What to Know About Tattooing Over Scars

Although some people wear scars with pride, others may look at scarred skin as a sort of blemish. If you’re someone who wants to cover their scars, getting a tattoo is a way to draw eyes away from the area. However, the process isn’t as cut and dry as deciding you want one. According to experts, tattooing over a scar requires a lot more forethought.

To learn more from our experts and to pocket tips on what to consider if you're ready to cover up that tattoo or scar, read on.

Meet the Expert

Anka Lavriv, the cofounder of New York-based tattoo shop Black Iris Tattoo, specializes in fine-line black work and has years of experience tattooing on scarred skin.

Shaughnessy Otsuji is a cosmetic tattoo artist and founder of Studio Sashiko.

Practice Patience

Along with preparation, Lavriv says there are a few more things to consider when deciding whether or not to tattoo over a scar.

“Prepare yourself to go to a couple of consultations and be realistic about the end result,” says tattoo artist Anka Lavriv. “Make sure to give your body enough time to heal and be patient; rushing into getting tattooed before your skin is ready can result in irreversible disappointment with your new tattoo.”

Find an Experienced Artist You Love

Because all scars are different and all artists have unique styles, it’s important to find a tattoo artist who both fits your aesthetic and has a fair amount of experience tattooing over scars. Because these tattoos require more effort, time, and precision, going with an experienced artist means that your tattoo will look good during both the tattooing and healing processes. Check out their portfolios and, if they don’t specifically state that they can tattoo over scars, it’s best to contact them directly for confirmation.

“Ask for a consultation and be honest with your artist, but also make sure the artist is being realistic with you. Discuss your expectations; a lot of people hope the scar will disappear completely, but sometimes it’s just not possible.”

Understand That Not All Designs Work

When choosing a design, you must decide whether you want the tattoo to cover the scar or highlight it. You should also take into consideration the size and severity of the scar as this will affect the color, depth, and/or texture you’ll have to incorporate.

It’s possible to get any design you want, but know that a tattoo will never change the texture or completely erase the scar.

“In my opinion, things that have an organic flow and movement—like floral or botanical designs—work great, and severe linework and geometric shapes usually do not because of the difference in the skin quality and texture,” says Lavriv. “That said, it all depends on what you are trying to achieve with your tattoo, and it’s a matter of personal preference.”

Get Ready For a Different Kind of Pain

Let’s be real: Getting a tattoo is painful no matter what. However, unless there’s been nerve damage to the area and the tissue has lost all feeling, scars can become more sensitive than normal skin. Pain around the area will also be different depending on how recent the scar is. You can expect an intense sensation with fresh scars—so much so that some artists will refuse to tattoo them.

Lavriv says you should also consider what the tattooing process will do to the scar, and that follow-ups are absolutely necessary when tattooing scarred skin.

“Scar tissue gets extremely aggravated and raised during the tattooing process, and sometimes it can look shocking, but it’s totally normal and usually the skin calms down after a couple of hours. I always ask my scar cover-up clients to come in for a short touch up session to see how everything settled.”

Set Your Expectations

While tattooing over a scar won’t present any health issues, there are a number of aesthetic risks that you’re taking. If you plan to leave some of your scar exposed, consider that it could get a bit feathered around the edges and smaller lines may appear less defined. Some spaces may not even take the ink at all. If this is the case, don’t panic—an experienced artist can combat these issues with repeated sessions.

“Again, I can’t stress having an experienced tattooer do the cover up enough. Because of the different skin texture in scars, there is a way higher chance of blowouts, blurring, [and] spotty healing."

Prep Your Body And Mind

It’s never a good idea to get tattooed when your skin is irritated, sunburnt, or your immune system is low. There’s also the possibility that a newer scar could reopen, causing the tattoo session to end and requiring medical attention. It’s best to give the scar adequate time to heal to avoid this from happening.

"Clients who are currently undergoing chemotherapy should not get tattooed until it is safe to do so and cleared by their medical professional," says Otsuji. "Those who are currently pregnant or nursing should not receive a tattoo. If you have any skin conditions, autoimmune diseases or pre-existing illnesses, it is always recommended to discuss your options with a doctor first before consulting with a tattoo artist."

Nobody’s body is flawless, but your new tattoo can help you reclaim your self- confidence. With proper preparation and a skilled artist, you can turn your scar into a piece of ink that you’re proud to show off.

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