To Tattoo or Not To Tattoo?

[JoanieBlon]

About 8 years ago, I needed to have some emergency abdominal surgery that resulted in a scar that runs about 4" straight down from my belly button. It's not raised or red, but it's a scar. I hate the way it looks. Every year when I get my 2 piece bathing suits out, I start thinking about getting a tattoo to help hide it. I've been hemming and hawing about this for 5 or so years now. I've thought about getting a small, undulating vine with tendrils to help cover it up.

I've had 3 tattoos, and so I'm familiar with the pain involved in getting them. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, so the ones I've had done previously didn't bother me. I do have some concern about getting a mainly "outline" (deep) design done in such a tender lower abdomen area though.

Have any of you had tattoos done in this area? Also have any of you had tattoos done to cover up scars? I've read that it works pretty well if the scar is well healed and not too raised.

[UGAplaya]

Turn the scar into a flashing neon arrow pointing down.. LOL. Kidding. I think a tattoo would be a cool idea. Now the hard part is figuring out what kind. I've been trying to figure one out for myself for 2 years now.

[horizon200]

Not. Just my opinion.

[pamplemoose77]

i have some tattoo on tiny scars.. i would first talk with a good tattoo artist and make sure they think the ink will take like you want it to. a good artist wouldn't start a project that would turn out crappy. scar tissue heals differently than normal skin, so it's definitely a consideration

as far as the pain on the abdomen, i've found that different spots hurt differing amounts for different people. it's commonly said the abs hurt.. partly cuz it's hard to get a good pull on the skin.. but if you've got scar there, then you may have lessened sensitivity. i know my scars don't pricks/pain at the same level that normal skin does

if it's something you're really considering, a good artist can be invaluable in helping you walk thru the decision making process. you won't be the first person that's asked to cover up a scar.. and they can also help you pinpoint what you're looking for and help you decide if you'd like that better than the scar.

hope that made sense!

[Heather]

If it will work over your scar tissue, I say go for it. We're old enough that we know we can make good decisions about the tattoo we want permanently on our bodies, right? You already obviously like tattoos and if this will make you feel better about your scar/body, why not?

I think good tattoos are awesome, and I plan to get a bunch more.

[Rissask]

I found this.

Tattoos: Tattoo over Scarring?

Go for it, if you want!

[LiveTo Travel]

I have one over a scar on my shoulder- it took fine. As far as the pain, only you will know what your tolerance is. I just had one done on my inner wrist/forearm- everyone told me that it would be the most painful place to have done. I found that it wasn't nearly as painful as my spine.

[pamplemoose77]

Originally Posted by LiveTo Travel

I just had one done on my inner wrist/forearm- everyone told me that it would be the most painful place to have done. I found that it wasn't nearly as painful as my spine.

that's funny... i never found my spine to be a problem. my wrist hurt like heck on top of the little bones on the side.. but my spine didn't bother me. my worst spot has been over kidney/liver areas.. lower/outer part of back. that's the only spot that's really made me wince! well, and my wrist, but it was over so quickly it didn't matter too much

[TheCouvTraveler]

Reading through this thread I have come to the realization that I really am a total whimp. I can hardly stand the pain of getting my eyebrows waxed. Tatoo? Only if I were heavily sedated first.

[James A.]

Tattoos on women are hot.

Go for it...if your artist says its a good idea.

[taotoon]

Originally Posted by pamplemoose77

that's funny... i never found my spine to be a problem. my wrist hurt like heck on top of the little bones on the side.. but my spine didn't bother me. my worst spot has been over kidney/liver areas.. lower/outer part of back. that's the only spot that's really made me wince! well, and my wrist, but it was over so quickly it didn't matter too much

I am with you. The one on the back of my neck did not really hurt, in fact I looked at the guy and told him that stubbed toes hurt worse then that! My piercings on the other hand...I would not do those again if I had too...

As for covering scars, I plan on getting my abdominal scars tattoo'd as soon as they have healed and I find someone with the knowledge to do it. Luckily my scars are small but they are in a rainbow over my belly so no bikini for me until those are done.

[Sukidog]

Because you are already familiar with the process and it would not be your first one......I say go for it!!!

[Daddy B]

Not Too Tatto, I'd say.

In other words, tattoo ma non troppo.

[Mamacita]

Funny...my best friend and I were just talking about tatoos last night and both of us were saying that we've wanted one for years but are too chicken. She goes "How on earth do you decide what would you get? I mean, it's like picking a ringtone!" She goes "It's out there and makes a statement about you instantly! " Good to know she takes her ringtones seriously I guess!

Joanie I think you should do it if it would make you feel better about yourself. I had stomach surgery years ago, so even if I had a fantastic bod, bikinis are out for me because of the scar. If I thought a tat would cover it (and flatten my stomach) then I'd do it too!!!

[Anna Tortuga]

Make sure you go to a good tattoo artist, as I have heard that scarred skin doesn't take colour in too well...