TATTOOING OVER SCARS AND STRETCH MARKS

DO YOU HAVE A SCAR OR A STRETCH MARK YOU WANT TO HIDE?

A lot is possible with the right tattoo artists. If you're considering a tattoo to cover a scar, feel free to send us a message. requestwith pictures of the area you want to cover, as well as inspiration images of designs you like. We can help you find a solution that works for you.

It’s important to note that a tattoo won’t remove scars, but it can make them less visible and draw attention away from them. It’s like painting on a canvas with imperfections – the texture will still be there, but the result can be aesthetically pleasing.

What is a scar?

Scars occur when the skin is damaged, and the healing process leaves a permanent mark. At first, the scar may look like stretch marks with a red-blue color, but over time it often fades to a grayish-white shade.

The skin has three layers:

1. The epidermis – the outermost layer.
2. The dermis – the middle layer, where elastic fibers are found.
3. The subcutaneous layer (subcutis) – the deepest layer, which contains fat and connective tissue.

When an injury goes deeper than the epidermis, a scar forms. The new skin that grows over the wound lacks some of the original qualities of the dermis, making the area less elastic and giving it a different texture and color compared to the rest of the skin.

Factors that affect scarring

• The depth and size of the injury: The larger and deeper the injury, the longer it takes for the skin to heal, which increases the risk of visible scars.
• Healing time: Slow healing can lead to more prominent scars.
• Common causes of scars:
  • Burns and frostbite
  • Infections
  • Acne and skin conditions
  • Self-harm (cutting)
  • Surgical procedures
  • Accidents

Young people often have more visible scars than older individuals, as younger skin produces more elastin and collagen, which can result in firmer but more pronounced scars.

Understanding what a scar is and how it affects the skin can help you assess the possibility of covering it with a tattoo and set realistic expectations for the outcome.

Different types of scars

1. Atrophic scars
   • Characteristics: Depressions below the skin surface.
   • Occurs when: The skin is unable to produce enough connective tissue.
   • Common causes: Severe acne, chickenpox.
2. Keloid scars
   • Characteristics: Thick, raised scar tissue that extends beyond the skin.
   • Characteristics: Often larger than the original wound. Can be painful or itchy.
   • Common on the face, neck, ears, chest, or shoulders.
3. Hypertrophic scars
   • Characteristics: Thick, red scars that remain within the area of the original wound.
   • Pigmentation: It can be darker (hyperpigmented) or lighter (hypopigmented).
4. Contractures
   • Characteristics: Scars that occur after the loss of a large area of skin, such as from burns.
   • Effect: The skin and underlying tissue tighten, which can reduce mobility in the affected area.

Each type of scar has unique characteristics that can affect the appearance and healing process of a tattoo. Understanding the type of scar you have can help both you and the tattoo artist find the best solution for covering or adapting the tattoo to your skin.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks occur when the elastic fibers in the subcutaneous layer are overstretched, and they are often a result of rapid changes in the body's size. Although they gradually become less visible over time, they are difficult to remove completely.

When do stretch marks occur?

• Puberty: Rapid growth in height and body shape can lead to stretch marks in both boys and girls.
• Pregnancy This is one of the most common causes, and up to 90% of pregnant women develop stretch marks.
• Weight gain or weight loss Rapid changes in body weight can lead to stretch marks.

Who is most at risk?

• Gender Women are more at risk than men, especially during hormonal changes such as pregnancy and puberty.
• Skintype: People with darker skin may be more prone to stretch marks, and they can appear more visible.
• Genetics: A family history of stretch marks increases the likelihood of developing them.
• History: Previous stretch marks on areas like the chest or thighs increase the risk of developing new ones.

Stretch marks and tattoos

A challenge with stretch marks is that they may have difficulty holding tattoo ink, especially if the marks are deep or located on areas with stretched skin. This is particularly common among men, for example, on the inside of the biceps, where growth-related stretch marks can occur.

Treatment and concealment

Although stretch marks don't disappear completely, tattoos can be used to cover them. However, it's important to work with an experienced tattoo artist who knows how to handle scar tissue and challenging areas of skin to achieve the best possible result. VOLVAT CLINIC

Self-harm

Self-harm involves a person causing harm to themselves without the intent to die. This can include methods such as cutting, scratching, burning, hitting, overdosing, and other actions. The severity of the injuries can range from minor surface marks to potentially life-threatening harm. Self-harm is often a way of coping with difficult emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, or inner turmoil.

Prevalence and statistics

• Teens About 18% of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 report self-harm, with international figures ranging from 13% to 23%.
• Adults Around 4% of adults report having harmed themselves.
• Age of onset Self-harm often begins between the ages of 12 and 15 and can be a temporary phase or develop into a long-term issue.
• Gender differences Self-harm is most common among teenage girls, but boys and men are also affected. The methods used can vary between genders.

Scars from self-harm and tattoos

Scars from self-harm are often easier to cover with a tattoo compared to deeper scars, like those from mastectomy, C-sections, or keloids. This is because self-harm scars usually have a flatter texture and smoother surface, making it easier to achieve a smooth and aesthetic result.

Considerations before getting a tattoo

If you're considering covering self-harm scars with a tattoo, it's important to:

1. Consult an experienced tattoo artist: Especially one who has experience tattooing on scar tissue.
2. Wait until the scars have healed: For the skin to be stable enough for a tattoo, the scars should be fully healed.
3. Carefully consider the design: Choose a design that not only covers the scars but also holds positive personal meaning.

The Norwegian Directorate of Health

WHY TATTOO OVER SCARS

Tattooing over them can be motivated by various reasons. For many with scars, some of these may serve as reminders of difficult times or be perceived as unsightly.

Tattoos can be a positive solution for concealing or reducing the visibility of scars. Although the scars do not disappear, they become less noticeable as attention is drawn more to the tattoo itself.

Can you tattoo skin color over scars or stretch marks?

Many wonder if it's possible to tattoo skin color over scars or stretch marks to make them less visible. However, we do not recommend this method. The reason is that the ink may change color over time, and the skin's natural changes can affect the result. This could lead to the effect being limited or even not visible.

Instead, it’s recommended to consult a dermatologist who can provide professional advice and offer treatments that are better suited to safely and effectively reduce the visibility of scars or stretch marks.

How long should you wait before tattooing over a scar?

The older the scar is, the better it is suited for tattooing. It usually takes 6 months to 1 year before a scar is fully healed. The waiting time depends on the size of the scar, the type of injury, and how quickly your skin heals.

It's important to let the scar heal completely before considering a tattoo to achieve the best result. While the tattoo won't make the scar disappear, it can help conceal it by integrating it into a design and drawing attention away from the area. Tattooing over scars often uses less ink than on undamaged skin, and the ink also tends to settle more unevenly in scar tissue.

Therefore, it is possible that ink in the tattoo covering your scar may bleed out, causing lines to appear blurry or unclear.

Send us your inquiry with pictures of your scars, and we can find a solution together.