The tattoos at the start of this post are covering up some scarring on the clients arms. please note there are photos of self harm scars at the end of this post. If you have scars that you would like to cover or disguise with a tattoo, this should hopefully give you an insight into where to start and how realistic the idea is.
First of all, your scars will need to be at least 12+ months old, even more preferably 2 years + old. Massaging with oil or cream can help the scar tissue and keep it supple, and keeping it out of the sun can also help hugely. In the weeks before your appointment, regular moisturising and making sure you have a good water intake can help make your skin the best it can be for tattooing. Most types of scars and burns can be covered, including raised hypertrophic scars, but not keloid scarring. This is because keloid scarring is a type of scar that forms above the normal tissue and continues to grow and change over time. Tattooing can irritate keloid scarring into growing again so it is not possible to tattoo on keloids. If you are unsure what type of scarring you have, I have attached a few links to look at, but please, if you are unsure or need more medical information, remember I am just a lowly tattooist and you can definitely consult your GP before any procedure.
https://scarsandspots.com/can-you-tattoo-hypertrophic-scars/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319211.php
http://www.pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidance/scars
Tattooing scar tissue tends to be slightly explorative, in that I cannot tell you 100% if the scars will take the ink first time. Some scar tissue sucks it up more that expected, some acts no different from non scarred skin, and some will need a follow up touch up. Touch ups are offered by me for free on my own work, and is a much quicker and easier process than the initial tattoo so if it needs a touch up, its always a good idea to get it scheduled in in the months following the tattoo being healed.
If you have any questions about tattooing over scar tissue, send over a message to tltnorwich@gmail.com or use the contact form on my contact page!
scarring, before
scarring, before