If you're considering camouflage tattoos, there's one really important thing to know first: timing matters. You should wait a while after getting a scar before getting it tattooed. I'm a professional scar camouflage tattoo artist in Dallas. I work closely with plastic surgeons (Amor Propio Aesthetic Surgery, Southlake) and I frequently tattoo scars after cosmetic surgery, as well as work on scars from trauma and other events.
I know, waiting is the worst. But trust me, it makes a huge difference in how the results of your ink turns out.
Here's what you should know about timing with camouflage tattoos and why you got to be patient.
Let That Scar Heal Up Nice and Good
I know once you've got a plan to cover up a scar, you just want to go for it ASAP. But hang on. It's best to wait 6 months -18 months after getting a scar before having it tattooed.
It might not seem like that big a deal, but waiting gives your skin time to fully heal. Rushing into camouflage tattoos could cause issues down the road otherwise. Here's why you got to let scars chill for a year:
It lets any potential problems show up first - Sometimes scars do funky things as they heal, like getting bigger or thicker. Better to know if that'll happen before getting inked.
The scar finishes maturing - Scars go through changes as they mature. Once done, they make better camouflage candidates.
You get better, longer-lasting results - Fully healed scars are less likely to change after tattooing. This gives the best cover up.
Fewer touch ups needed - Immature scars may still evolve after getting inked. Waiting means fewer future tweaks to your tat.
What's Up With Scar Maturation Anyway?
Okay, but what is "scar maturation" and why does it matter? Good question.
Basically, scars change a lot while healing and reach maximum stability after finishing the maturation process. There are three main phases they go through:
Phase 1: Inflammation Time
Right after an injury, inflammation starts as the healing process kicks off. Scars are usually pink or red during this phase and can feel kind of tight or painful.
Phase 2: Here Comes New Scar Tissue
Next, over several weeks, the injured area starts filling in with new tissue. More collagen gets made, forming the new scar.
Phase 3: Time to Calm Down
Finally, during the maturation phase, scars chill out. This phase can take up to a year. The scar flattens, gets paler, and finishes stabilizing.
Since scars are still changing a lot during that maturation phase, it's best to hold off on tattooing over them until it's done. Make sense? Cool.
Tips for Planning Your Camo Ink
Once your scar's nice and mature, here are some tips for getting the best camouflage tattoo results:
Talk to your doc first to confirm the scar's good to go.
Find an artist experienced specifically with camouflage tattoos.
Work with the artist on a design that incorporates the scar instead of hides it.
Follow aftercare instructions to avoid messing up the healing.
Be patient while the ink and scar fully blend together over time.
Consider laser scar revision to reduce the scar before tattooing for extra camouflage power.
Wrap Up
Getting camo ink was honestly life changing for you.
I know it's hard being patient when you've got a scar you want to cover up stat. But trust me, giving it time to fully heal makes worlds of difference.
Talk to your doctor to find out when your scar should be ready, find an amazing artist, and get ready to rock your new ink!
FAQs
Should I avoid certain tattoo colors over my scar?
Some colors may not turn out well over scars, like yellows and greens. Talk to your artist about colors that tend to work best for camouflage like darker shades of blue, purple, black, grey, and brown. They'll help pick shades that should hold up well as the scar evolves.
Will a camouflage tattoo over my keloid scar help flatten it?
Unfortunately no, tattooing won't help flatten or reduce keloid scarring. However it can still disguise and incorporate keloids into an appealing design. But keloids may be more likely to cause complications so discuss risks thoroughly with your dermatologist.
I have a hypertrophic scar - should I get laser treatment first before camouflage tattooing?
Yes, laser therapy beforehand can help flatten and soften hypertrophic scars, making them better candidates for tattooing. This can lead to better camouflage results.
Will tattooing a scar make it look bigger?
It shouldn't if proper techniques are used. A skilled camouflage artist will incorporate the edges of a scar into the tattoo design so they seamlessly blend together. This helps maintain the original size and contours.
How often will I need touch-ups for camouflage tattoos over scars?
It varies, but generally more often than tattoos on normal skin. As scars continue to mature and fade, periodic touch-ups help maintain the desired appearance of camouflage tattoos.
If your scar is more than 6 months old, or if you are planning for a cosmetic surgery and want to get more information on scar camouflage to seamlessly cover your scar click here to book a free consultation with Jazz at Halo Skin and Scar in Dallas.
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