

How long do scar camouflage results last?

Scar camouflage uses permanent tattoo pigment and is designed to provide long-lasting results. Over time, some fading may occur due to skin regeneration and sun exposure, and some clients choose to have colour refresh treatments.

How should I prepare for my scar camouflage appointment?

Avoid sunburn before treatment, keep the area moisturised, arrive with clean skin and discuss any planned surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other significant medical treatments with Jenny before your appointment.

What aftercare is needed following scar camouflage tattooing?

A protective dressing is usually applied for two to five days. Once removed, gently clean the area with antibacterial soap, allow it to dry naturally and follow Jenny’s aftercare advice. Avoid swimming, saunas, hot tubs and excessive friction while the area heals.

Why is every scar camouflage treatment different?

Every scar differs in age, size, texture, location and the way it responds to pigment. Jenny creates a personalised treatment plan for every client to achieve the most natural-looking result possible.

Scar Camouflage Tattoo | Bournemouth

What Is Scar Camouflage?

Scar camouflage is a specialist form of medical tattooing that uses carefully selected pigments to help reduce the visible contrast between a healed scar and the surrounding skin.

Every scar is different, so the treatment begins with an individual assessment of the scar tissue, skin tone and desired outcome. Pigments are then carefully colour-matched to the surrounding skin and applied using specialist tattooing techniques to create a more natural and balanced appearance.

The aim of scar camouflage is not to remove the scar, but to make it less visually noticeable. Because scar tissue behaves differently from normal skin, results can vary depending on how the individual skin heals and retains pigment. For this reason, Jenny approaches every treatment realistically and personally, with the goal of achieving the closest and most natural-looking result possible.

If you're unsure whether scar camouflage is suitable for you, you can book a free consultation with Jenny to discuss your scar, skin and treatment goals.

What Types of Scars Can Be Camouflaged?

• Surgical scars

• Mastectomy and breast surgery scars

• Scars following gender-affirming top surgery

• Scars following injury or trauma, including self-harm scars

• Burn scars, depending on their size and severity

• C-section scars

• Skin graft scars, depending on the individual area

• Other mature, fully healed scars suitable for camouflage tattooing

Not every scar will respond to camouflage tattooing in the same way. Burn scars and skin grafts, for example, need to be assessed individually, and in some cases a decorative custom tattoo may be a more suitable option than skin-tone camouflage. Keloid scars are not suitable for scar camouflage tattooing because further tattooing may cause additional keloid scarring.

A free consultation allows Jenny to assess the scar tissue and discuss the most suitable treatment and realistic expectations for your individual skin.

When Is a Scar Ready for Camouflage Tattooing?

A scar should be fully healed and mature before camouflage tattooing is considered. Jenny recommends waiting preferably at least 12 months after surgery or injury, although in some cases treatment may be considered from around 8 months depending on how the individual scar has healed.

Even when a scar appears healed on the surface, the tissue underneath may still be going through the healing process. Tattooing too early can cause further trauma to already compromised skin, which is why every scar is assessed individually before treatment. The NHS explains more about scar healing and scar maturation, which can continue for many months after surgery or injury.

During your consultation, Jenny will examine the age, colour, texture and condition of your scar to determine whether the area is ready for tattooing and discuss what results can realistically be achieved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your treatment begins with a consultation to assess the scar, discuss your goals and determine whether camouflage tattooing is suitable for you. Jenny then colour-matches pigments against the skin surrounding the scar before carefully implanting the selected pigment into the scar tissue. Because scar tissue can respond differently from normal skin, the treatment is tailored to the individual area and may require more than one session to achieve the closest possible match.

At least two sessions are generally recommended. The first session creates the initial base, while the second allows Jenny to build on the result and refine the colour match. Scar tissue can retain pigment differently from normal skin, so some clients may require additional treatment depending on how their skin heals and holds the pigment.

Every scar heals differently, so Jenny will explain your personalised treatment plan during your free consultation.

Sensitivity varies from person to person and depends on the area being treated. Some clients feel very little during the treatment, while others may find scar tissue more sensitive. Jenny works carefully throughout the procedure and can discuss any concerns about sensitivity during your consultation.

The aim of scar camouflage is to make a scar less noticeable by reducing the colour contrast between the scar and the surrounding skin. It cannot completely remove or hide every scar. Results vary depending on factors such as the scar tissue, texture, pigment retention and the way the individual skin heals.

If skin-tone camouflage isn't the most suitable option, Jenny may recommend a decorative custom tattoo to achieve a result you'll feel confident with.

Scar camouflage can be considered for different skin tones, but results vary from person to person. Factors including how the skin accepts and retains pigment, aftercare and sun exposure can all affect the final result. Jenny assesses each client individually to determine the most suitable approach.

Some raised or textured scars may be suitable for camouflage tattooing, depending on the individual scar. A consultation is necessary so Jenny can assess the scar tissue, texture and condition before recommending treatment. Keloid scars are not suitable for camouflage tattooing because tattooing the area may encourage further keloid scarring.

Jenny tests and compares different ink pigments against the skin next to the treatment area. This allows her to select and blend pigments that closely complement the surrounding natural skin tone. The colour can then be refined over subsequent sessions depending on how the scar tissue heals and retains the pigment.

Scar camouflage uses permanent tattoo pigment and is intended to provide long-lasting results. However, pigment retention varies between individuals and the appearance may change over time depending on how the skin heals, sun exposure and other individual factors. Some clients may choose to have a colour refresh in the future if needed.

Avoid sun exposure before your appointment, as sunburnt skin cannot be tattooed. Keep the area regularly moisturised in the lead-up to your treatment and arrive with clean skin on the day of your appointment. If you have any upcoming surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other invasive medical treatment, this should be discussed with Jenny before booking your treatment.

A clear adhesive dressing is applied after treatment and usually remains in place for two to five days. The dressing is showerproof, but if water gets underneath it, it should be removed. Once removed, gently wash the area with antibacterial hand soap, pat or air dry it and leave it to heal.
A small amount of moisturising cream can be applied if needed to relieve itching and keep the skin comfortable. Avoid clothing rubbing against the treated area, as well as swimming, saunas, jacuzzis and soaking in baths, generally for around two weeks.

Every scar is unique. The treatment approach can vary depending on the scar’s size, location, texture, age and the way the individual skin responds to pigment. Jenny assesses every case personally and adapts the treatment plan to the individual client rather than using the same approach for every scar.

Jenny's experience in medical tattooing allows every treatment to be tailored to the individual rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Scar Camouflage in Bournemouth