Can You Get A Tattoo Over A Scar?

Some people wear their scars as proudly as they would a tattoo. Others would prefer to cover the scar or make it into the artwork by getting tattooed. That said, getting tattooed is a unique process for everyone, and if you have a scar, it changes the experience even further. Can you get a tattoo over a scar? The answer is yes, though it may not always be the best decision. Today, we are going to cover what you need to know about getting scars covered with ink, as well as what to expect.

The Basics of Scar Tissue

Scarring is a normal part of the healing process. When the skin or other tissues of the body are damaged, new collagen fibers are constructed to cover the damaged area. This results in thicker tissue that is of a slightly different composition from the rest of your skin.

Being that scar tissue is much denser, scarred sections of skin tend to hold ink differently from unscarred flesh. Getting more defined shapes and colors can be difficult, especially if the scarring is thick. Sometimes, the scar becomes irritated by the tattoo ink and develops what is called a keloid, or a scar that has spread beyond the boundaries of the original scarred tissue.

Can You Tattoo Over Scars?

Yes, you can tattoo over scars. However, as you learned earlier, it is not always the best idea. How well your scar will hold ink will come into question. Tattooing over scars can sometimes make scar tissue more noticeable and cause infections. Blown-out lines are also a possibility. Furthermore, a face scar tattoo, for example, will not change the texture of the mark on your face, only hide it from view. The same is true for stretch marks.

Therefore, instead of thinking that you need ink to cover up the blemish, it may be better to choose a tattoo that draws attention away from it.

When To Tattoo Over a Scar?

Although you might be ready to get a tattoo that shows off your scars or hides them, it is best to wait until that tissue has completely healed. How do you know a scar has healed? When the outside border is no longer pink or red. That can take up to 18 months. However, if you are unsure about the condition of your scar for any reason, it is recommended that you visit a dermatologist first. They will be able to determine whether your scar is fully healed and ready to take on some ink.

Does Tattooing Over Scars Hurt More?

People have varying levels of pain tolerance, and so some individuals may feel a pinch while others are in immense discomfort. That said, even those with a high pain threshold are going to feel more when getting their scar covered with ink. Scar pain is a common occurrence due to compression and nerve damage in the skin. Some types of scars—burns, keloid, hypertrophic, and atrophic scars—are more painful than others.

Also, if your scar runs deep, it will cause more pain than one that does not cross so many layers of skin. Shallower or lighter scarring is easier and less painful to tattoo because the skin is mostly flat.

Things to Consider When Getting a Tattoo to Cover a Scar

Now that you are informed about tattooing over scar tissue, there are a few more things you need to consider before letting the tattoo artist get to work:

• Find a professional. One of the most important steps to getting a quality tattoo to cover your scar is the artist. It will help if you find a professional with experience covering scars. They will know how scar tissue behaves better than someone inexperienced.
• Let the tattoo artist assess the scar. Once you find a pro who knows how to tattoo over scars, let them take a look. They will give you an honest opinion about what they can and cannot do with your particular injury.
• Work with your artist to come up with a winning design. Sometimes the image you have in mind for your tattoo will not always work, especially if you have a raised scar or one in a painful location. Ask the tattoo artist how they would incorporate the skin texture and if they know any designs that would fit the shape of the scar.
  Figure out ways to dull the pain. Getting a scar covered with a tattoo is going to be painful. You must be prepared when sitting down in the chair. The fresher the scar, the worse the pain will be. Therefore, ask your tattoo artist if they sell numbing creams or what they recommend for numbing the sensation. Also, make sure you are well rested and have eaten a nutritionally balanced meal.
• Follow the aftercare tips. Since the risk of irritation and infection is higher when tattooing scarred skin, be sure to adhere to the aftercare routine.

Cover Your Scars at Oracle Tattoo Gallery

Yes, scars can sometimes be just another form of a tattoo. But when those scars are not the story you wish to tell, you may wish to cover them up. If you want to cover a scar with a tattoo, there is little stopping you. Keep in mind that the skin and scar have to have fully healed and that you talk with a professional tattoo artist about your options. The highly skilled artists at Oracle Tattoo Gallery can help you find a gorgeous design to either accentuate or cover your scars. Give us a call today at 215-638-1601 to schedule a consultation or fill out the online form.