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Inkless scar revision

MCA scar revision.

Multitrepannic Collagen Actuation uses controlled needling without pigment to encourage the skin’s natural healing response in suitable mature scars and stretch marks.

What MCA is

Controlled needling, without ink.

A specialist tattoo machine and sterile, single-use needle cartridge are used without pigment to create controlled micro-injuries within suitable scar tissue. This encourages a natural healing response and is sometimes called dry tattooing or dry needling within medical tattooing.

It is different from the trigger-point dry needling used by physiotherapists for muscles and pain.

MCA does not implant colour or camouflage a scar. It may be considered when texture, tightness, flexibility or the overall appearance of suitable scar tissue is the main concern.

What it may help with

Mature scars and stretch marks.

Surgical scars

Suitable mature scars following operations or reconstruction.

Injury and burns

Fully healed and stable scars following injury or burns, assessed individually.

Acne and self-harm scars

Some mature acne or self-harm scars may be considered with sensitive, consent-led consultation.

Stretch marks

Pale or silvery mature stretch marks, including on the stomach, hips, thighs or breasts.

Suitability

Stable skin is essential.

Scars and stretch marks must be fully healed, mature and stable before MCA can be considered. Treatment is unsuitable over broken, infected, inflamed or actively changing skin. Keloid scars and new red or purple stretch marks are also unsuitable.

Please tell us about medicines, health conditions, difficulties with healing, ongoing hospital care, planned surgery or previous problems with scarring. Medical clearance may be requested where appropriate. Never stop prescribed medicine for treatment unless the clinician responsible for your care has told you to do so.

We assess the treatment area, medical and healing history, realistic potential benefit and likely number of sessions during a free consultation. A small test area may be completed at no additional cost where appropriate.

Realistic expectations

Improvement cannot be guaranteed.

MCA cannot remove a scar or return the skin to how it looked before the scar formed. Responses vary according to the type, age, depth and location of the scar, your health and how your skin heals.

Some people may notice an improvement in texture, flexibility or overall appearance, while others may experience a smaller change. A course of treatments may be recommended, with enough healing time allowed between sessions before progress is assessed.

After treatment

Allow the skin time to respond.

Temporary redness, warmth, tenderness, tightness, pinpoint bleeding, dryness or light flaking may occur after MCA. The area can look more noticeable before it begins to settle.

You will receive written aftercare explaining how to keep the area clean and when to avoid makeup, active skincare, heat, swimming, strenuous exercise, friction and direct sun. Do not pick, rub or apply unapproved products while the skin heals.

Contact us if you are unsure about healing. Seek prompt medical advice if symptoms are worsening rather than settling, particularly increasing redness, swelling, heat, pain, discharge, fever or feeling generally unwell.

Next step

Ask about suitability.