Self harm scars
Whatever brought you here, it belongs in this room.
Learn more about the technique
We work privately and gently to soften self-harm scars, at a pace that’s entirely yours.
Self-harm scars often heal paler than the surrounding skin, and sometimes with raised or uneven texture. For most people, the best results come from combining two techniques. We begin with restorative needling, which works within the scar tissue to soften texture and encourage the skin to remodel. Once the skin has fully settled, we follow with pigment camouflage to return colour, so the pigment sits within a smoother, more even surface.
Scar tissue accepts pigment differently depending on how dense it is, so colour is built gradually in layers. We assess how your skin responds at each session and refine the tone as we go, taking every care to match your natural undertone.
Appointments are one-on-one in a private studio, and you can pause or stop at any time.
- Flat, pale scars on the arms, legs and body
- Raised or textured scars
- Older, settled scarring
- Scars you’d like softened before or instead of a cover-up
Before & after
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(01)
Raised, textured self-harm scars on the forearm, softened and blended back towards the surrounding skin.
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(02)
Pale self-harm scars beside an existing tattoo, softened and blended back towards the surrounding skin.
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(03)
White self-harm scars on the inner wrist and forearm, softened and blended back towards the surrounding skin.
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(04)
Pale self-harm scars on the forearm, softened and blended back towards the surrounding skin.
To be mindful of our community, we don’t share healing photos of self-harm scar work here, as freshly treated skin can resemble new scarring. We’re happy to show you more of the process at your consultation.
Sessions, pricing & downtime
Every plan is confirmed at your complimentary consultation, once we’ve assessed your skin. As a general guide:
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4-6
Sessions
Restorative needling is spaced 6 to 10 weeks apart, and pigment 4 to 6 weeks apart.
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$220-$600
Per area
Depending on the number and size of the scars.
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2-3 wks
Healing
A histamine response for around 48 hours, light scabbing around days 6 to 10, and redness that can last up to three weeks.
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6-10 wks
Final result
For the skin to fully settle and show the final result.
FAQ
Common questions
What does a general treatment pathway look like?
A typical pathway is 3 to 4 sessions of restorative needling (inkless scar revision) to soften texture, spaced 6 to 10 weeks apart, followed by 1 to 2 sessions of pigment camouflage to blend colour, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
That said, no self-harm scar behaves the same, and every person is truly unique. Your treatment protocol is built around your skin and your scars, and we’ll map it out with you at your consultation.
How old do the scars need to be?
Scars need to be fully healed and settled, which is often around 12 months. We’ll assess this gently at your consultation.
What if I’m not doing okay right now?
Please reach out for support first. In Australia you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, any time. We’ll be here when you’re ready.
Does it hurt, and how long are sessions?
Most clients describe it as around a 3 out of 10. We don’t use numbing cream, because it’s vital that we can see how your skin responds as we work. In most cases we’re treating with restorative needling (inkless scar revision), and numbing products can impede the healing response we’re working to create. We go at your pace, with breaks whenever you need them.
For two to four scars, a session usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour. Larger areas of the body take longer, and we’ll give you a time estimate at your consultation.
How do I get started?
Every treatment begins with a complimentary consultation, in the studio or by video. We’ll assess your skin and give you a realistic plan, with no obligation. Book your consultation.
