Restoration & Paramedical concern

Visible scars and stretch marks

Visible scars — surgical, accidental, post-acne, self-harm — and stretch marks affect daily confidence in ways others don't always see. For many of Lorraine's clients, softening the look of a scar is the final step in moving past whatever caused it.

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Living with a visible scar

People learn to dress around scars, avoid certain photos, or carry a quiet, constant awareness that the scar is there. It's rarely about vanity — it's about not wanting the eye (yours or anyone else's) to go straight to it. The good news is that for mature, stable scars, real visual softening is achievable.

How Lorraine treats visible scars

The right approach depends entirely on the scar. Lorraine's main treatment is paramedical scar camouflage — skin-toned pigment that blends the scar visually with the surrounding skin. For depressed (atrophic) scars, especially rolling and boxcar acne scars, microneedling can rebuild collagen and soften the texture. Some scars benefit from a combination. None of it erases a scar — but for the right scar, the softening can be significant.

What causes it

The kinds of scars Lorraine treats

Scar type guides the treatment — and sets realistic expectations.

Surgical scars

Abdominoplasty, breast surgery, orthopaedic and other surgical scars — often good candidates for camouflage once mature (12+ months).

Self-harm scars

Softening the visual contrast of self-harm scars is deeply meaningful work Lorraine approaches with care, privacy and no judgement.

Atrophic acne scars

Depressed rolling and boxcar scars respond best to collagen-stimulating microneedling rather than camouflage — see acne scarring.

Stretch marks

Mature, stable stretch marks can be softened with camouflage, sometimes combined with microneedling depending on texture.

How we treat this

Camouflage, microneedling, or both

Lorraine matches the treatment to the scar:

1. Colour contrast → camouflage. Scars that differ in colour from the surrounding skin often respond well to scar camouflage — skin-toned pigment blended to reduce the contrast.

2. Texture / depth → microneedling. Depressed, atrophic scars (especially acne scars) respond to microneedling, which rebuilds collagen to soften the dip over a series of sessions.

3. Honest assessment. Mature, stable scars (12+ months, no longer changing colour) respond best. Lorraine assesses each scar individually and tells you plainly what's realistic before anything is booked.

Full scar camouflage details →

What to expect

Complimentary consultation

Lorraine assesses the scar's type, colour, texture and maturity, and recommends camouflage, microneedling or a combination. She's honest about what's achievable. No obligation to book.
Timing

Scars must be fully mature — generally 12+ months and stable in colour — before treatment. A scar that's still pink or changing is still healing.
A series of sessions

Camouflage usually takes 2–4 sessions; microneedling for atrophic scarring typically 4–6. Each session is booked and paid on its own.
Gradual softening

Results build gradually over the series. The scar isn't erased, but for the right scar the visual softening can be significant and lasting.

FAQs

Common questions about visible scars

Can my scar be made invisible?

No — paramedical work softens the visible contrast between the scar and surrounding skin, but doesn't erase it. Honest expectations are part of every consultation.

How long after my injury or surgery can I have treatment?

Generally 12 months minimum, sometimes longer. The scar must be fully mature — stable in colour, no longer healing — before any treatment can begin.

Which treatment is right for my scar?

It depends on the scar. Atrophic (depressed) scars often respond best to microneedling; surgical scars with colour contrast often benefit from camouflage tattooing; stretch marks can need a combination. Lorraine recommends the right approach at consultation.

Is the consultation free?

Yes — the initial in-person consultation is complimentary, with no obligation to book.

How much does it cost?

Pricing is provided on consultation, as it depends on the scar and the treatment plan. Each session is booked and paid on its own. See the <a href="/treatments/paramedical/scar-camouflage/">scar camouflage</a> and <a href="/treatments/skin/microneedling/">microneedling</a> pages for detail.

Begin with a complimentary consultation.

A relaxed conversation about your concerns and what would suit you best — no commitment.

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