100,000,000 scars Every year.

Almost everyone has a scar….

Did you know that it is estimated that one hundred million people in the developed world will acquire a new scar every year?  That includes approximately fifty million people in the United States alone. 

A survey performed by the Scar Free Foundation was released by the University of Bristol in 2019.  They estimated that 20.3 million people in the United Kingdom have a scar.  And, according to the National Institutes of Health, 70% of scars occur in childhood.  (Bayat, et. al., 2003) One of the most common causes of scaring worldwide is due to a burn injury. In the U.K. alone there was an estimated 64,000 children who received medical treatment for a burn in 2018. (University of Bristol, 2019)

Aside from the functional effects of scars, the National Institutes of Health also addresses the psychological impact of scars.  Noting that those who suffer from a scar have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and develop stunted communication skills, have less intimacy in their relationships and develop avoidant behaviors and body image dissatisfaction.  Some people suffer from shame because of their scar and the memory it evokes, and some may also find their scar strains their social interactions. (Ngaage, et. al, 2018)

Unfortunately, what is less talked about is the psychological and physical impact of scars. 

Enter paramedical tattoo, or camouflage.  Paramedical artists are spearheading the recovery effects of scarring.  They are tackling scars from childhood chicken pox, accidents, trauma and burns to surgical scars such as sternotomies, thyroidectomies, breast surgery and more.

Although techniques continue to improve, not every scar is eligible for camouflage.  Scars that are not fully healed, or those with keloid formation, hypertrophy, and those that are red, deep, and/or large should not undergo paramedical camouflage.  A well-trained artist will know when to refer you back to a plastic surgeon for additional consideration and discuss your best options.

Furthermore, not all scars can be eliminated.  Despite needle techniques and ever evolving skin regenerating serums, and quality inks… a scar will never be truly eliminated.

Of course, there are things you can do to minimize your scar.  Silicone based scar solutions, combined with daily deep massage of the scarred tissue, have been shown to reduce scars by up to 50%.  This will increase your ability to go with a less invasive and more cost-effective method of camouflaging your scar with a paramedical artist.

Therefore, a client’s expectations are of utmost importance.  Scars that are white, flat, and thin are the most amenable to camouflage.  A consultation to discuss your options is always best.

References

Bayat, A., McGrouther, D. A., & Ferguson, M. W. J. (2003, January 11). Skin scarring. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1125033/

Ngaage, M., & Agius, M. (2018, November 30). The psychology of scars: A mini-review. Psychiatria Danubina. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30439862/#:~:text=Those%20with%20scars%20undergo%20a,reduced%20intimacy%2C%20and%20avoidant%20behaviours.

University of Bristol. (2019, November 20). New survey reveals 20.3 million people in the UK have a scar. November: Scar Free Foundation | News and features | University of Bristol. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2019/november/scar-free-foundation.html