MANY PEOPLE INQUIRE ABOUT TATTOOS AND THEIR SCARS
Scars are a symbol of how amazing the body is and its regenerative abilities. Unfortunately, they can also be unsightly. Tattooing over scars is usually possible, but not always. There may be some factors that determine if your scar is workable regarding a tattoo. What are these factors, you may ask.
AGE OF THE SCAR
If your scar isn’t very old, it’s probably not ready to be tattooed over. The age of a scar can tell if it’s going to change in color, size, density and so on. Very young scars are still in a process of change, and it can take some time before they are settled and ready to be tattooed. A person should wait at least a year before attempting to tattoo over it, but it’s recommended to wait even longer.
SIZE OF THE SCAR
Obviously, the size of a scar can be an important factor to consider. Very small tattoos are usually really easy to conceal and workable, possibly to the point of complete invisibility. However, very large scars, such as those due to massive burns, are very likely not able to be worked on to a level that could cover it up or conceal it.
LOCATION OF THE SCAR
The location of your scar can also affect how well it can take a tattoo. Skin is normally different on different parts of the body, some can be a bit more difficult to tattoo even without a scar. Now, factor in a scar in a typically tricky area. It just makes it that more unlikely to work out the way you would like it to. It’s not impossible, just tricky.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
With the aforementioned factors covered, there are some other things you’ll want to consider regarding tattooing over scars.
NOT ALL SCARS ARE THE SAME
Even regarding the factors mentioned, not all scars are the same. People heal differently than others. Your healing ability might be faster or slower than the average person. It may take you a little longer for your scar to be ready to get tattooed, or it may take less time. When in doubt, a consultation with an experienced artist can be helpful to determine if you are ready.
SCARS CAN TATTOO DIFFERENTLY
The skin that has been regenerated to form a scar is sometimes harder to tattoo than typical skin. Because it doesn’t behave the same way as your normal dermis, sometimes a tattoo simply won’t take on a scar, meaning the ink won’t stay. This isn’t always the case, but it is something to keep in mind in regards to your expectations. Also, the scar tissue is generally harder, and denser than normal skin.
MEET WITH SOMEONE WITH EXPERIENCE
When you are looking for an artist to tattoo over your scar, it’s a good idea to find out if your artist of choice has had any experience tattooing over scars. Someone that’s done it before knows what to look for and how to proceed. They’ll know if it’s a doable project or not, and can help you with ideas on how to go about getting the best possible outcome. Don’t be shy to ask to see pictures of completed works by your artist for pieces that had scars.
BE OPEN TO IDEAS
When you are considering a tattoo for your scar, if you meet with an artist beforehand, come with an open mind. The idea you may initially have may not be viable and your artist may have some better solutions. For example, if your tattoo can’t be covered, your artist may suggest incorporating your scar in a clever way with the tattoo. Having multiple options to choose from is a great way to insure your experience is a good one. Remember, your artist wants your tattoo to come out as well as you do.
YOUR SCAR IS PART OF YOUR HISTORY
Sometimes having some of your scar incorporated into your tattoo can preserve your history. A tattoo that is symbolically linked to your scar to highlight how you got it may be an interesting way to go about your project. Understandably, some people have scars to events they’d like to forget. If that’s the case, just let your artist know that that’s the situation and they’ll do their best to help you achieve your goal in completely covering up your scar the best to their ability.
IN SUMMARY
In most cases, a scar can be either tattooed over or incorporated into a tattoo design. Lucky Bamboo Tattoo has artists that are experienced with scar work, and they’d be more than happy to meet with you to discuss a solution for you.
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?
If you’re ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in Utah and the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you’d like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.
Come see why we have been voted “The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah” for several years in a row.
Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.