During the consultation, a shade to match your nipple-areola complex will be selected.  Nevertheless, even the most skillful practitioner cannot achieve a perfect color match except in bilateral reconstruction.  Then, since color may lighten over time, the initial color selected may need to be deeper in color than the final desired color.

Vitiligo, Scar and Burn Camouflage
Until recently, patients with vitiligo scars or burns have had to rely on a daily application of camoflage make-up to disguise depigmented areas of skin.  Micropigmentation procedure has been proven to be a safe, effective and more permanent camouflage alternative.  By using flesh colored pigments, your micropigmentation specialist can camouflage vitiligo patches, burns or depigmented scars.  At the primary consultation, a color chart is often used to select a pigment shade close to your skin tone. In general, a color close to but slightly deeper than the natural skin tone is the best choice, as color may lighten over time.

The area for pigmenting will be measured, outlined and marked.  You should check the final placement in a mirror.  In general, a local or topical anesthetic is applied to the site to ensure comfort.  Occasionally, a sedative is also recommended to promote relaxation.

Using a motorized tool with a sterile needle or cluster of needles, the pigment will be injected into your skin. The micropigmentation specialist can use slow, methodical motions to cover the specified area. The special needles will reciprocate rapidly in and out of the skin. With anesthesia, you may feel little more than a slight vibration. Without anesthesia, you may feel little more than a slight "plucking" sensation. As this procedure progresses, a small amount of blood may come to the surface. The blood together with any excess pigment will be removed.

After the Procedure
After the procedure, you may experience swelling or tenderness at the pigmented place. You may apply cool compresses to the site and take a pain reliever.  The pigmented place should be kept moist for a period of five to seven days.  You can be advised to apply a greasy ointment or dressing to the place.  For the best results, the pigmented area should be left undisturbed (which means avoiding unnecessary washing and scrubbing). You’ll be given aftercare instructions which may include avoiding the sun and wearing sunscreen on the pigmented site.  With the eye procedure, you should avoid placing cosmetics on the pigmented site and you may be asked to forgo wearing contact lenses for a few days.  Most patients regenerate all normal activities within 24 hours. Visit your micropigmentation specialist for specific after-care instructions.