A procedure by which lost eyebrows can be simulated, lips reshaped, scars and skin stains hidden etc by a form of tattooing.
This procedure can be worthy of consideration.
Micro-pigmentation
By Alison West MTTS
Ms Alison West is an Aesthetic Micropigmentation Specialist.
Trained and qualified with the American Institute of Intradermal Cosmetics
and in Harley Street, London, with Dawn Cragg - the 'Mother of Micropigmentation' in the UK.
She is qualified in advanced micropigmentation techniques, para-medical procedures and as a teacher in this specialist field.
She is a member of B.A.S.C (British Association of Skin Camouflage).
She holds regular clinics and training courses in Harley Street as well as in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
She specialises in Para-medical procedures.
Contact Alison West
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Micropigmentation is the introduction of colour into the skin. This art has been well documented for over 4,000 years and has run the 'highs and lows' of public opinion. Outlawed by the Romans and almost compulsory for high-ranking Japanese Samurai as a full body-suit, Micropigmentation is currently enjoying a popular revival, with current uses not just being for personal adornment, such as semi-permanent make-up, but has now been incorporated into certain para-medical procedures.
As mentioned earlier, Micropigmentation is an art - not an exact science. How skin reacts to the pigment implanted into it varies with skin type. Ethnic origin and life-style can influence how long a procedure or treatment will last, and what the healed result will be.
Scar tissue has it's own problems. It can, initially, be resistant to implantation, so more than one treatment may be required to get the right tone and depth of colour. The colour may not last as long in scar tissue as it does in normal skin. If the scar is on the face or the hands, then products with a high S.P.F (Sun Protection Factor) should be used to protect the procedure from bright sunlight as this will fade the implanted colour. Any Micropigmentation procedure will fade in sunlight. Lifestyle choices, alcohol and large doses of vitamins and certain steroids can also affect the retention of pigments.
Modern technology has made the art of Micropigmentation so much more realistic. The latest 'breed' of high-power digital machines utilise a range of different sized 'needle-clusters' and can be adjusted to control the depth of implantation into the skin. Despite these advancements, it is of paramount importance to have a skilful and highly experienced specialist practitioner, who can use the machines effectively and ensure the correct blending of pigment tones.
The range of procedures available:-
Alopecia:-
Partial or Total. Eyebrows can be re-instated and eyes given definition. Faces without eyebrows tend to appear very bland, or expressionless. By recreating the brows, clients can regain the character in their faces. Eyes are not outlined as such, but are given soft definition so they are not overwhelmed by the eyebrows. In instances of partial alopecia, the scalp can be camouflaged to simulate hair. For further details, please see the next procedure, Scalp Camouflage. Alopecia skin can be quite resistant to retaining pigment, and several appointments may become necessary to achieve the desired result. The client may have to return for a 'colour top-up' procedure more frequently than usual, perhaps every 9 to 18 months.
Scalp Camouflage:-
Particularly effective for clients following hair transplants. To help camouflage the scalp, tiny dots are applied to the scar tissue to simulate hair follicles. These dots are colour-matched to the client's hair. To give the look of volume, small dashes can be applied to the scalp in the direction of hair growth. This particular treatment may be more suitable to women rather than men. Male Pattern Baldness is not suitable for this treatment as it is progressive. Older transplant methods may have appeared too uniform. That uniformity can be broken down with this method, resulting in a more natural or realistic result.
Scar Camouflage:-
Individually blended pigments are introduced into the scar to both camouflage and to blend into the surrounding skin. This treatment can be very effective as it takes away the 'bright, white' look of a healed scar and the shiny appearance. Scar tissue can be unpredictable when retaining pigment, so more than one appointment may prove necessary to obtain the desired result.
Vitiligo:-
Vitiligo has to have been stable and non-progressive for 2 years prior to treatment. As with scar camouflage, pigments are individually blended and introduced into the skin to match the surrounding areas. Several procedures can be required to reach the desired result. This procedure is very effective in treating vitiligo of the scalp, particularly where the client is of coloured ethnic origin.
Burns & Transplanted Skin:- Burns clients will not be referred to me by a Consultant until the entire medical professionals have used all of their expertise. What I can do is to give the area a 'wash' of colour after all the healing has taken place. This colour-wash gives the skin a more uniform appearance, and, by virtue of the needles used, helps to break down the 'marbled' look of the skin, which is strands of collagen and elastin which have banded together during the healing process. Transplanted skin may be suitable for Micropigmentation, only if the Consultant gives permission. This can blend the transplanted skin flap into the surrounding area and, with the addition of moles, freckles etc., a good camouflage may be achieved. The client must understand that the skin will never be 'whole' again, and expectations of improvement must be realistic.
Other para-medical procedures:-
Areola Restoration:-
For clients following mastectomy and reconstruction and rebuild of the nipple. This procedure is one of the most rewarding. After all of the surgery, the client is left with a breast mound with no characteristics. Matching colour to existing, or choosing colour after a by-lateral procedure is perhaps the most important part of the treatment. However, size, position and shape are equally paramount. This procedure without doubt has enormous psychological benefits, with a return to personal confidence and femininity after a protracted absence. Symmetry is most important for client satisfaction.
Breast Flap Camouflage:-
This procedure is an extension of the above, where the scars of a Latimus Dorsi or an abdo flap/tuck are also camouflaged. By assessing the skin on surrounding breast area, moles, freckles etc can be applied, likewise the look of blue veins re-instated for a very sophisticated camouflage once the scar camouflage is completed.
Contracted Scars:-
Where a scar has healed and contracted, this procedure is very effective at releasing the contracture of the scar tissue if it is not too deep. It is a procedure also known as dry-needling, as no pigment is used and movements of the needles break down the contracture. The effect can be immediate, but for the best effect, more than one procedure is advised.
Protocols:-
As with any medical discipline, strict protocols are observed with all Micropigmentation procedures. The health and safety of the client and practitioner is of paramount importance and appropriate safe-guards are rigidly observed.
Pre-procedural patch testing is conducted to reveal any allergic reaction to the powerful topical anaesthetics and pigments used. Discussion with the client is important to reveal expectation regarding colour, tone and the finished effect.
Aftercare:-
The importance of aftercare should not be overlooked.
Most healing takes place within 7 - 10 days. Immediately after the treatment there may be a very small amount of blood and lymphatic fluid so that the area treated resembles a graze. Sterile petroleum jelly is used as a moisturiser and barrier, with a dressing applied if necessary. It is important to keep the area clean and, after 2 - 3 days, application of the petroleum jelly can cease. A dry dressing may be applied to protect the area. As the area dries out, tiny scabs will form. These scabs must be protected at all times until they fall off naturally during the healing process. If the scabs are picked or knocked off prematurely, they will take pigment with them which may give rise to a slightly patchy result. A colour top-up procedure is given as a matter of course after 4 - 6 weeks. Micropigmentation is a two-step process.
© 2007 - Alison West
Hair-sciences & Hair-specialisms - The Trichological Society
