What Is Stretch Mark Camouflage?

Brazilian stretch mark camouflage is an advanced form of micro-pigmentation where we carefully custom match skin-toned inks to your natural complexion and implement the ink mixture into the stretch marks and deeper layers of skin. This process effectively disguises the discoloration, blending the stretch marks seamlessly with your surrounding skin so they are less visible.

Please note that while this treatment does not eliminate the stretch marks, the needling itself plays a crucial role in improving and softening their texture. As the skin is stimulated, collagen and elastin production are boosted, enhancing skin texture. The ink then disguises them further whether its lightening or darkening the area, reducing their appearance and providing long lasting results.

For optimal results, stretch marks must be at least one to two years old in order to be worked on. This procedure is safe and effective for all skin tones.

Brazilian stretch marks on a woman's stomach.

Benefits of this procedure

Natural-Looking Results: By matching pigments to your natural skin tone, the procedure provides a seamless blend, making stretch marks less noticeable and giving your skin a more uniform appearance.

Non-Invasive: This treatment is a non-surgical, low-risk procedure with minimal downtime compared to other skin treatments, making it ideal for those looking for a safe, effective solution.

Improved Skin Texture: The needling process stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving the overall texture of the skin, making it feel smoother and softer.

Long-Lasting Effects: The results of stretch mark camouflage can be permanent, significantly reducing the appearance of stretch marks and enhancing your confidence in the long term.

Customizable Results: Each treatment is tailored to your specific skin tone and the depth of your stretch marks, ensuring a personalized outcome that blends beautifully with your natural complexion.

Minimal Downtime: Most clients experience only a few days of mild redness or swelling after the procedure, with full recovery taking approximately 7-10 days.

The results above are after one session out of a total needed of three.

Stretch Mark Camouflage vs. Laser Treatments

Stretch mark camouflage is often better than laser removal because it provides long-lasting results without the pain, downtime, or risks of lasers.

More Effective- Camouflage blends stretch marks into your skin tone, while lasers only offer mild improvement.

Less Painful- Feels like light scratching, unlike the burning sensation of lasers.

Minimal Downtime Redness- redness fades within a week, while lasers require weeks of healing.

Fewer Sessions- Camouflage takes 1-3 sessions on average vs. 4-8+ for lasers.

Works on All Skin Tones- Unlike lasers, which can cause pigmentation issues.

More Cost Effective- Lasts years with fewer treatments.

Can I Get the Treatment If I Currently Have a Tan?

Absolutely not. We need to match the ink to your natural skin tone only and require that our clients postpone their treatment until their tan has faded. This ensures that we are able to custom-blend an ink color that will look most natural whether you are tanned or not tanned.

After the treatment area has Healed, What Happens to My Stretch Mark Camouflage When I Get a Tan?

Before the stretch mark camouflage procedure, tanning usually makes stretch marks more noticeable, especially if you have white or light-colored ones, because your surrounding skin becomes darker and stretch marks do not tan. When you receive Brazilian stretchmark camouflage, tanning won’t make your stretch marks stand out anymore because they will be better color-matched to your natural skin tone. So when you tan, your stretch marks will blend in better with your surrounding tan skin. Nothing will happen; you can tan like normal.

Can I Suntan After the Procedure?

Yes! You can suntan once the area is fully healed (around 40 days but everyone is different). It is STRONGLY recommended to avoid sun exposure during the healing process, as discoloration might occur.

For best long-term results, we recommend applying at least 30 SPF on the treated area prior to sun exposure.

NOTE: Once healed —> stretch marks DO NOT change color or fade away when you tan. It is safe to go to the beach/pool but be sure to apply sunblock.

How Will My Skin Look Immediately After the procedure?

After your stretch mark camouflage treatment, your skin may be visibly red and swollen. This is perfectly normal. It is very important to follow the post-procedure care provided for you so that proper healing occurs. Camouflage is a tattoo, so during the recovery process, it requires special care to encourage healing.

What Does the Healing Process Look Like?

Initially, the treated area may appear red and slightly swollen, similar to a mild sunburn, but this subsides within a few days. As the skin heals, the pigment may look darker for a few weeks before gradually softening and blending into the natural skin tone. Mild flaking or light scabbing can occur, but it's important not to pick at the area. Keeping the skin moisturized and protected from sun exposure is key to optimal healing. Full results are visible once the skin has completely healed, usually by the 6-8 week mark, when the pigment settles into a natural, seamless match.

when will i see results?

The final result may occur between 6-8 weeks; we will assess the need for another session after 4-6 weeks. In some cases, it can take longer to heal, don’t panic. It could take 90-120 days, depending on the person. If you are a vegan or have an autoimmune disorder, the healing process may take longer. There are many variables, like age, skin texture, stretch mark depth and type, general health, overtones, sun exposure, severity, etc., so it’s impossible to give an exact number of days it will take to heal. Up to 30%-100% improvement can be seen in just ONE session, but 2-6 treatments are recommended depending on the area for best results that can last permanently.

Does it Hurt?

The needles penetrate the skin, so you will feel a scratching feeling and some discomfort. Please do NOT take aspirin, as this will affect blood clotting at the treatment site.

We do not use numbing cream as this interferes with the skin texture and ink insertion during treatment and can affect the results.

You need to avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24-48 hours beforehand and make sure you have eaten well before your appointment. All these things will help make you more comfortable during your treatment.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

The number of treatments depends on the condition of the skin and the area that needs to be covered. It also depends on following the aftercare advice. For stretch marks, the average is usually 2-4 sessions, although 4-6 may be needed. It is very difficult to know how many treatments will be needed, as you cannot tell how deep the stretch mark is in the skin or how well your skin will retain the ink. This will be discussed during your consultation so you will have an idea of how many you may need before proceeding. Following the aftercare procedure is extremely important for the best chance of a successful result. Body healing response plays a big part in the final result, which is out of our control.

How Much Does it Cost?

Pricing varies on location, size, and severity of the area. A photo must be sent to info@permanentbeautyco.com or (517) 948-5037 upon booking so we can confirm you are a good candidate. Here we will talk about what procedure would be best for you along with an exact quote. The cost is typically between $250-$1800.

What Do I Need to Do to Prepare?

We recommend you exfoliate the area being treated at least 3 days before your appointment to remove excess dead skin cells. Also, please avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24-48 hours before and after treatment. Please moisturize or oil your skin weeks leading up to your session so it is in good condition. Dry, flaky skin will not take the ink well, and the results will not be as good. On the day of the treatment, do not use any lotions or oils on the area, as this can interfere with the ink placement. Make sure you eat before your appointment, as this will help with pain thresholds and feeling well for treatment. Buy a cold compress ready for your aftercare when you get home (you can use a bag of peas from the freezer, too!). You will be given aftercare ointment and information to take home with you.

Is There Any Downtime?

You will be a bit swollen and red, so you may feel a little discomfort after the procedure. You need to wear loose clothing over the area for at least two weeks. You can go back to work, however, do not do any strenuous exercise causing sweating or rubbing on the area for two weeks. You can’t swim or have a bath for two weeks and no shower for 24 hours.

what to avoid before my camouflage appointment?

Aspirin or ibuprofen 24-48 hours prior to your appointment.
Alcohol, caffeine, or blood thinners 24-48 hours before your appointment.
Fish oil or vitamin E one week prior to your appointment (they are natural blood thinners).
NOTE: Allergy testing is recommended before the scheduled appointment if there is any doubt you may be allergic to the pigment. CONTACT US if this is your case!
Refrain from using Accutane for 6-12 months.
Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil for three days prior to treatment. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation.
Avoid IPL/laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure, or sunburn for three weeks prior to treatment. We want to prevent sunburn. We cannot work on burned, irritated skin.
No shaving on the day of the procedure to avoid skin irritation to the area being treated. If dense hair is present in the treatment area, closely shave the area the day before you arrive at your appointment.

what to avoid after treatment?

You must avoid sunbeds (preferably indefinitely), saunas for a month, no exercise to cause excessive sweating or swimming for two weeks, and when going out in the sun, use an SPF of 30+. You will need to avoid showering on the treated area for 24 hours. The area may scab as it begins to heal - do not scratch it if it itches! You will be given aftercare to avoid scabbing as much as possible. It is SO important to follow the aftercare advice given at your consultation. If you disturb the area while it is healing, not only can you lose some ink, but you may cause further scarring. Only use the aftercare recommended. which is Aquaphor.

Aftercare Information

Avoid wearing tight clothing for the next two weeks if sits on treated area.
Avoid scratching or peeling the skin to prevent infection or discoloration.
Avoid excessive sweating for two weeks.
Avoid exposing the area to the full water pressure of the shower for seven days.
Avoid tanning and swimming (beach, pool, jacuzzi, bath, etc.) for 40 days.
Avoid sunscreen, self-tanning, or any cream that contains Vitamin D for 10 days.
Avoid perfume and deodorant near or in the treated area.
Apply Aquaphor to treated area every single day.