The art of tattooing describes the implantation of pigments into the dermis either for corrective or cosmetic enhancement.
This treatment has become popular for enhancing facial features such as eyebrows, eyelashes and lips. Prosthetic Innovations uses the procedure to re-establish nipple areola colours following reconstruction and improve scarring.
How are the treatments performed?
Following either a topical or infiltrated local anaesthetic, the pigment is applied via a digitally controlled machine with a hand-piece. Using fine needles with varying point numbers at a speed of up to 150 penetrations per second, the colours are painlessly introduced into the dermis.
Nipple/Areola
Following nipple reconstruction, pigments may be added to give a more natural look. Three or four treatments are normally sufficient to build up the colours in the nipple, areola, veins and Montgomery’s tubercles.
Hair Simulation
Loss of hair, particularly in the eyebrows due to alopecia or burn injury responds well to micropigmentation. If carefully applied, hair can be simulated by fine needle strokes while varying colour can give a 3-D effect.
Scar/Trauma
The addition of skin coloured pigments when a scar has faded to paler than the natural skin tones provides excellent camouflage. In cases such as the loss of vermilion (the dark pink tissue that makes up the lip) due to facial trauma, micro pigmentation can provide reconstruction to either the partial or total area.
After Care
Immediately following treatment, the tattoo is vivid in colour and traumatised. A broad spectrum antibiotic ointment and dressings are applied.
After seven days the surface of the area treated breaks down to reveal a paler more natural looking colour. This fades over the next few months and is repeated until the desired effect is achieved.
Finance
Patients may be able to obtain funding for prosthetics and other treatments through their local Clinical Commissioning Group this can be guided by their general practitioner.
We also cater for patients who are either self – funding or for those patients holding health insurance, we have provider status through all the main health insurance companies.
If you have a query regarding your own personal case, please contact us in the strictest confidence.