Tattooing on Scars

At Speakeasy Tattoo in Los Angeles California I am learning as much as I can about tattooing. It is important to know how to tattoo all types of skin and all textures of skin. This week brought me to tattooing on scar tissue. 

Before tattooing a scar you must be sure that the scar is fully healed. The scar must not be red or irritated. If the scar is red, itchy, or sensitive, it is not ready to tattoo and will cause further damage to the area. 

Tattooing scar tissue is not like tattooing regular skin. “This requires a lot more attention to detail than working on unscarred skin. It is always best to work with the flow of the scar rather than against it. It is worth noting that the scar tissue can be very varied and unpredictable. Sometimes it holds so much ink it spreads and other times it needs a follow-up session to get the ink smooth and saturated. Due to this it may take more than one session to completely cover the scar,” (Uni1ty).

It should also be taken into account the type of design to get tattooed over a scar.  “One thing to bear in mind is that heavy linework tattoos very often do not work well as cover-ups as the lines appear to be crooked and emphasise any bumps in the skin” (Uni1ty). Something more organic without strict straight lines would appear better on an uneven or bumpy surface. 

After getting a scar tattooed, the aftercare of this specific skin texture is crucial compared to getting any other part of your skin tattooed as the scarred skin might take longer to heal. “Scar tissue can be more sensitive and prone to irritation, making aftercare even more critical. Following your tattoo artist’s expert tattoo guidance will help mitigate these risks. This usually involves keeping the area clean, moisturised, and protected from direct sunlight. Additionally, it’s vital to avoid picking at scabs or scratching the tattooed area, as this can affect both the tattoo and the scar tissue underneath. The healing process might be longer for tattooing over scars compared to regular skin, requiring extra patience and diligent care. Being mindful of these healing considerations ensures a smoother process and a more successful body art transformation, turning your scars into beautiful, personalised artworks,” (No Regrets Tattoo).

Scars to me are part of your life’s history and are nothing to be ashamed of. To me a scar represents that you are alive and have the strength it takes to live this life. Tattoos are a great way to turn trauma into beauty. “While the thought of tattooing over scars may seem daunting, it’s an exciting journey that allows individuals to reclaim their bodies and embrace transformation” (No Regrets Tattoo). Embracing transformation is one of the best ways to interpret tattoos as well as any life transformations. Embrace your history, embrace your life’s strength and that way you’ll see the beauty in all aspects of your life’s journey.