Medical Tattooing for Scars in Kew (Richmond) near Chiswick

What is scar camouflage (micropigmentation)?

Scar camouflage (also called scar tattoo camouflage, micropigmentation for scars, cosmetic tattooing, scar cosmetic tattoo, or cosmetic tattoo for scars) sometimes described as micropigmentation or medical/paramedical tattooing, or paramedical micropigmentation—specialist cosmetic tattooing designed to blend tone and soften contrast once healed.

It is a specialist technique that helps reduce the visibility of scars and pigment changes by softening contrast and creating a more even-looking tone. The aim is not to remove texture or “erase” a scar, but to make it less noticeable in everyday life.

Every case is different. Scar maturity, skin type, location on the body, and the nature of the pigment change all affect what is possible. My approach is careful, bespoke, and based on realistic expectations.

Who scar camouflage can help

Scar camouflage may be beneficial if you have:

• A scar that has healed but remains visibly lighter or darker than surrounding skin

• Stretch marks where contrast is the main concern

• Areas of hypopigmentation (lighter patches) or hyperpigmentation (darker patches)

• Stable pigment loss (including depigmented patches), where appropriate and after assessment

Types of scars and skin concerns I work with 

Suitability depends on scar maturity and skin condition, but I commonly assess the following:

Surgical scars

• C‑section scars

• Abdominal surgery scars (including appendectomy and other procedures)

• Laparoscopy (“keyhole”) scars

• Orthopaedic surgery scars (knee/hip/shoulder)

• Spinal surgery scars

• Thyroid/neck surgery scars

• Scar lines from stitches and wound closure

Injury / trauma scars

• Cuts and laceration scars

• Childhood injury scars

• Accident-related scars

• Bite scars (once fully healed and stable)

Burn scars (case-by-case)

• Healed burn scars where the skin is stable and suitable for treatment

Stretch marks (striae)

• Pregnancy stretch marks

• Weight change stretch marks

• Growth-related stretch marks

• Gym/bodybuilding-related stretch marks

Acne-related scarring (case-by-case)

• Post-acne marks where tone/contrast is the main concern

• Some textural acne scarring may be improved in appearance, but texture cannot be removed with pigment alone

Self-harm scars (only if you want this stated)

• Healed self-harm scars where the skin is stable and mature (approached with sensitivity and suitability screening)

Pigment changes 

• Hypopigmentation (lighter patches / reduced pigment)

• Depigmented patches (e.g., vitiligo-type areas — suitability depends on stability)

• Hyperpigmentation (darker patches), where appropriate

• Post-inflammatory pigment change (after eczema, injury, or inflammation)

Scar “types” (helpful for expectations)

• Flat scars

• Slightly raised scars (hypertrophic) — may be suitable once stable

• Indented scars — tone can sometimes be improved, texture remains

• Discoloured scars (pink/red/brown/white) — timing and maturity matter

Pricing

Scar camouflage is more complex than standard cosmetic tattooing and usually involves a longer consultation, detailed paperwork, and a careful staged approach.

• First 1.5 hours: £400 (includes consultation, assessment, and treatment time)

• £200 per hour thereafter

• The first session is usually around 2 hours due to the level of assessment and planning involved

• Additional sessions are rare, as many clients are happy after the initial improvement, but this depends on the scar type and how your skin retains pigment

Why you won’t see “immediately after” photos for scar camouflage

Scar camouflage is best judged on healed skin, not in the first minutes after treatment. Even when pigment is carefully colour-matched to the surrounding skin, the area can become temporarily red and inflamed straight away, which makes it look darker, more obvious, and sometimes “worse” than it did before we started. This immediate post-treatment appearance is misleading and not representative of the final result.

For that reason, I don’t share “just finished” photos for scar work. In addition, many clients see a significant improvement after one session and don’t need to return—so I often don’t have the opportunity to photograph healed results. Client privacy is always respected, and I never pressure anyone to share images.