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How to Tattoo Over Scars

After an accident or surgery, an unsightly scar may remain. Once it has fully healed, in many cases, a scar can be effectively concealed by a tattoo. The tattooing process is the same as for any other area of the body, although the colored inks may need several sessions to become fully established and outlines may appear more blurred than they would on undamaged skin. Some people who have had such a tattoo report a great feeling of empowerment and release, a sense that they have triumphed over an ugly scar and come to terms with the accident or surgery that caused it.

Things You'll Need

  • Reputable and competent tattoo artist
  • Make-up or body paint
  • Long mirror
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Instructions

  1. Consulting

    • 1

      Choose a tattoo artist with care. It is best to act on a recommendation from someone you know and trust. Ask to see photographs of an artist's previous work or to see references from satisfied clients. One indication that a tattoo studio is reputable is that the facilities are regulated by your state. When you have chosen a tattoo artist, telephone to arrange a consultation.

    • 2

      Visit the tattoo studio to check that it is of a good standard. Make sure it has an autoclave and ultrasonic cleaner for sterilizing and maintaining hygienic equipment and a labeled sharps container for the disposal of used needles. The tattoo artist should use plastic shields around all tattooing equipment and should wear gloves. The studio should be tidy and clean.

    • 3

      Check with your physician if the scar you wish to cover is pink in color or is sore or painful in any way. If so, this scar may still be healing and it is unwise to tattoo it at this stage. You should wait at least 12 months after a scar has occurred before attempting to cover it with a tattoo. Also check with your physician whether a keloid, or raised area of scarring, is suitable for tattooing.

    Design

    • 4

      Choose a suitable design, in discussion with your tattoo artist, to cover the scar. Remember, the tattoo cannot erase the scar, nor can it alter the contour or texture of the skin in the scarred area. A design with flowing lines that follows the shape of the scar is likely to produce the most satisfying result. Aim to incorporate the scar into the design rather than to simply blot it out.

    • 5

      Take time out at home to consider the design. Remember, it will be permanent, so you should not rush into a decision. Use make-up or body paint to trace the approximate design onto the scarred area of your body.

    • 6

      View your tracing in a long mirror that allows you to see the design up close and from a distance, as well as from different angles. Only proceed to booking an appointment to have the tattoo done when you are completely sure it is what you want.

    Procedure

    • 7

      Stay as still as possible during the tattooing process. You may find that listening to music will help to take your mind off any discomfort.

    • 8

      Keep the tattoo covered with a protective pad for a day or so. Some amount of bleeding is common with any tattoo, and it is important to keep a new tattoo covered to prevent infection. Follow the guidance your tattoo artist provides about keeping your tattoo infection-free.

    • 9

      Return to the studio if areas of colored ink appear uneven after the protective pad is removed. Several sessions may be needed to establish satisfactory areas of color when tattooing over scarred skin.

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