Tattoos over scars
A scar or an older tattoo can be covered, but not always and not straight away. Send a photo and we will say plainly whether it makes sense.
Covering an older motif and working with a scar is part of what we do. Unlike an ordinary tattoo it cannot be judged from a description — we need to see a photo and to know how old the scar is.
Time matters more than anything else
A fresh scar is not tattooed. The skin has to heal fully and settle, which takes months, and for some scars over a year. Anyone promising the work sooner is gambling with your health. If you are unsure whether yours is ready, send a photo — it is free and commits you to nothing.
What works and what does not
- A flat, mature, pale scar covers well and the result is often indistinguishable from an ordinary tattoo.
- A raised or keloid scar behaves differently: it holds pigment unevenly and the design has to account for that.
- Stretch marks and surgical scars are case by case — what decides is the depth and state of the skin, not their origin.
- An older tattoo is covered with a darker, denser motif. The darker the original, the less freedom is left for the new one.
We will also say when it will not work
Sometimes it turns out a cover-up will not go well — because the scar is too uneven, or the original tattoo too dark. In that case we say so outright rather than starting and hoping. It is more honest and it costs you less.
How to start
Write to us through the form and attach a photo of the area — say in the description how old the scar or old tattoo is. We will come back with what is realistic. The consultation is free.