Expectations, Before/Aftercare, + Healing

Inkless Stretch Mark Camouflage/Revision (ISR) creates better tone, texture, & color - and with the procedure we typically see really good results just after 1 treatment but typically we can see people up to 5 times. We won't know what that might look like for YOU until we actually start seeing the progress. We will monitor the progress on a case by case basis and we do that through photo. You and I will always be in communication about your healing progress and if we'll be needling additional appointments.

 

 

Contraindications

Pregnancy, keloid scars, scleroderma, undergoing chemotherapy,  use Accutane or retinol, collagen vascular disease or cardiac abnormalities, a hemorrhagic disorder or haemostatic dysfunction, active bacterial or fungal infection, uncontrolled diabetes, extreme hyperpigmentation

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Before you come in

• Refrain from using Accutane for 6-12 months

• Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil for 3 days prior to treatment. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation.

• Avoidance of IPL/Laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure or sunburn for 2 weeks prior. We want to prevent a sun burn. We cannot work on burned, irritated skin.

• No shaving the day of the procedure to avoid skin irritation to the area being treated. If there is dense hair present in the treatment area, closely shave the area the day before you arrive to your appointment.

• Avoid blood thinning agents (aspirin, fish oil, Omega-3, Vitamin E) for 1 week prior.

• Avoid caffeine 48 hours prior to the appointment.

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During your appointment

The Technician is going to prep your skin with alcohol and take before/after photos & we will be sending them to you. This is a really great way to monitor and manage the progress that we're seeing. we’re going to be using a rotary machine, so we're actually going to be "tattooing" specialized serums into the skin right in the stretch marks so we can get that regeneration of collagen, elastin, and melanocytes in there. You will be red, the area will look angry to start with and takes a 45-90 days to heal - in which we'll determine if you're ready for another appointment. 

If so it will be between the 6-8 week mark (depending on how your body is healing).

Aftercare

Immediately after treatment your stretch marks will have redness, swelling, and look angry for about 2-4 wks. THIS IS NORMAL!

 

Avoid wearing tight clothing for the next 2 - 3 days.

Avoid scratching or peeling to prevent infection or discoloration.

Avoid excessive sweating for 7 days. Moderate exercise is fine after 2 days of the treatment.

Avoid exposing the area to the full water pressure of the shower for 7 days.

Avoid tanning and swimming (beach, pool, Jacuzzi, bath, etc.) for 40 days. 

Avoid sunscreen, self-tanning or any cream that contains Vitamin D for 40 days.

Avoid perfume and deodorant near or in the treated area.

 

Day 1-4

• Do not take Advil after the procedure (next 24 hours)

• Redness, swelling, tightness, feeling of being sunburned is a normal reaction

• Avoid all things hot: sauna, hot tub, sweating etc.

• You can shower 12 hrs after procedure

• Use a gentle cleanser to cleanse the area

• Do not rub aggressively

• Apply aftercare 2 x day or as required to keep area hydrated

• Recommended aftercare is Cerave OR Coconut oil (if natural option is preferred)

 

Day 3-7

• Area will become dry, flakey and possibly a small amount of scabbing (DO NOT PICK)

• Apply aftercare 2 x day

 

ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN WHEN THE TREATED AREAS ARE EXPOSED TO THE SUN!

 

WEEK ONE

• The skin may be dry and flakey and angry looking

 

WEEK TWO

• The skin will be less angry, less swollen, and a little more flat

• OPT: Use Cicaplast 2xs a day and massage thoroughly into the treated area. If the area still feels a bit dry you may apply the Cerave/Coconut Oil.

 

After 2 weeks,

Even though you may still be seeing your skin returning to normal it's not uncommon to see redness and/or hyperpigmentation.

 

Send photos in 4-6 wks so we can can follow up to see if you're ready for the next session of if your body needs more time to heal. Some people heal faster/slower depending on your individual body health, metabolism, and lifestyle. If you're healing slowly next session will be around the 90 day mark/ Do  not be put out on this, if that's the case we need to make sure your body is healing to its full potential before continuing treatment.

 

If you need more than 4 sessions and your stretch marks qualify for inked camouflage, it can then be considered.

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Answering Commonly Asked Questions on Inkless Stretch Mark Removal

We’re sure you’ve got a lot of questions, so let’s dive straight in and try to answer as many as we can. 

What is Inkless Stretch Mark Removal?

Inkless stretch mark removal is also known as inkless stretch mark camouflage or inkless stretch mark revision (ISR). It is a non-invasive skin treatment that helps the skin repair itself using a blend of serums and vitamins inserted just under the skin using tiny needles. Imagine a gentle tattoo procedure, minus the ink. 

The products introduced to the area encourage collagen production along with elastin and melanocytes. The skin becomes smoother and firmer with a return of the natural skin tone. The treatment is focused on targeted areas and will closely follow the stretch mark line. 

Inkless stretch mark camouflage is much like microneedling in that the process causes skin “trauma” which the body rushes to rectify. 

“Microneedling targets the dermis, the middle layer of your skin where stretch marks form. Within this procedure, tiny needles are poked into your skin to trigger collagen production. Increased collagen and elastin promote skin regeneration that can improve your skin’s appearance and reduce stretch marks.

“To effectively treat stretch marks, you’ll need to participate in more than one treatment over a course of months. Microneedling has been an effective treatment for reducing stretch marks, specifically for patients with darker skin.

Inkless camouflage takes this procedure to the next level by introducing collagen and elastin into the affected areas for greater effect. 

How long are the treatments and how long do they take?

Typically, a session lasts between 1-2 hours. It all depends on the affected area. Usually, it takes several treatments to achieve desired results.

Stretch mark camouflage vs laser treatments

While Laser Treatments do work on stretch marks by damaging the skin’s outer layer, they do not put color back into the skin.  So almost all clients who use Laser Treatments for their stretch marks still have noticeable stretch marks. 

In fact, many of our clients have had many Laser Treatment procedures prior to walking into our office.  Another huge difference is the cost of that treatments.  Laser Treatments could run $1,000 to $3,000 per session, and can easily end up costing the client over $10,000 overall.

Can Inkless Stretch Mark Camouflage Be Used All Over the Body?

Inkless camouflage can be safely used everywhere except for the face.

Is Inkless Stretch Mark Removal Safe?

It’s always wise to be cautious of emerging technology, especially in the beauty industry. After all, nobody wants to be a guinea pig. However, rest assured that inkless stretch mark removal is entirely safe. In fact, it is considered one of the safest procedures available right now for stretch marks. 

How much will treatments cost?

For this tretament all depends on the size of the area needing treatment.

Our starting price is $650 for the first area, $500 for each additional area.

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Are My Results Immediate?

Immediately after your treatment, the area will be red and a little swollen – a typical result after such a procedure. After a week or two, the area will settle as it begins to heal. How soon you’ll see results will depend on how your body responds to the treatment, but you should see results in around 40 to 60 days. 

Your Next Step

Inkless stretch mark removal is a wonderfully natural way to treat stretch marks if you feel self-conscious about them. It’s a non-invasive way to enjoy better skin tone and texture, with long-lasting permanent results. 

If you’d like to know more or book an appointment with Houda, please Click this link. We’re here to make you look your very best!