Scar & Stretch Mark Correction

This is a highly specialized and advanced area of permanent cosmetics that focuses on people with medically-related conditions. Examples include surgical scars (e.g. breast reconstruction, hair transplant), trauma scars (e.g. accidents or burns), or unnatural skin conditions (e.g. Vitiligo, Alopecia). The techniques restore color and symmetry to an affected area(s). The results can help a person look better and improve his or her self esteem. This process is also called Medical Tattooing, Paramedical Tattooing, Corrective Tattooing, Reconstructive Tattooing, or Restorative Tattooing.

Permanent cosmetics are safe when the technician is educated in the control of Blood Borne Pathogens and follows all OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). However, permanent cosmetics are not licensed or regulated in most states including California. In those states, the best assurance of safety is a permit issued by the county health department. A permit is issued only when the tattooist, business, and equipment are examined and approved by a health department inspector.

Cosmetic tattooing is performed in different ways using different types of equipment. The name of the device that holds the needle describes the application method. The categories of equipment and methods are as follows: Manual Hand Tool method (also called Hand Tap or Non-Machine method); Coil Machine method (a smaller version of the traditional tattoo machine); Analog Pen or Rotary Machine method (most commonly used); and Computerized Digital Machine method (most sophisticated technology).

Permanent cosmetics utilize sterile pigments with cosmetic grade colorants that are approved by the FDA as safe for human use. Technically, the colored pigments used are suspensions containing insoluble inert compounds, usually iron or titanium oxides. The microscopic particles that appear to be dissolved are actually suspended in a clear liquid base of alcohol, distilled water, and glycerin. The traditional body tattooing process is different because it uses colored “inks” or “dyes” that are completely dissolved liquids with transparent color.