How To Cover Self Harm Scars
You don’t need a medical degree or even an interest in tattoos to know that some people just aren’t into getting them on their bodies. Some folks see it as vanity; others are concerned about the permanence of tattoos. Whatever your reasoning may be, if you’re one of these people, there’s still hope for covering scars.
There are several options out there for scar concealers. You can cover scars with makeup, wear clothing that hides scars, get a tattoo, use hair dye, or get a permanent cosmetic procedure done. Of all the options available, only one involves getting ink permanently embedded under someone’s skin. Medical tattooing: Also known as camouflage tattooing, this option is pretty cool. This technique has been proven successful for those with a history of self-harm. It is used for those who’ve experienced burns, those who have lost their breast tissue due to cancer, and for those who want to hide their stretch marks.
I’m sure you’ll agree that hiding scars with makeup isn’t much fun. The process is time consuming, uncomfortable (because makeup tends to settle into lines), and not very effective. There are also some health risks associated with long-term application of makeup. What you really need is something more foolproof than cosmetics. Tattooing might seem like a good idea at first glance, but it can be painful, expensive, and sometimes dangerous. Hair dyes often fade over time, and they can make scars look worse by darkening them. Using a temporary method to hide scars temporarily is better than nothing – especially if it doesn’t require any type of surgery. However, many patients find that the results aren’t exactly what they expected.
The advantages of using medical tattooing include:
It covers scars completely so no part of them will ever show through.
It’s quick and relatively inexpensive.
It lasts forever and won’t fade away over time.
This procedure is actually fairly safe.
If you decide to go ahead with it, here are some things to consider before booking the service. If possible, I would always recommend consulting a doctor prior to starting any sort of treatment.
What do doctors say? Doctors generally feel that camouflaging scars is a great way to conceal unsightly blemishes. They usually advise against painting existing scars darker colors because doing so can cause infection. A dermatologist was quoted saying “the best thing we can tell you is to let [patients] paint their own scars”. As for tattooing new scars, however, most doctors believe that it can help improve the appearance of scars that haven’t had time to fade without causing additional problems.
Is it painful? Yes, but typically not as bad as you’d think. Most medical professionals report that tattooing is less painful than having a needle poked repeatedly through your skin. The key is to relax. The person performing the tattoo should take extra care to numb you properly. Don’t worry! In most cases, you won’t feel a thing.
Will my scars change? No. Your scars won’t change unless you choose to have them surgically altered during a subsequent surgical procedure.
Can I keep working after being tattooed? Absolutely. Many employers prefer employees who are tattoo free. Still, if you insist on having a tattoo, make sure to take off your clothes when you arrive at work so that your manager doesn’t see anything embarrassing.
Am I required to pay up front? Not necessarily. Although it is normal practice for doctors’ offices to charge large fees upfront for procedures such as tattooing, many insurance companies offer coverage for cosmetic services. Call your company’s benefit department to find out whether or not you will be covered for tattoo removal.
Now, if you’re still interested in tattooing despite what a doctor said, here’s how it works. First, the patient is given a local anesthetic injected directly into the area where the scarring is located. Next, the patient lies down on his back on a special table with holes cut out of its surface to accommodate the arms. A person then applies pressure to the areas surrounding the scarred area while holding a pen containing small metal needles. These needles pierce the skin once every 30 seconds to apply the tattoo ink. Once the pattern of dots representing the tattoo is complete, the artist cleanses the site with alcohol and closes the wounds.
Many people ask me why anyone would want to undergo this procedure. Here are some reasons why people may opt for tattooing instead of other methods:
Some people enjoy the aesthetics of tattoos. Others want something that will last longer than makeup.
People with low self esteem may feel confident wearing a shirt or blouse that shows their scars.
Those who have endured traumatic experiences may want to memorialize the event through art.
Although many people are happy with tattooing, it does come with certain drawbacks. For example, some people experience pain around the tattoo sites shortly after the procedure. Additionally, tattoos tend to bleed more easily than natural scarring would. Patients must also avoid hot tubs, saunas, excessive heat, and sun exposure for four weeks following tattooing. Finally, tattoos can fade over time.
Not everyone has the same taste. Just because you love your tattoo doesn’t mean everyone else feels the same way. So, now that you’ve seen all the different ways to cover scars, which approach do you choose? Do you plan to cover your scars with makeup or perhaps try another method entirely? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
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