WHAT IS MEDICAL TATTOO?With medical tattooing, the skin therapist uses specialized equipment to inject pigments into the skin. The chosen pigments closely match the skin's natural color. The pigments are applied in areas where the natural pigmentation is lacking or disturbed. Medical tattooing can also be used to camouflage skin abnormalities, such as unsightly scars or bald patches. It is also possible to recreate a nipple and areola after breast reconstruction.WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?The technique for medical tattooing is similar to applying a regular tattoo. However, a regular tattoo always remains visible, while a medical tattoo fades over time. This is because soluble dyes are used in medical tattoos. Therefore, a medical tattoo will need to be touched up after approximately 3 to 5 years. The treatment is not painless, but the pain is generally well tolerated. If necessary, a topical anesthetic cream can be used.NUMBER OF TREATMENTSMedical tattoos are usually applied in 2 to 4 sessions, with an interval of 4 to 6 weeks.THE FIRST CONSULTATION WITH THE SKIN THERAPISTDuring your first appointment, the skin therapist will ask about your medical history. Photos will also be taken and the therapist will perform a color and allergy test. Once the desired color has been determined, the therapist will tattoo a small amount of dye onto a test area. If you have been referred for eyebrow or lip pigmentation, please bring your own eyebrow or lip pencil.FOLLOW-UP CONSULTATIONSThe next appointment is at least 4 to 6 weeks later. Only after this period will it be clear whether the color is correct and whether the dye is causing an allergic reaction. If the color is correct, the skin therapist will fully tattoo the skin lesion. During the next consultation (after 4 to 6 weeks), you and the skin therapist will assess the tattoo's results. If necessary, the skin therapist will adjust the color. Aftercare of the tattooed area: The tattooed skin will look and feel like a graze. After each treatment, the wound will be covered with a compress. You can remove this the next day. You can then take a (brief) shower, but bathing, swimming, or sauna visits are not recommended. The healing phase takes about a week. During the healing process, scabs will form, and the tattoo may become itchy. During this period, touch the area as little as possible and leave the scabs in place until they fall off spontaneously. Keep the area dry, apart from showering, and do not use any creams etc. It is advisable to protect the treated area at this stage with a dry bandage, which you change daily.RESULT ASSESSMENTA week after treatment, the tattoo is usually still too dark. A small amount of pigment penetrates the upper layer of skin and fades away later. This is why multiple sessions are necessary to achieve the desired color. Occasionally, the entire color may have disappeared approximately one week after the first treatment. This does not mean your skin is unsuitable for medical tattooing.SUN PROTECTIONFor optimal results, it's crucial to protect the treated area from sunlight. You should begin this at least six weeks before your first treatment. You should also protect yourself from sunlight throughout the treatment process and for at least six weeks after your last treatment. Protective clothing is best. If this isn't possible, we recommend using a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). Reapply this cream every two hours. Even after the tattoo has healed, it's important to continue protecting your skin from sunlight to prevent discoloration.POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSIn case of severe redness, swelling, bleeding or pus formation, contact a skin therapist or your doctor.MEDICINE AND ALCOHOL USEDuring your initial consultation, you will be asked about your current medication use. If you start taking new or different medications during treatment, you must always inform us by phone beforehand, even if you are only taking these medications temporarily. Some medications can adversely affect the treatment. If necessary, treatment will be postponed. We recommend avoiding alcohol on the day of treatment and the day before due to the risk of bleeding.STATEMENT OF CONSENTBefore starting treatment, you will sign a consent form. This declaration confirms that you have fully understood all the information.COST OF THE TREATMENTRequest a quote for treatment costs. You must pay the treatment costs after each session. Skin therapist fees may be (partially) covered by your supplementary health insurance package. Reimbursements for treatments by a skin therapist vary, depending on the treatment and your insurance policy. Please check with your insurance company for more information. |
