Scars can be different from normal skin in terms of texture, contour and colour. Fresh scars are often pink but mature scars can be darker (hyperpigmented) or lighter (hypopigmented) compared to the surrounding skin. These differences in colour can be hidden, or improved, on a temporary basis with cosmetic skin camouflage. Although normal foundation creams can be used, there are specific product ranges that are designed especially for scars and take into account racial differences in skin colour.
Medical Micropigmentation tattooing can be used in burn scars in the same way as cosmetic skin camouflage to try and reduce the contrast in colour between scars and the surrounding skin. It can also be used as semi-permanent makeup to define eyelid margins and lips or following breast reconstruction, it can be utilised to recreate areolas and colour reconstructed nipples. 2-dimensional realistic eyebrows can be tattooed and hair can be simulated in areas of beard, moustache or scalp hair loss. The degree of permanence of the tattoo will vary depending on the depth that the pigment is placed. In contrast to decorative tattoos, the pigment is often placed more superficially in the skin so that the tattoo is semi-permanent rather than permanent.
Some Burn Services offer a skin camouflage consultation or a burn professional can advise how to access camouflage services through the Changing Faces charity. A Burn professional can also advise on micropigmentation tattooing. More often than not, you will need to seek this service privately. When choosing to go private, please remember it is your responsibility to check that the product or service meets your requirements. Information from the NHS Guide to Cosmetic Procedures:NHS Choices Permanent Makeup
Changes Faces is a charity and they offer a skin camouflage service at 80 locations in UK. You can ask your GP or other health or social care professional for a referral to the service. Consultations are free. Contact: 0300 012 0276 Skin Camouflage Service Find a clinic near you
FTG provides training in Micropigmentation burns and scar camouflage, scalp micropigmentation and facial feature enhancements (for eyebrows and lips). They offer a model programme whereby if you’re willing to receive treatment from a trainee at their clinic, there are appointments available for many of the treatments they offer, free of charge. Find out more by visiting this link: Model appointments
The Scar Team based in Bristol is made up burn professionals who have worked within the NHS and privately for years. Treatments offered include camouflage makeup, microneedling, scar revision, camouflage with hair transplantation, laser resurfacing and medical tattooing among other services. Treatments offered Contact Scar Team Website
