A tattoo over a scar is a design done on skin changed by a scar, or planned to cover it or work it into the composition. For many people it is a way to change how an area looks when it is a reminder of an injury, surgery or a difficult time.
Can every scar be tattooed?
No. Scars differ in origin, depth and how they healed. Scar tissue takes ink differently from healthy skin. A fresh, red, painful or itchy scar is not suitable for tattooing. In people prone to keloids, tattooing can trigger a new keloid.
Where to start
First, the scar should be assessed by a dermatologist or the doctor treating you. Only after their approval does the artist discuss a design. They may suggest a motif that works the scar into the drawing, or place the main element next to it. A photo sent to the studio does not replace a medical assessment.
We explain what to prepare for the consultation in Tattoo over a scar: consultation. Other situations that call for caution are covered in the contraindications entry.