Paramedical & Cosmetic Tattooing
Paramedical Tattooing
Paramedical tattooing is a specialized form of tattooing that focuses on restoring the appearance of skin after trauma, surgery, or medical procedures. Unlike traditional cosmetic tattoos (like brows or eyeliner), paramedical tattoos are used for corrective and restorative purposes. It blends art with medical knowledge to improve the physical appearance and emotional well-being of clients.
Benefits
- Non-invasive compared to surgical options
- Restores confidence and body image
- Long-lasting results with minimal downtime
Who Performs It?
Paramedical tattooing should be performed by a certified medical or cosmetic tattoo artist with advanced training, often in collaboration with plastic surgeons or dermatologists.
Scar Camouflage (Surgical, Stretch Marks, Skin Grafts, etc.)
Scar camouflage is a specialized tattooing technique designed to blend scars with the surrounding skin tone, making them less noticeable. It’s a form of paramedical tattooing that uses custom-matched flesh-toned pigments to reduce the contrast between the scar and the surrounding skin.
Key Points
- Purpose: Conceals hypopigmented (lighter) or unevenly colored scars caused by surgery, trauma, burns, acne, or injury.
- How it works: Tiny needles deposit pigment into the dermal layer of the skin, similar to traditional tattooing, but with a focus on color correction and natural appearance.
- Ideal candidates: People with mature, flat, and lighter-colored scars (typically at least 9-12 months old).
- Not for: Raised (keloid or hypertrophic) or very dark scars; these may require different treatments first.
Benefits
- Restores confidence and body image
- Non-surgical and minimally invasive
- Long-lasting results (though touch-ups may be needed)
3D Nipple/Areola Tattooing & Blushing
3D Nipple and Areola Restoration is a type of paramedical tattooing that creates the illusion of a natural, three-dimensional nipple and areola using pigments and advanced shading techniques. It’s commonly done for individuals who have undergone mastectomy, breast reconstruction, or other breast surgeries that affect the appearance of the nipple.
What It Is
A highly realistic tattoo that mimics the look of a natural nipple and areola. The “3D” effect is achieved entirely through shading, light, and color—not physical protrusion.
Who It’s For
- Breast-cancer survivors post-mastectomy
- People with areola scarring from surgery (e.g., breast augmentation, reduction, top surgery)
- Those with congenital conditions or irregular/absent areolas
Benefits
- Restores a sense of wholeness and body confidence
- Non-surgical and safe
- Custom pigment matching for natural-looking results
- Can be done unilaterally or bilaterally
Timing
Usually performed 3-6 months after breast-reconstruction surgery, once healing is complete and scars are fully matured.
3D Belly Button Tattooing
3D Belly Button Tattooing is a paramedical tattoo technique that creates the illusion of a natural-looking belly button (navel) using pigment and realistic shading. It’s often used to restore the appearance of the belly button after surgery or trauma, especially when the natural navel has been lost or altered.
What It Is
A realistic, shaded tattoo that mimics the depth, shadow, and contour of a belly button, giving it a three-dimensional appearance—even though the area is flat.
Who It’s For
- Patients who have had tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or hernia repair surgery where the navel was removed, altered, or scarred
- Individuals with congenital absence or scarring of the belly button
- People looking for a more aesthetically pleasing navel appearance
Benefits
- Non-surgical alternative to belly-button reconstruction
- Customizable to suit body type, scar shape, and desired look
- Boosts body confidence and appearance in swimwear or undressed
“Dr. Claytor and his team are phenomenal. He is an extremely gifted and experienced surgeon, and also down to earth, kind and patient. The people who work with him embody the very same qualities. ”
Lip Blush
Lip Blush is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo that enhances the natural color, shape, and definition of the lips. It gives the lips a soft, tinted appearance—like a subtle lip stain—while also improving symmetry and the illusion of fullness.
What It Is
A form of micropigmentation where pigment is implanted into the lips using a tattoo machine and a fine needle. The goal is not to create a bold lipstick look, but a natural, flushed tint that heals beautifully over time.
Who It’s For
- Anyone wanting more defined, even, or fuller-looking lips
- Clients with pale, uneven, or fading natural lip color
- People with minor lip scars or pigment loss
Benefits
- Enhances lip shape and symmetry
- Restores natural color or adds a soft tint
- Long-lasting (1-3 years, with touch-ups)
Healing & Results
- Initial color appears bold, then fades 30-50% as lips heal
- Full healing: ~4-6 weeks
- Touch-up usually required after 6-8 weeks for best results
Ombre/Nano Brows (COMING SOON!)
Ombre and nano brows are both forms of semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing, also known as machine-based brow techniques, but they differ in style, technique, and results.
Ombre Brows
Also called powder brows or ombre powder brows.
Technique
Created using a tattoo machine that deposits thousands of tiny dots of pigment. The brow is lighter at the front and gradually gets darker toward the tail, creating a soft gradient or “makeup-filled” look.
Best For
- Clients who prefer a filled-in or makeup look
- Oily or mature skin types
- Covering old brow tattoos
Healing Time
About 7-14 days for surface healing; full healing in 4-6 weeks
Nano Brows
Also called machine hair strokes or digital microblading.
Technique
Uses a single needle on a tattoo machine to mimic individual hair strokes. Looks more natural and delicate, with very fine lines that blend with your natural brow hairs.
Best For
- Clients wanting a natural, hair-like look
- Normal to dry skin types
- Those who want longer-lasting results than microblading
Healing Time
Similar to ombre: surface healing in 1-2 weeks; full healing by 4-6 weeks
The Claytor Plastic Surgery Difference
Our expert registered nurse Melodie Kubicki, BSN offers tattooing under the guidance of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor. As a plastic surgery practice, we are dedicated to both excellence in aesthetic outcomes and safety of our patients. Dr. Claytor has published peer-reviewed articles about cutting-edge scar minimizing techniques, so we are well-equipped to help you choose the best option for your needs!