Basma HameedInventor of "Tattoo Therapy", Certified Micropigment Implant Specialist
Country: Canada
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Content:
- A Traumatic Childhood and the Birth of an Idea
- The Birth of "Tattoo Healing"
- Certified Micropigmentation Specialist
- The Process of Scar Camouflage
- Challenges and Successes
- Warnings and Advice
A Traumatic Childhood and the Birth of an Idea
As a young girl of two, Basma Hameed suffered third-degree burns that covered nearly half of her face in a horrific kitchen accident. The scars left her with facial discoloration and a single eyebrow. Despite numerous hair transplants, skin grafts, and laser treatments, the damage remained.
The Birth of "Tattoo Healing"
After being told by doctors that there was nothing more they could do, Basma began experimenting with tattooing pigments. She diluted the ink and applied it to small areas on her face. After observing the results and seeing that the pigment "took," she embarked on her journey of "tattoo healing."
Certified Micropigmentation Specialist
Basma went on to become a certified micropigmentation specialist. Her clinics offer scar camouflage, vitiligo treatments, and nipple reconstruction for breast cancer survivors. The micropigmentation technique resembles tattooing, but it uses a patented mineral blend that penetrates only the middle layer of the skin (dermis) rather than the fat layer (hypodermis), which regular tattoos reach.
The Process of Scar Camouflage
When skin is damaged, scar tissue forms. This tissue can vary in appearance and thickness. As it heals, the area often turns white due to the loss of melanin, which gives skin its color. Basma's procedure repigments the skin to match its natural tone, typically requiring a minimum of six sessions.
Challenges and Successes
Despite the high cost of treatments, Basma remains committed to helping others. She provides 15 free procedures each year to individuals with facial disfigurements due to bullying, domestic violence, or birthmarks. One notable patient, Annette White, has seen a significant improvement in her self-esteem after nine sessions to camouflage a large port-wine stain birthmark.
Warnings and Advice
Basma cautions against seeking micropigmentation services from tattoo parlors. She highlights the potential for inexperienced artists to use aggressive techniques that can lead to additional scarring and discoloration. She also recommends skin allergy testing before undergoing any procedures.