MCA, short for Multitrepannic Collagen Actuation, is a therapeutic treatment that follows the same protocol as medical camouflage, yet excludes the use of any pigments. It can stimulate the healing process of scars or stretch marks that are either not completely healed or appear slightly indented compared to the surrounding skin. At times, MCA needling alone suffices, while in some cases, it may serve as a preparatory step before the application of pigments.

The duration of each session can range from 1 to 3 hours, contingent upon the size of the area undergoing treatment. It’s worth noting that for expansive areas, we recommend splitting the procedure into two separate appointments for optimal results.

Kindly be informed that pigment preparation itself may require approximately 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the procedure. An estimate of the overall time required will be provided during your initial consultation.

Determining if the stretch mark camouflage treatment is right for you involves assessing certain factors. You may not be an appropriate candidate for this treatment if you meet any of the following conditions:

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Presence of keloid scars
• Local skin infections
• Skin allergies, particularly to pigment, titanium dioxide, or chromium
• Recent exposure to laser treatment
• Raised moles (we cannot perform the procedure over moles)
• Skin cancer
• Psoriasis
• Haemophilia or other blood disorders
• Very light or fair skin

Indeed, our treatment is designed to accommodate a wide range of skin types, spanning from Fitzpatrick 1-6. However, individuals with extremely fair skin may present a challenge in colour matching due to their near-translucent skin appearance. The treatment is not recommended for skin types susceptible to keloid scarring. For darker skin types or those prone to hyperpigmentation, there’s a potential risk of the treated area remaining darker beyond the typical 60-day healing period. Hence, we recommend a color match test to anticipate the healing process accurately.

In essence, the treatment is safe, provided that it’s administered by a fully trained practitioner in a setting that complies with all health and safety regulations. The pigments used in the procedure may contain trace elements of metals, such as chromium and titanium dioxide, which are generally safe for skin application and are commonly found in many sun protection formulas (SPFs). If you have a known allergy to these substances, you would not be suitable for the treatment.

Absolutely. A patch test is an integral part of the preliminary steps toward your treatment. We will perform this test during your consultation.

The needle penetration into the skin can lead to mild discomfort, often described by clients as a scratching sensation, akin to microneedling. It’s worth noting that we do not recommend the use of numbing cream, as it could potentially interfere with the pigments. However, you may opt to take paracetamol prior to treatment for pain management. Please avoid aspirin, as it can thin the blood and induce clotting at the treatment site.

The stretch mark camouflage procedure is categorized as permanent, similar to other pigment insertion methods like microblading or semi-permanent makeup. However, given that the pigment is significantly diluted to match skin tones, its efficacy typically spans between 3 to 7 years on average. The pigment’s longevity can vary among individuals, gradually fading over time due to factors such as immune system response, sun exposure, adherence to aftercare guidelines, and overall healing rates.

Post-procedure, you might experience minor soreness, redness, and swelling, all of which are standard reactions. These symptoms typically subside within 7 to 14 days, after which the skin might look dark and scaly. As the skin continues to heal, it may appear darker for a while before revealing the final outcome.

The results after the first session can vary significantly; while some clients observe a marked improvement, others may not notice a substantial change. Hence, we recommend 2 to 3 sessions for optimal results.

Do bear in mind that the first session is always conducted with utmost caution to prevent over-pigmentation. During your second session, the practitioner will assess the need for any colour adjustments, and we can then intensify the pigment application. We urge you to remain patient as this procedure involves multiple treatments.

Following the treatment, you might experience redness and swelling in the treated area, which is a natural part of the healing process. It’s necessary to regularly apply a cold compress at home to aid in recovery. While you can resume work, we advise refraining from any strenuous physical activity or exercise for a period of 7 days.

Observing the following aftercare instructions is essential to ensure optimal results and prevent complications:

• Laser treatments over the treated area are strictly prohibited, as they can cause the pigment to turn black.
• Apply a cold compress to the treated area three times daily for the first few days to expedite the healing process.
• Refrain from showering for 24 hours following treatment. When resuming showers, use lukewarm water.
• Avoid contact with water in the treated area for at least 14 days post-treatment. This includes baths, swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, etc.
• Abstain from vigorous physical activity for 2-3 weeks post-treatment.
• Do not touch the treated area for 2-3 weeks, with the exception of applying aftercare lotions.
• Picking, scratching, or exfoliating the area is not permitted. These actions could lead to scarring or pigment loss.
• No other treatments should be performed in the treated area for 60-90 days.
• Avoid treatments that cannot be performed over tattoos indefinitely.
• Refrain from using sunbeds or sun tanning in the treated area for at least 60-90 days, as this could lead to faster fading of the pigment.

Indeed, even if your religious beliefs disallow tattoos, you can still undergo a non-pigment stretch mark camouflage treatment. This specific technique avoids the use of any permanent ink on the skin, rendering it an acceptable alternative for those with personal or religious reservations about traditional tattooing.

This treatment aims to generate an illusion of uniform, natural skin tone rather than producing a conventional tattoo. It’s crucial to discuss any apprehensions or concerns with our competent practitioner prior to the treatment, ensuring that the process aligns with your personal beliefs and values.

We offer professional microblading and permanent makeup services, performed by the leading experts in the field in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Each of our talented artists is extremely experienced and friendly. Our goal is to make you feel your best and make your life easier through permanent makeup. We don’t take this job lightly. Only the highest quality and care for our clients.