Presentation by Val Ross to the North West group of APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) on skin camouflage and her work in providing medico--legal reports assessing the lifetime cost of camouflage treatment for claimants in injury cases left with scarring or burn marks

1. 
An Introduction to
Skin Camouflage
by
Val Ross
Skin Camouflage Consultant
www.valross.com
val@valross.com

2. My Experience
 Over 13 years experience in clinical practice
 Over 7 years experience providing over 500 Medico-
Legal Reports
 Member of B.A.S.C.
 IHBC Dip in Make-Up
 Committee Member of S.C.N.
 Trainer/Assessor in skin camouflage for British Red Cross
Skin Camouflage Service.
 Trained in dermographic art (micropigmentation)
 APIL 1st tier listed
 Bond Solon certified

3. Camouflage…..?

4. What is Skin Camouflage?
 Skilled application of specialised products by a trained
professional.
 Effective way of concealing scar discolouration/skin graft
tissue/burns/ pigment problems/skin conditions and areas of
discolouration.
 Restoring appearance/symmetry to as close a likeness as possible
as prior to accident or incident.
 A non-invasive topical application
 May be used during or between treatment
 The mind helping the body, the body helping the mind

5. Products
 Creams (hypoallergenic and fragrance free ).
Can be made to be water resistant
 Powders
 Sun protection factor between 15-25
 Moisturisers
 Removers/toners
 Fixing sprays, matting products/anti-shine products
 Cosmetic Tattooing
 Dermafillers

6. Benefits to clients
 Camouflage can be used to cover any skin imperfection from
minor to major:
 Can be used on all parts of the body,
 Takes focus away from the area.
 Does not limit their choice of clothing
 Water resistant can partake in water sports etc.
 Gives the Client control/choice
 Can Enhance Lifestyle/confidence and self esteem
 Studies on impact of scarring have been made.

7. Impact on Quality of Life
Investigators at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York in 2012,
concluded that:-
“Patients with visible skin conditions have increased rates of depression, anxiety
and decreased self esteem”
Levy LL and Emer JJ (2012) Emotional Benefit of Cosmetic camouflage in the
Treatment of Facial Skin Conditions:Personal Experience an Review” in Clinical,
Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2012:5 173-182)
A study of patients with dermatological conditions to the face, including scarring,
showed that:-
“When assessed at one month attendance at a cosmetic camouflage clinic
appeared to improve QoL (Quality of Life) scales.”
The improvement in QoL included a 73% reduction in the negative impact of the
facial condition on interpersonal relationships.
Holme SA, Beattie PE, Fleming CJ Cosmetic Camouflage Advice Improves Quality
of Life in Br J Dermatol 2002;147(5):946-949

8. When and why to seek a
Report
 To increase the financial element of claims involving:-
 Post accident scar
 Post surgical scars (whether a clinical negligence claim
or PI leading to surgery)
 Cosmetic clinic treatment going wrong
 Burns/chemical peels/surgical scars/pigmentation
 Dental negligence
 Skin Grafting sites
 Burns/hot water/oil/
 Pigmentation scarring

9. Port Wine Stain

11. Burns

13. Post Operative Scarring
J

14. j

15. Burn

17. Post Operative

21. Benefits
 Appearance is instantly improved
 Focus no longer on the defect or discolouration
 Gives control to client – client now has choice
 Does not interfere with medical treatment in progress
 Easy to apply
 Improves confidence and self esteem.
 Most products are waterproof – allows freedom for
swimming and sports.
 Can enhance quality of life.

22. VAL ROSS
Medical Cosmetician
val@valross.com
www.valross.com.