It’s important to wait until the scar is fully healed before tattooing over it. In most cases this is around 12 months after the last incision was made in that area although the exact timing can vary depending on how well the skin healed. Needling a scar before it is healed below the surface can cause irreparable damage. During your consultation, your scar will be evaluated to determine if it’s ready.

Inkless tattooing uses fine needles to stimulate the skin’s natural collagen and elastin production, improving the appearance, texture, and tone of scars and stretch marks. No pigment or serums are added — the results come from your body’s own natural healing process.

Yes and No. Microneedling is a fantastic way to gently stimulate collagen production to address fine lines, enlarged pores and mild acne scars. Inkless tattooing also stimulates collagen production using a more targeted technique that results in faster results for deeper scars and stretch marks.

Scar camouflage tattooing uses skin-tone pigments to blend scars that have lost pigment with surrounding skin. It can improve the appearance of surgical scars or injury scars, making them less noticeable. Our skin tone can change over time and with sun exposure there will always be some varying shades that may change the visual of the camouflage.

Scar camouflage can be a great option but highly depending on your skin and expectations.

Most clients need 3 sessions, depending on the size and age of the scar or stretch marks, skin tone, and healing response. During your consultation, we’ll create a personalized plan based on your skin’s needs and goals.

The longevity of medical tattoos, including areola tattoos, scar camouflage, inkless tattoing results, depends on several factors such as skin type, sun exposure, healing and aftercare. Most tattoos maintain their appearance for 5 years and may fade naturally but if done well will still look great up to 10 years. Valley Medical Tattoo uses permanent pigment unlike many PMU artist applications that are designed to fade over a couple of years. Regular sun protection and following aftercare instructions help maximize the life of your tattoo.

Most clients report minimal discomfort. We use gentle techniques and numbing wash to ensure comfort. Many describe the sensation as annoying but tolerable.

Initial healing takes 10–14 days, with full results visible after 3 treatments. Treatments are best spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Redness or dryness is normal at first, and proper aftercare ensures your results develop evenly.

Areola tattooing, also called 3D nipple tattooing or areola restoration, is sometimes covered by insurance after mastectomy or breast reconstruction. However, coverage and reimbursement can be difficult to secure and vary by provider.

It’s best to choose your artist based on experience and results, not coverage. Many skilled medical tattoo artists offer compassionate or gifted sessions to make this restorative treatment accessible to all survivors.

Areola tattooing, also known as 3D nipple tattooing or nipple-areola restoration, is a highly specialized form of medical tattooing. It’s important to understand that there are currently no regulations or required certifications for this procedure, so the experience and training of artists can vary greatly.

Most medical professionals and PMU artists who perform nipple tattoos have no prior tattoo or art experience. Working on reconstructed or scarred tissue requires a completely different technique than tattooing healthy skin. After a mastectomy, the skin’s texture, blood flow, and sensitivity are permanently changed, which makes the process much more complex than tattooing healthy tissue. A qualified specialist with a strong tattoo and art background understands these challenges and uses advanced techniques to create natural results safely. After everything survivors have overcome, they deserve expertise, artistry, and results that help restore confidence and a sense of wholeness.

You may be a good candidate if you’ve experienced:

• Mastectomy or breast reconstruction

• Top surgery (gender-affirming)

• Stretch marks from pregnancy, weight changes, or growth

• Surgical or injury scars that have fully healed (at least 12 months old)

A consultation will confirm readiness and develop a personalized plan.