Even though having stretch marks is common, a lot of people are still not comfortable having them. Some use creams and undergo different procedures to get rid of the marks while others choose to get tattoos over them. But can tattoos effectively cover stretch marks?
Yes, one of the fastest ways to hide stretch marks is by tattooing. There are two types of tattoos used by artists to cover stretch marks — traditional and camouflage. The traditional involves the use of monochrome inks while the camouflage applies pigments similar to your skin color.
This guide will help you understand how tattooing over stretch marks works and if you are ready to have one.
Quick Navigation
- Can Stretch Marks Be Covered By A Tattoo?
- Things To Consider Before Getting Tattooed Over Stretch Marks
- Does Tattooing Over A Stretch Mark Hurt?
- Can Every Tattoo Artist Create Tattoos to Cover Stretch Marks?
- Will More Stretch Marks Appear After Getting a Tattoo?
- Final Thoughts
Can Stretch Marks Be Covered By A Tattoo?
A lot of tattoo artists are already using tattoos to cover stretch marks. There are two types of stretch mark tattooing: traditional and camouflage or the nano color infusion method.
Traditional Tattooing
Traditional tattoos, often American, Western, or Old School, are distinguished by their crisp, black borders, vibrant hues, and slight shading. It is one of the most daring and recognizable styles because of these critical components.
In a traditional tattoo, stretch marks are covered with whatever design or image you like the artist to draw on your skin surface. Thus, with this type of stretch mark tattoos, stretch marks can be covered up or made to look incredible with a lovely tattoo design, which is the whole point of getting a tattoo over stretch marks.
Camouflage Tattooing
On the other hand, the nano color infusion method works primarily by taking the client’s natural skin tone and mixing a pigment or ink that will match the skin tone.
Here are the typical steps on how they do the whole process:
- The treatment room is prepared and disinfected for hygienic reasons.
- The room should be warm and should have an ample amount of natural lighting. The therapist should have at least one light directly to the treated area. This will help them select the right shade of pigment.
- They will then prepare the pigments and pigment rings, cotton pads, cartridges, and the device.
- Make sure they explain the procedure to you before delving into the process.
- Then, they determine the skin color of the client.
- Next, the tattooist makes the ink that resembles the skin shade of the client. For some artists, it takes four different shades to create an ink that matches a client’s skin tone.
- After that, they head on to delicately tattoo the stretch marks.
- They must make sure to put the tattoo ink deep into the dermis, the second layer of the skin. By doing so, the client enjoys a long-lasting tattoo.
Basically, when you have a stretch mark, you have these cracks on your skin that appear to be lighter than your original skin color. The process is like patching up these cracks and matching the lighter lines of ink to your skin shade.
Things To Consider Before Getting Tattooed Over Stretch Marks
Not all stretch marks are ready to be concealed by a new tattoo. Here are the considerations you need to understand before putting a tattoo over stretch marks:
The state of the stretch marks
If you have fresh stretch marks or they have just developed or are raised stretch marks above the surface, there is little chance of having a tattoo. The tattoo artist would have difficulty inking over damaged skin. Plus, tattooing over stretch marks would be incredibly painful if you do not have your stretch marks fully healed first.
The stretch marks’ color
If you are red or purple, it might be challenging to cover them up with stretch mark tattoos. Some therapists recommend an FDA-approved serum for toning down the color.
Stretch marks of this color also suggest that they have only started to form, making tattooing them painful, as previously discussed. After the red or purple stretch marks are gone, they will require you to go back for the session.
The stretch marks’ length and width
Large stretch marks are more difficult to cover up with tattoos. The tattoo ink’s inability to completely conceal or cover up wide stretch marks is the cause of this. Additionally, if the stretch marks are more significant or have a particular shape, you will have to wait longer and choose your design carefully to ensure complete coverage.
Potential, upcoming physical changes
It could be best to postpone tattooing over stretch marks if you intend to build muscle or begin a pregnancy. The stretch marks you currently have, particularly in the stomach, thigh, and buttock regions, will change as your body changes.
Before getting the stretch marks tattooed, it is preferable to reduce weight. Your stretch marks may become smaller due to weight loss, making it simpler to treat and cover them with a tattoo.
Therefore, you should take the following actions before choosing to get a stretch mark tattoo:
- Determine whether the stretch marks on your body are new or fully healed
- Determine if the skin is sunken or raised by running your fingertips over the marks to reveal whether the skin is higher or lower than the skin surface
- Determine the stretch marks’ color
- Describe the stretch marks’ length and width
- Determine the reason behind their emergence (whether the cause is pregnancy, weight gain or loss, surgery, or other body changes)
- Determine whether you intend to have rapid weight gain or lose weight or muscle in the future
Does Tattooing Over A Stretch Mark Hurt?
The pain is subjective to the tolerance of the patient. However, most people who had already experienced this procedure said that they did not suffer from immense pain. You will feel a prickling sensation. And, if you are a person who already has tattoos, you know what to expect in this process.
Yet, there is a general rule for getting a tattoo over stretch marks. If you have unhealthy and damaged skin, tattooing stretch marks tend to be a more sensitive and painful process.
It’s best to wait till your skin is healed. Also, the newer the stretch marks, the more uncomfortable the process. On the other hand, if you have healthy skin and aged stretch marks, the procedure and the healing process will go just smoothly.
Moments after you get a tattoo, you will notice some redness and swelling around the same place. To make the healing faster, rub a little bit of ice on the surface. It will subside after a few days.
So, can you get a tattoo to cover your stretch marks?
If the stretch marks are entirely healed, and the skin’s color hasn’t changed, we advise persons with stretch marks on their stomach, thighs, and buttocks to get a stretch marks tattoo.
Can Every Tattoo Artist Create Tattoos to Cover Stretch Marks?
Only a certified tattoo artist can perform the treatment, and all hygiene conditions must meet the standards. Ensure that your therapist observes proper sanitary practices to avoid infections and other skin problems due to unhygienic reasons.
Observe if they are wearing the following:
- Face shield
- Medical-grade gloves and disposable sleeves
- Proper attire for the procedure
Therefore, be sure to consider all of these things when searching for a suitable tattoo artist:
- Whether a tattoo artist has success covering scars and stretch marks with ink
- Whether the tattoo artist can change the tattoo’s style and color to accommodate stretch marks
- Whether the tattoo artist is willing to keep an eye on the tattoo’s healing
- The tattooist’s willingness to make changes if the tattoo isn’t healing and going as anticipated
Will More Stretch Marks Appear After Getting a Tattoo?
This is not medical advice, but it’s always feasible that new stretch marks gradually develop in the same area where you had a tattoo done if it was on or near stretch marks. You better ask your tattoo artists what their plans are if this happens.
Final Thoughts
Tattoos are not only recommended for stretch marks but also for lighter scars. This procedure helps resolve an aesthetic issue and thus, has become increasingly popular and cost-effective over the years.
Many women consider tattooing over stretch marks and scars to gain more confidence, especially when wearing more skin-revealing clothes.
Stretch marks can be covered up and made to seem attractive with tattoos. Yet, making sure you communicate with your tattoo artist is one of the most crucial factors to take into account while getting a tattoo over stretch marks. Make sure the tattoo artist has some knowledge of dealing with tattoos over stretch marks.
The tattoo artist’s job and duty is to do the work in the finest manner possible, so it’s a good idea for them to have some experience in this field.
Keep going if your stretch marks seem to be in a good state; if not, some tattoo artists are renowned for being skilled at handling this challenge. Before you get a tattoo procedure, consult a physician to determine if you have health issues and allergic reactions.