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Original poster

Anyone had a tattoo to disguise scarring?

38 replies

MrsLettuce · 11/05/2013 08:54

I have a cluster of quite a lot of old, flat, white scars on my inner, upper arm and, frankly, I'm sick of the sight of them. The DC are also starting to ask questions. Does anyone have any experience of having something similar done?

I like good, well executed tattoo on other people but it's not something I've considered for myself before. But yeah, I'd really like to do something to disguise / detract from the scaring.

I've seen some photos of white tattoo which quite appeal but it seems to be a relatively new ink so maybe not so good in the long term?

Obviously if I did decide to go ahead I'd do loads of research, visit a host of artists and save up a small fortune before committing.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsLettuce · 11/05/2013 09:00

here and here.

Would presumably need to work together with an artist to come up with a decent design that'd work. Certainly don't want an off the peg job.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsLettuce · 11/05/2013 09:06

Oh, and the scaring is 15+ years old so it certainly won't be fading any further than it already has. TBH I'm very lucky that it's as 'good' as it is.

OP posts:
Ashoething · 11/05/2013 09:08

I was just pondering the same thing! I have a bad scar on my leg from varicose veins and exzema-its horrible and people always comment on it as looks like a huge bruise. I was thinking of getting a tattoo done over it so at least I could get my legs out in the summer.

noisytoys · 11/05/2013 09:11

I wanted a zip across my c section scar to look like I was zipped open to get the babies out but the tattooist said the ink would bleed Sad

ThedementedPenguin · 11/05/2013 09:17

I've seen loads of people getting tattoos over scars. I think it depends on how old. Best bet would be to talk to a few tattooists.

Original poster
MrsLettuce · 11/05/2013 09:22

I've seen photos From what I've read there's a risk of the ink bleeding within the scar but not out of it IYSWIM. I've not looked into it that much though. Also, it seems that old, white, flat scars are the easiest to tattoo but I'd definitely want someone with experience.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsLettuce · 11/05/2013 09:25

Thanks TDP. It's very old so won't be changing any more. Strangely the widest scars are the least visible.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsLettuce · 18/05/2013 20:33

bump

OP posts:
Yoghurty · 18/05/2013 20:42

Not a white ink tattoo, but yes, I have a tattoo that covers some scarring.

It's my ankle and I hated my scars- you can't tell anything was there now.

I love those white ink pics thou, it looks gorgeous.

Gingersnap88 · 18/05/2013 21:33

I found it more painful over the scarred area but otherwise pleased (its on my wrist)

BinksToEnlightenment · 18/05/2013 21:53

Have you tried camouflage makeup? I had a consultation for Dermacolor to have it matched and then got it on prescription.

My sympathies though. I have the same problem and find it very frustrating.

debdee · 19/05/2013 10:13

I've just had a tattoo over some stretch marks which looks fine and you can't tell they were there. It's quite a shaded piece so I suppose ink bleeding wouldn't have really been an issue as it would have looked part of it anyway

Original poster
MrsLettuce · 19/05/2013 11:54

Thanks all. Interesting to hear.

I've not tried camouflage makeup, no. I'll look into it. The positioning means the area rubs on my clothes a lot and I'm always lifting DC too, would probably end up very messy. TBH I'd really just like something permanent.

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SPsCliffingAllOverMN · 19/05/2013 11:58

My right leg from knee to ankle is scarred after been run over when I was 11.

I couldn't imagine getting a tattoo over them. I'm guessing its more painful then having one on a none scarred area. I have two tattoos so know this Grin

My son asked about my scars so told him it was a shark bite. He accepted it.

Original poster
MrsLettuce · 19/05/2013 12:03

Mine are from self harm though SP, I don't give a shit about the many 'genuine" scars I have but these, well they bother me. It's pretty obvious what they are and although I lie about about it to the DC it makes me all a wibble.

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Original poster
MrsLettuce · 19/05/2013 12:04

I spent years in long sleeves but I can't hack that anymore, I don't cope well with hot weather. DD's teacher was looking at them the other day. Not nice.

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BinksToEnlightenment · 19/05/2013 13:01

It's not a miracle fix, but if you have a small area you would like to cover and you're going out at night, it's good at blurring the lines.

I know, I hate the looks too. It's that horrid flicking their eyes from my face to my arm I can't stand. Like they think I can't see what they're doing! I'm a dedicated long sleever.

Have you seen the carp tattoo cover up? That blends really well. Let me see if I can find it...

BinksToEnlightenment · 19/05/2013 14:44

Nope I can't find it! (I haven't been looking this whole time)

Anyway, the pattern of the scales was really good at masking it.

MrsHavisham · 19/05/2013 17:44

I'm in exactly the same boat MrsLettuce. Sick of long sleeves in summer. A tattooist said she could't tattoo over the scars, but could tattoo around them to disguise them.

LEMisdisappointed · 19/05/2013 17:52

The red cross offer a service to help folk disguise scars I like tsttoos though

mothermirth · 19/05/2013 19:15

I have a tattoo on my appendix scar. I had the op as a child, then waited 25 years to camouflage it. I've never regretted having the tattoo (although I do regret waiting so long). The tattoo turned a part of my body I hated (a very deep-set scar) into something I feel quite fond of. Smile

Original poster
MrsLettuce · 20/05/2013 13:05

Thanks all! Good to know there are people who've had it done and are happy with the results.

MrsHavisham - maybe try some other tattooists? I know we need someone who is experienced in free hand work rather than a template-monger.

LEM / Binks - am not in the UK so no redcross but I think I'll check in with the doctor about that for a possible interim solution. Thanks.

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MrsSchadenfreude · 20/05/2013 14:16

The first white ink tattoo makes my skin crawl - it looks like a particularly unpleasant rash!

But YY to having a tattoo to cover scars - I have a friend who did exactly this after major abdominal surgery and it looks great.

lowercase · 20/05/2013 14:21

Salicylic acid peel and glycolic acid have improved my old scars.

There is a treatment ( new ) for scarring, there's a place near me called Dermaeraze....laser I think.
Looks good on the ads, but I can't afford it at the mo.

Be careful about tattooing, I think it can draw attention to the area...

OneLittleLady · 20/05/2013 14:24

I have several tattoos and when I asked about some to cover my self harm scars, I was told it wouldn't work. In my case I think it's because I have so many and it's basically scar tissue on top of scar tissue. If you're really set on doing it, go and make enquiries at decent tattoo places, show them what you want covered and see what they suggest. A decent artist will tell if they can do it or not and not try to fob you off with maybes.

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