Most people wear their scars with confidence as they tell their life story.

But, for those who view their scars as blemishes on their body and can barely look at the sight, it’s possible to use a well-done tattoo to cover the area.

It can even be a cheaper option than plastic surgery.

However, the results that you expect will depend on the design of the tattoo you have chosen, the type of scar and expertise of the tattoo artist.

Before you embark on this journey, know the facts first to ensure the procedure is safe during inking the tattoo and the complete aftercare process.

1. Understanding the type of scars

While there are different types of scars, the most common scars that can be tattooed over include scars from surgical procedures, burns, accidents, acne, birthmarks, stretch marks, freckles and spider veins.

Although the ease of covering any of these scars and skill level varies from one tattoo artist to another; it’s challenging to cover keloid scars or any raised tissue as they tend to heal on the skin surface instead of under it.

Keloid scars enlarge progressively, are firm, shapely elevated and have an irregular shape; therefore will not take well to tattoo pigment. Even if the keloid scar looks stable, a tattoo can irritate and cause it to resume growth.

On the other hand, a hypertrophic scar which is raised, thick and darker in color than the normal surrounding skin will not regrow and when completely healed can be tattooed.

That’s why it’s crucial you find a tattoo artist with extensive experience of covering up different scars so that they can determine whether your scar can be tattooed over.

2. Have realistic expectations

A well-done tattoo looks good and is often a source of pride for the owner. However, using a tattoo to cover up a scar makes it impossible to predict how the scar tissue will react to the ink.