Tattoos

[hestina22]

Hey, does anyone have tattoos over their scars? Is it possible?
Do the artists get freaked out? I want to get tattoos over all of my scars when I'm older...

Also, does anyone know of any good ways to help scars heal and fade?

Any advice is appreciated x

[Spoons]

I don't have any tattoos over my scars yet but I know it can be done. I've heard of people on the site getting it done and have also seen stories on Facebook and Pinterest of people doing so. I can't speak for every individual artist but I think a lot of them will be understanding. I think that a lot of artists hear a lot of stories from people, whether they have self harmed or not, that have motived them to get their tattoo. So they've probably seen it before, or heard of it at least.

As far as fading goes I've always heard cocoa butter works but I've never had much result. The passage of time is one thing I guess.

Hey, Lavern!

I don't have any tattoos but I do know there are lots of people who get tattoos over their scars. Like Dez, I can't speak for every individual artist but I haven't heard about any negative comments from a tattoo artist regarding self-harm scars. I assume they have seen other clients getting tattoos for the same reason and would have developed an understanding of self-harm.

It's good you'll wait to get tattoos when you are older. Since tattoos aren't easily reversible it is best to give yourself time to think about it to decide whether you truly want this tattoo(s). It may not be best to get tattoos solely to cover scars, because you may like the tattoo even less than the scars.

Scar creams and aloe can help. I've heard that lotion with vitamin E or Shea butter can help in addition to cocoa butter. And of course, the passage of time as Dez said!

Take care.

[lennarthedlund]

Originally Posted by Lavern

Hey, does anyone have tattoos over their scars? Is it possible?
Do the artists get freaked out? I want to get tattoos over all of my scars when I'm older...

Also, does anyone know of any good ways to help scars heal and fade?

Any advice is appreciated x

yas! most people put tattoos to hide scars..

[evergreen]

Mederma can help (as can aloe, shea and cocoa butter, and lotion in general) with helping scars fade, but it can be a bit expensive to buy considering you need to apply it over a certain amount of time for it to be effective. But definitely just time is most effective, as Dez said. Most creams and such only help the hyperpigmentation of the scar fade a tiny bit faster.

The only thing I've heard of tattoo artists not wanting to tattoo over scars is because of the type of scar, the severity of the scar., and the amount of scars in the area you want your tattoo. Mostly just because scars that are wide or that have a lot of scar tissue are more difficult to tattoo on due to the way the ink absorbs into the tissue.

I would try inquiring with multiple tattoo artists on what they feel would be the best way to approach it. Possibly trying to find artists that have experience in tattooing over scars.

I'd also just like to say, keep in mind where your scars are and where the tattoo would be. If the tattoo would be on your forearm and cover a considerable area, it could possibly affect future job opportunities. It's complete crap, but some jobs will hold it against you if you have tattoos in areas that would be visible in work attire. I find scars themselves are easier to conceal for a job that a tattoo would. Just a thought, though.