How do Vitiligo Tattoos Differ from Regular Tattoos?
Vitiligo is a type of skin disease resulting in pigmentation loss, caused by the body attacking melanocytes as an overactive immune response. The affected areas result in white patches. Even though there is no cure for vitiligo, various treatment methods exist for this condition. One important factor in healing from this condition so it doesn’t spread any further, is by looking at nutrition, and healing the gut. However, the areas of lost pigmentation are unlikely to come back without help, even if the person overcomes the auto-immune disease. Vitiligo tattoo cover-up is a method of treatment to help disguise the loss of pigmentation. It is a specialised tattoo that helps restore colour to the specified area.
Most people confuse vitiligo tattoos with regular tattoos. However, there is a difference between the two. This write-up will explore the differences between the two.
- Goal and Approach
The main objective of a regular or decorative tattoo is that it is an artistic expression on the skin. The tattoo artist creates designs, including texts and symbols. Vitiligo tattoos, in contrast, are also called medical tattooing with the goal of restoration. The purpose is also to keep the colour of the pigment as close as possible to the surrounding skin. Unlike regular tattoos, the objective, in this case, is to create a natural and even appearance – the ink shouldn’t be visible!
Decorative tattoos focus on the use of bold colours and vibrant themes. Vitiligo tattoos, on the other hand, prioritise blending the tattoos seamlessly with the natural skin colour. While the former requires training as an artist, the latter requires meticulous attention to detail and precision; just like in medical processes, there is no scope for mistakes.
- Ink and Technique
This is another important topic of difference. Vitiligo tattoo cover-ups are done using permanent ink in most cases. These inks are custom blended to replicate the pigmentation of natural skin. The tattooing experts select and customise the inks. It is ensured that the ink matches the individual’s skin tone. A small test area is performed first and left to heal at least 60 days to see if any adjustments are required in the tone and saturation. Then, with any necessary adjustments, the full area is tattooed, with a full pass done usually 2-3 times to build the ink up gradually. This helps give a natural tone to the tattooed area.
Regular tattoos, on the other hand, are rendered using bold, saturatedink. These inks are available in different colours because regular tattoos aim to create bold designs that are easily visible.
The tattooing technique is similar, but employing more of a soft shading method of working. The ink must be inserted in to the 2nd layer of the skin to be permanent (anything only tattooed in the first layer of the skin – the epidermis – will shed off completely in around 8 weeks. In the case of vitiligo tattoos, the ink is layered carefully so that it blends flawlessly with the skin’s natural tone. Thus, precision in tattooing is less important in this form of tattooing with colour being much more important. With regular tattoos, the artist needs to be skilled in creating defined strokes to incorporate lines, shades, and colours.
Another noteworthy aspect when discussing technique is how the vitiligo tattoo cover-up process differs from MCA (Micro-Needling Collagen Activation) inkless tattooing. In the case of MCA, the tattooing technique is used for collagen stimulation and production. This technique is used for treating scars. In vitiligo tattoos, however, ink is necessary, and the precise placement of the ink is crucial for the success of the treatment. MCA inkless tattooing will not work for vitiligo.
- Customisation and Expertise
When you compare standard tattoos and vitiligo tattoo cover-ups, both require qualified and trained technicians. However, in the case of the former, technical or medical knowledge is important because they work on depigmented areas of the skin. In this case, patients need to first consult with the expert so that the individual’s skin tone can be analysed under different lighting conditions. This brings in a level of customisation in vitiligo tattoos compared to standard tattoos.
- Healing and Maintenance
The healing process of vitiligo tattoos is the same as standard tattoos. Care needs to be taken to ensure the pigmentation heals naturally and blends flawlessly. Minimal scabbing is required for vitiligo tattoo cover-ups so that the final result remains unaffected. Some flaky skin during the healing process is normal, but scabbing should be avoided as much as possible. This is because if scabs come off early, it can pull the ink out with it, and cause scarring. Aftercare balm is always given to each client to help with ink retention and faster healing.
In the case of vitiligo tattoos, patients may require touch-ups over time. The ink may start to fade due to environmental factors like sun exposure and skin renewal. It isn’t possible to predict how long the ink will last as so many factors are involved such as immune system, aftercare, lifestyle and more. Usually skin tone camouflage ink is diluted more for a natural effect, meaning it does fade faster compared to regular tattoos.
Misconceptions About Vitiligo Tattoo Cover-Ups
Vitiligo patches can’t be camouflaged by any other methods of treatment. Other methods such as laser, microneedling etc will not bring back the colour. The only way to bring back the colour is my inserting a skin tone tattoo coloured ink in the skin. Vitiligo is an auto-immune disease, so in many cases it is very difficult to get the ink to stay in the skin. A person with vitiligo has a very efficient immune system and sometimes the ink simply just disappears after each session – a small test allows practitioners to see what happens before proceeding with full tattooing. Vitiligo can’t be treated until it has been stable for 7 years. If vitiligo is camouflaged before 7 years, there is a higher chance that the ink will not stay, and that the tattooing can cause more patches to appear. The tattooing is seen as an attack to the skin, resulting is further pigmentation loss.
Conclusion
Regular tattooing and vitiligo tattoos have originated from the same fundamental process involving pigment insertion into the skin. The differences lie in the goals, techniques, ink colours, outcomes, and maintenance. Vitiligo tattoo cover-ups are effective as they help restore pigmentation in the skin, giving a natural appearance to the affected areas.