Frequently Asked Questions
Medical tattooing—also known as paramedical micropigmentation—is a restorative technique that helps camouflage scars, recreate lost features (like areolas or hairlines), and correct skin discoloration caused by trauma, surgery, or medical conditions.
It’s not about decoration—it’s about restoration. The goal is to help you feel whole, confident, and more at home in your skin.
If you’re dealing with scars, pigment loss, stretch marks, or skin damage after surgery, radiation, or trauma—you may be a great candidate for paramedical tattooing. Medical tattooing is ideal for:
Scars resulting from surgery, trauma, burns, or stretch marks
Skin discoloration caused by vitiligo or other pigment disorders
Post-surgical restoration (such as areola and nipple tattooing)
Hair loss or thinning (including conditions like alopecia or hair transplant scarring)
If you have skin discoloration or scarring, chances are, you are a candidate for medical tattooing.
Unlike traditional tattoos, which are decorative and permanent, paramedical tattoos are corrective and subtle. I use:
Smaller, more precise needles for gentle application on sensitive or scarred skin
Medical-grade pigments, not standard tattoo inks
Advanced understanding of skin trauma, healing phases, and pigment behavior to ensure safe and predictable outcomes
Layered techniques to mimic your unique skin tones and textures, applied with translucency for a realistic result
The outcome is a soft, natural effect that blends seamlessly into the surrounding skin. Most treatments require 3–4 sessions, spaced about six weeks apart, to allow for healing and gradual enhancement.
Most clients describe the sensation as tingling or light scratching, similar to a papercut. On a scale of 1 to 10, discomfort typically rates between 2 and 4. Topical numbing cream can be used to help you stay comfortable during the session.
Results typically last 5-10 years, but because everyone's skin is unique, fading rates can vary based on skin type, sun exposure, and the area treated.
Pigments are matched to your natural skin tone and applied with translucency, allowing for more realistic, natural-looking results as they age.
If you tan, lighten, or experience pigment changes over time, I can reassess and adjust as needed with touch-ups. Many clients return for maintenance around the 4–6 year mark to keep their results looking fresh.
Healing is gradual and layered - just like the results.
Expect redness, swelling, and light scabbing in the first 7–10 days.
Full healing takes about 4–6 weeks, during which the pigment will settle into its final shade. It’s normal for the ink to appear lighter at first, then darker, then lighter again before stabilizing. This is part of the natural healing process as your skin regenerates and the pigment integrates.
I'll provide detailed aftercare instructions and stay in touch throughout the healing process. Follow-up sessions are spaced about six weeks apart to allow for proper healing and pigment development.
Yes. The goal is to make the area look like nothing ever happened. Every pigment is custom blended to match your unique skin tone, including undertones and gradients.
I work with all skin tones and complexions and use a layering approach to create subtle, realistic results that age naturally over time. Skin matching is a core part of my training and one of the most important aspects of every procedure.
I offer corrective services for clients who’ve received paramedical tattooing or permanent makeup elsewhere and are unsatisfied with the results.
In many cases, poor results can be improved with pigment correction, re-blending, or lightening. Book a consultation and I’ll give you honest feedback on what’s possible.
In most cases, yes—multiple sessions are expected. Paramedical tattooing is a layered process, and your skin needs time to heal, settle, and fully absorb pigment between treatments.
While the number of sessions varies based on the procedure type, treatment area, and your skin’s response, it’s rare for a single session to achieve the final result.
Your treatment plan will include a clear recommendation for the number of sessions likely needed, and we’ll adjust as needed based on how your skin heals.
Follow-up sessions aren’t about “fixing” anything—they’re a natural part of building depth, softness, and realism in your results.
I’ll guide you through every step to ensure your care is tailored to your healing timeline and goals.
Many artists can tattoo, but my services are grounded in specialized, medical-focused training—not just cosmetic tattooing. I’ve completed extensive education specifically designed to work with scars, grafts, radiation-damaged skin, and post-surgical areas. This work requires far more than artistic skill or basic permanent makeup training.
Paramedical tattooing involves understanding how trauma affects the skin, how pigment interacts with scar tissue, and how to adapt techniques to highly individual healing patterns. This work cannot be done correctly—or safely—using cosmetic training alone.
Beyond technical skill, I provide a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. Every treatment is personalized and designed to support not only physical healing but also emotional resilience and self-expression. You’re not just receiving a service—you’re receiving care built on precision, empathy, and deep respect for your journey.
Reclamation Medical Ink & Artistry does not bill insurance directly, and coverage for micropigmentation varies widely between providers.
If you plan to seek reimbursement, check with your insurance provider to see whether paramedical tattooing services—such as scar camouflage or areola restoration—are eligible.
I’m happy to provide itemized receipts or superbills to help you submit claims to your insurance, if applicable.
Of course! During your consultation, I’ll assess the area you’d like treated, discuss your goals, and provide a personalized treatment plan. You’ll receive a clear estimated time and cost before we move forward with any procedure—no surprises, and no pressure to commit.
Most services are billed at $300 per hour, with a minimum appointment length of 30 minutes. This rate reflects the detailed planning, precision, and specialized care that paramedical tattooing requires.
For some smaller, highly detailed, or multi-phase procedures, I may provide a flat-rate quote instead. Before any treatment begins, you’ll always receive a clear breakdown of the expected time and cost—so there are no surprises.
Please keep in mind that all quotes are estimates. Because every person’s skin heals and responds differently, the number of sessions needed can vary. Some clients achieve their desired results quickly, while others may require additional sessions or touch-ups. Throughout your healing process, I’ll closely monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
It’s true—$300 per hour can feel like a significant financial decision, and I completely understand that. That’s why I take this work seriously and focus on providing lasting value.
Paramedical tattooing isn’t a standard cosmetic service. It requires advanced, specialized training in color theory, skin physiology, and scar behavior, along with the skill to work on complex or delicate areas of the body.
Each procedure is highly customized—not just in design, but in approach. You’re receiving one-on-one care, a tailored treatment plan, and results designed to support both your appearance and your healing process.
This work can restore a sense of wholeness and control, and for many clients, it marks an emotional turning point.
You’re not just paying for ink or hours. You’re investing in a deeply personalized process that honors your story, protects your health, and supports long-term healing.
