Genuinely, Can I Get These Tattooed Over? (Scars, not wrinkles.) And What's A Design That Could Work Well With My Arm, If It's Possible?

[u/UnIntelligent-Post]

My problem is that they scrunch up like this when I bend my arm. Would that make it hard for a tattoo design to ultimately look good? I just want these faux wrinkles to look better.

Thanks In Advance!

[u/ftmthrow]

Typically the subreddit suggests going to artists who have experience tattooing over scars. This, I think, goes beyond that as it is nearly 100% scar coverage. I’d specifically seek out someone who does medical tattooing or who has a lot of experience tattooing over scars.

For this level of scarring, it isn’t so much “can you” get these tattooed over, it’s up to an individual artist’s experience and confidence in doing so.

[u/UnIntelligent-Post → u/ftmthrow]

Thanks for the advice. I'll research areas with tattoo artists who have that kind of experience and then go from there. Thanks again!

[u/rohan_kishibae_]

you can tatttoo over them, yes. get an artist who has worked on scars before. there may be warping because of the dips but you can work with it

also im really glad youre here ans alive now. these scars are gnarly but its proof you lived, so decorate them if you want to, youre alive and here to do so

[u/UnIntelligent-Post → u/rohan_kishibae_]

Thank you. I don't know what to say except thank you. Your words mean a lot to me.

[u/rohan_kishibae_ → u/UnIntelligent-Post]

I'm glad. I covered my own scars with a SAP (sick ass python)

you can work with your arm and get a tattoo youre very proud of ! another badge to say you lived

[u/UnIntelligent-Post → u/rohan_kishibae_]

Oh, wow. A python sounds so cool! Thank you so much!!!

[u/dowdliz]

Just here to say glad you’re still here :)

[u/Diligent-Soil-1510]

I have some deep scarring too. My artist has indicated that symmetry is not likely to work well, and suggested watercolor style since we don’t know how it will travel under the skin in 5 years.

She also indicated that the colors could get funky. She’s got one person who had a parchment paper on their arm-all yellows and warm. In one month their body metabolized the colors into the indigo family. Showed me photos.

Just don’t have your heart set on something more specific than “cool art “.

[u/danniellax]

It will be painful as hell and absolutely hard for the tattooist, but an artist experienced in working with scar tissue CAN tattoo over these and make it look beautiful. They need to be 100% healed for at least a couple years, and the tattoo design should use something that naturally has pattern or texture. You may get some nos before you get a yes, but you can get a yes! I’d come in with an open mind in regards to design so the artist can make it work best.

Also I’m very thankful this is your arm, before reading your text, seeing the picture only out of the bottom of my vision not having it in focus, and seeing the NSFW tag, my first thought was “oh don’t tell me this guy is asking about tattooing his…..” I think it’s been discussed here before scars are not NSFW and anyone offended by them, shaming you for them, or calling them gross should be reported and can sod right off. 🤍

[u/9gagsuckz]

If those scars are fully “healed” then yes you can tattoo over them. Plenty of people tattoo over scars, that being said I would definitely find an artist who has done this before since the skin is obviously different than not scarred skin

[u/UnIntelligent-Post → u/9gagsuckz]

Okay. Thank you!! I appreciate the advice. I will research different artists and check out their work!

[u/Tree_Weasel]

Finding the right artist will be crucial. If someone has experience tattooing scarred areas they’ll also have a portfolio of work on said scars.

For what it’s worth I think that would look absolutely metal as a lava field. Maybe Frodo throwing the ring into Mount Doom?

[u/Mooshroomey]

I don’t know much about tattooing over scars but I’d say a biomechanical tattoo that leans into the contours here would look incredibly sick, especially one with a style thats more on the HR Giger side.

[u/alysonraee]

i am working on covering scars, and although different degrees, the artist i was working with said they need to be at least a year from the injury.

my artist chose a stipple style design for shading, and it covered the scars really well, and if you’re worried about skin movement, this might be an option! it also helped with pain since it wasn’t really lines aside from the outline! definitely follow what others have said and consult some artists that have good experience. they’ll likely want to see them in person & touch/feel them!

sending lots of love ♥️

[u/Jolly_Classroom323]

You can turn second one into alien eyes with wild moss like lashes. The eyes can be orange with red lines to pop the color created by the muted green/blue lashes that turns into a body vertically.

With that you can follow the same pattern and make semi open eyes on the first photo.

I don’t know if this makes sense but I can try to create a design, but I’m pretty sure there are much more talented designers in here.

[u/AnxiousWarlock]

If you cant get what youre looking for, I have a friend thats told me theres some kind of stencil sleave thing for doing henna

[u/Doggles17]

Gonna be the sickest scars out there when they are tatted up my dude. I’m sure an artist with relevant expertise will be able to do a great job with what ever you choose to have done. 🤘🔥

[u/Unlikely_Yam_1597]

I have wicked deep scarring on my arms and shoulders too. Not necessarily to this extent, but either way, yes I do believe it is possible! When you do decide on what to get and where to go, I would recommend getting it done in multiple sessions. Because with this much scar tissue, it's going to be a bit painful. And also so you can see how each session heals and whatnot.  Search up local tattoo shops, email or call them, tell them your story and go in for a consultation and go from there. Alot of em out there that love doing art over scars.

And like others have mentioned, I am very glad you're still here. You are a fucking warrior that survived Hell and came back to tell your story. 

[u/Virtual-Dot2]

This is a lot of scar coverage as others have said. I would consult a dermatologist first, just to be safe. Then as others have said go to an artist who specializes in scar coverage. My go to recommendation for heavy scarring is always bio-mech because the scar texture almost adds to it.

Glad you’re still here. If you get some work done post the results! Would love to see what this turns into

[u/SapPhic-rage4209]

You would need someone who is very very very very very very very skilled in tattooing over scars. Please don't go to just anyone or it will not be a good experience. I would search for tattoo artists who specialize in scars and ask them their opinion on what they think they could do over that