Medical Micropigmentation
Medical micropigmentation — also called medical camouflage or medical tattooing — uses pigment to recreate definition, shading and colour in the skin. It’s used for areola and nipple reconstruction, scars, grafts, hypopigmentation and other skin concerns, as well as stretch marks or cosmetic details like freckles and beauty spots.
Treatment time
1.5–3 hours
Results
4–6 weeks
Pain
Mild to moderate
Downtime
3–10 days
What can be treated
- Lack of pigmentation
- Stretch marks
- Alopecia
- Vitiligo
- Brow asymmetry
- Nipple reconstruction
- Areola reconstruction
- Surgical scars
- Burns
- Skin grafts
- C-section scars
- Lack of hair
- Cleft lip
Who is it for?
Medical micropigmentation may be right for you if you…
- Have had surgery and want to reduce visible scars (tummy tuck, breast augmentation or reduction)
- Have had a C-section and want to minimise the scar
- Have had a mastectomy or breast cancer
- Have a scar from cleft lip surgery
- Have lip discolouration
- Have a visible scar after face surgery (facelift, blepharoplasty)
- Have depigmented skin that has been stable for 6 months
- Have vitiligo that has been in remission for 6 months
- Have hair loss on the scalp or brows
- Have stretch marks and want them less visible
- Have a burn and want to improve its texture
- Have a skin graft and want it less visible
- Have asymmetric brows
What is medical micropigmentation?
By applying a custom blend of pigments to the skin, medical micropigmentation offers a long-lasting way to reduce the visibility of burns, vitiligo, scars and stretch marks. It can also recreate the areola without surgery.
It can address post-surgical results (breast augmentation, tummy tuck, scarring), hypopigmentation (loss of pigment), hyperpigmentation (dark patches), missing areolas and surgical scars. We tailor the treatment to your goals. We use only reliable pigment suppliers, and our practitioners are trained to the highest health and safety standards.
Which skin conditions can be treated?
Scarring. White scars can be camouflaged with colour that blends into the surrounding skin.
Cleft lip. Modern techniques help soften the appearance of a cleft lip scar.
Skin grafts. Grafts that have lost colour can be repigmented.
Areola and nipple. After gynaecomastia, breast reduction or uplift, gender reassignment or breast cancer surgery, medical tattooing improves the definition and appearance of the areola and nipple.
Port wine stains. Medical tattooing can reduce their visibility.
Vitiligo. Pigment can be restored to affected areas.
Missing hair on the scalp, lash line and brows. For hair loss through alopecia or other conditions, we can simulate hair.
Skin without pigment. Pigment can be added where natural pigmentation is missing.
Each of these treatments can help you feel more confident and at ease in your own skin.
Before your treatment
Pre-treatment care depends on the area. We do a patch test to make sure you don’t react to the pigments, match the colour and assess your skin type.
Avoid aspirin, alcohol and anti-inflammatory drugs for 48 hours before the procedure. We’ll explain everything else in detail at your consultation.
After your treatment
For the first 3–5 days, blood and lymph rise to the surface and form a crust that gradually peels off.
Most treatments need a top-up. After the first session pigment can look up to 50% lighter, especially on vitiligo, stretch marks and scars, so extra sessions build up colour and refine the result.
Use the aftercare products we give you. Don’t scratch, and keep lotions, oils, moisturisers and make up away from the treated area.
Your medical tattoo journey
Every step, from first consultation to aftercare, is handled with care and the highest standards of hygiene.
1. Consultation
We do a thorough assessment, discuss realistic expectations and estimate the procedures needed. We advise a patch test at the consultation and treatment on a separate day. If needed, we also check the colour match.
2. Mandatory patch test
A patch test must be done at least 24 hours before your appointment.
3. Treatment cost
We advise on cost at the consultation. On average, paramedical tattooing needs at least 2–3 sessions.
4. Pre- and aftercare
Avoid alcohol, blood thinners and caffeine before the procedure, and sleep and eat well. Afterwards, we give you an aftercare guide and recommend creams.
Medical micropigmentation FAQ
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age is 18. You may be asked to show ID in the studio.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
All our consultations are complimentary. To book a service we take a deposit to reserve your slot. The deposit is non-refundable within 48 hours of the appointment, and you can reschedule once.
Is it painful?
It can be in certain areas, so we may use numbing cream if needed.
How do I book an appointment?
Send us a message on WhatsApp, a DM on Instagram @bodycanvaslondon, an email to info@bodycanvas.uk or call +44 7769 210699.
Does it look natural?
We aim to reduce the visibility of the area and get as close to natural as possible.
Can I have treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding we won’t be able to do a procedure for you, as your body is already going through a lot of changes and we don’t want any possible risk for you and your baby. We’re happy to see you 12 months after the birth, or once the baby is no longer dependent on you.
I have a medical condition. Can I have treatment?
We need to know which medical condition you have, as certain conditions make a procedure unsafe. If you’re unsure, check with your GP before your appointment.
Is medical micropigmentation the same as a tattoo?
It’s slightly different: the application technique and the pigments used can vary.
Other services
Bespoke design, realism, ornamental and fine line. Our artists will create your perfect tattoo.
After mastectomy, breast surgery, or if you’re unhappy with the colour or shape of your areolas.
Brows, eyes and lips — a soft, long-lasting enhancement of your natural features.
Start with a free consultation
Tell us your idea, the placement and rough size. We’ll come back with honest advice, a clear estimate and a date that suits you.