Stretch marks are indented streaks that appear on your skin. Not only do they have a different texture, they also have a different color from the rest of your skin. The colour of these stretch marks tend to range from purple to bright pink to light grey. You can have stretch marks anywhere, but they are most commonly found on the abdomen, hips, buttocks, arms, breasts, shoulders, and lower back.

Stretch marks appear when the skin stretches too quickly. Due to this rapid stretching, the components that support our skin - collagen and elastin - end up getting ruptured. As a result, when the skin heals, stretch marks appear. Their severity is dependent on several factors, such as your genetics and also the degree of stress on the skin. As cortisol is an adrenal hormone that weakens elastic fibers in the skin, your hormonal levels might also play a role in the formation of stretch marks.

Some factors increase your risk of developing stretch marks. These include:

• Rapid weight gain or loss
• Pregnancy
• Using corticosteroids (drugs that mimic the effects of cortisol)
• Being a woman
• Having a family history of stretch marks 
• Hormonal issues (such as adrenal gland disorder)

Stretch marks are neither painful nor harmful, and may fade over time. However, they may never disappear completely. In addition, for most people, they are an unpleasant sight to see. That is why those who have them usually find ways to treat it. And recently, there has been a demand in stretch marks camouflage micropigmentation which is a new treatment to make the stretch marks less visible for a longer period of time.

Stretch marks camouflage is a type of skin micropigmentation that uses pigments and introduces them into the upper layer of the skin. The pigments colour are customised to as close to your skin tone. As a result, the appearance of stretch marks are reduced by blending the colour of the mark with the surrounding natural skin colour.

Stretch marks camouflage DOES NOT remove stretch marks, but rather, disguises and makes them less noticeable.

Generally, all skin types suit stretch marks camouflage. However, there are factors you may need to consider before undergoing the procedure.

Stretch marks need to be at least 1 year old before undergoing the procedure. Newly formed marks are commonly raised, and are commonly red or purple. These stretch marks are more difficult to treat as they are often more sensitive. It is also harder to camouflage raised marks and colouring may not be enough to hide it. Let the marks settle and fade to a lighter colour before undergoing micropigmentation.

Finally, pregnant women and people with bleeding disorders are not suitable candidates for the process. For women, it is best to wait until after you’re done breastfeeding your child and your marks have healed. Make sure to have stable health before proceeding.

You may have also seen the term “Brazilian stretch marks camouflage” floating around the internet. This term originated from a Brazilian tattoo artist who came up with an innovative way to camouflage stretch marks. While some people may term the treatment as “Brazilian stretch marks camouflage tattoo” or “Brazilian stretch marks camouflage micropigmentation”, it essentially means the same thing.

• Micropigmentation uses pigments, while tattooing uses inks. Pigments produce a more natural colour than ordinary tattoo inks. It aims to mimic the colour of your natural skin tone.

• Traditional tattooing goes deeper into the skin compared to micropigmentation. As a result, micropigmentation is less painful as compared to tattoo.

• At Piel, we use micro needles that are made in Germany for all micropigmentation treatments so they are more fine than tattoo needles. This allows the pigments to be injected through micro incision points, resulting in a more subtle and natural colouring.

• Micropigmentation is less permanent than tattooing. Micropigmentation is considered a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure, as its results tend to last from several months to a few years, while traditional tattooing typically lasts a lifetime.

• All paramedical micropigmentation procedures take at least 2 sessions. This may also vary depending on the condition of the skin and the visibility and severity of the stretch marks.

• To ensure that the pigment on the skin has fully stabilized and healed, treatments must be scheduled 6 to 8 weeks apart.

• Stretch marks must not show signs of visible redness or irritation before the procedure.

• Not all stretch marks are suitable for this treatment. Stretch marks must have a lighter skin-tone than the surrounding skin, and must not be too deep or too elevated.

There is no way of preventing the formation of stretch marks as it is a natural process by the body when rapidly gaining or losing weight. However, there are things you can do to lower the chance of having stretch marks.

Maintaining a stable and healthy weight can help lower the risk of stretch marks, and for women, this includes during their pregnancy term as well. A nutritious diet along with a consistent exercise plan can help to keep your weight in check. Using lotions and creams do not guarantee the prevention of stretch marks. With that being said, keeping your skin moisturized using skin products with Centella and Hyaluronic Acid may help to lower its risk.

Q: How long does it normally take?

A: For A stretch marks camouflage micropigmentation may take 2 to 3 hours depending on the complexity and size of the treated area.

Q: What products do you use?

A: At Piel, we use only premium products by Swiss Color International. Swiss Color International pigments are made in Switzerland and they are 100% free of heavy metals.

Q: How long will it last?

A: The result of stretch marks camouflage micropigmentation can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years. The longevity of your results may depend on:

• Person’s immune system
• Skin’s reaction to pigments
• Sun exposure
• Use of skin products
• Adherence to aftercare procedures

Q: Is it painful?

A: It is usually not painful as this is a non-invasive treatment, but this may also depend on the area of the skin and the pain tolerance of the client.

Q: What is the price of stretch marks camouflage?

A: The price of stretch marks camouflage ranges from $590 (per session) depending on the size and complexity of the treated skin. .