Before you choose tattoos to cover up scars, here we have all the queries that you might want to get answered.
The upper layer of your skin, called the dermis, sometimes gets damaged due to various reasons like burns, sores, injuries, or surgery. These scars always have a memory attached to them; for some, it is a happy memory, and for some, it is traumatic memory they never want to look back to. That is why some might own their scars with pride, and some want to get tattoos to cover up scars.
Many people use this method as it effectively reduces the visibility of scars and boosts your confidence. When you decide on getting tattoos to cover up scars, many aspects must be considered, like how safe the process is, how well it will conceal your scar and the aftercare process. It is not only a huge decision for you but is also a challenging process for the tattoo artist.
Here at The Health Fortune, we want you to make the right decision. We have shared all the necessary information you need to consider before using tattoos to cover up scars.
How much does it hurt?
The main question asked about covering a scar is that does it hurt. The answer is really simple, pain depends upon your pain tolerance and the kind of scar you have. If your scar is deep and has damaged or compressed your nerve like amputation scars, it can be really painful. Also, the location of the spot can produce mild to mind-numbing pain.
If you already have tattoos, then you might not find it painful, but if it is your first time, then it can be difficult for you to bear the pain. Scars that are small and superficial with flat skin and negligible skin damage might not pain much.
How difficult is it for tattoos to cover up scars?
Understanding the scar is the first step for every tattoo artist. It would be best to consider some factors before deciding on the tattoos to cover up scars. The tattoo artist will need to examine the scar and the skin. The difficulty level varies with the skin and scar type. Here we have shared a few scar types you must know about.
Hypertrophic scars
The skin gets thicker, red, and slightly elevated because of a scar due to burning or superficial injury. These scars are fully healed and should not get irritated while getting the tattoo. Hypertrophic scars should only be tattooed when they are fully healed.
Keloid scars
Keloid scars enlarge with time and take 3 to 5 years to recover fully. These scars are left behind from a severe injury and can be tattooed only when they fully heal. These scars can get irritated even after years of getting fully healed, and as the skin is thick and red, it is advised to incorporate the scar in the tattoo and not tattoo on the scar itself.
Atrophic scars
This scar is very easy to cover as they are located below the skin and is soft. These scars are left behind due to surgeries, acne, or burns. The tattoo artist can use different colors and patterns as these scars are painless to tattoo once they are fully healed.
Amputation / Skin removal scars
Amputation scars are left when a part of the body is removed. Tattoos on skin removal scars are slightly different from where amputation scars could be painless; skin removal scars are very painful to tattoo. The skin texture is smooth and more accessible for the artist to use his creativity, but there could be serious nerve damage and sensitive skin, which will need some special attention.
Tattoos to cover up tummy tucks
A tummy tuck is a skin surgery that removes excess skin or fat from your abdomen. The doctors often remove the skin that does not respond to any diet or exercise through surgery abdominoplasty. Performing this surgery tightens your abdomen muscles and can leave a huge scar around your tummy. This scar tends to fade over time and will need time to recover, depending upon the incision and depth of the cut.
It is vital to allow the skin to fully heal from the surgery as the texture of the skin is thick and very sensitive. Before you decide to get tattoos to cover up your tummy tuck scars, it is essential to consult your doctor or a dermatologist as the scar tissue is not capable of holding the ink as healthy skin can and might also get infected.
You can camouflage the scar or can incorporate it with some patterns. Look for multiple design patterns on the internet, and it is a must to find an experienced and talented tattoo artist.
It is very important to choose the right artist with much experience as we have many factors to consider before getting tattooed.
Tattoos and side effects
The Health Fortune warns you to be careful while getting inked. Do keep tattoo side effects risks in mind.
Tattoos could cause more scars
If the scar is not fully recovered, there is a high chance that your tattoo will create a new scar for you. Healing of the scar can take time depending upon the depth and size, and it is important to wait for the scar to heal to prevent worsening of the scar. It is very important to wait for the right time; in case of a keloid scar waiting for the right time could be 3 to 5 years.
Finding the right artist
Check out the portfolios of different artists and look for an artist whose style and aesthetics match your choice. Also, find the artist experienced in tattoos that cover up scars as it is vital to study the origin of the scar and texture of the skin.
The color of the tattoo could bleed
Hard and damaged skin texture might not be able to hold the ink as perfectly as healthy skin. It is a possibility that the ink might migrate or get smudgy. This emphasizes the role of an experienced tattoo artist.
It might not look as expected
Covering up a scar is a very tough task and requires a lot of creativity on the artist’s part to fit the customer’s expectations. Before you begin the process, make a point to note how the design will look after completing the process. Also, consider how much you want to expose the design and how the skin’s texture will affect the design. Do make a note of these points before setting high expectations.
Getting a tattoo on healthy skin requires you to be cautious of many minute details, and tattoos to cover up scars will need your additional attention. Giving an aesthetic look to your scars can uplift your mindset and fill your mind with positivity. But before you make any decision, do take multiple consultations with expert doctors and artists to find the right time and the right design.
