- Best Results1-4 sessions
- Treatment Recovery3-7 days
- Procedure Time1-12 hours
- Skin SpecialistTattooist
- Duration of ResultsCan be permanent
- AnaestheticNA
- Back to Work0-3 days
- Cost$
Cutting Scars - Tattoo cover ups
Tattoos are awesome at covering up cutting – self harm scars. Your tattoo artist can design a work of art that can hide scars. Bold designs are better at hiding scars compared to fine designs. Other options include micro needling with cosmetic tattoo ink. Cosmetic tattooing is semi-permanent.
FactsFacts on Tattoo Cover ups for Self Harm Scars
- Cover up tattoos can effectively camouflage cutting scars
- Flat scars do best
- Raised scars should be flattened with lasers & anti-inflammatory injections
- View traditional tattoos as permanent
- Cosmetic tattoos are semi-permanent options
- Work with a passionate tattoo artist to decide what design is best for your scars
Why tattoos?
Tattoos are awesome at camouflaging cutting scars. They can be performed on the arms & legs. With thought & design, a good tattoo empowers you to feel better about yourself & close the self-harm chapter.
Cover ups designed properly can hide the majority of self-harm scars.
What types of cutting scars are amenable to tattoo cover ups?
Flat white or pink scars do best with tattoos. Do not try to get a tattoo if your scars are raised, as tattoos do not cover up contour changes. Flatten hypertrophic or keloid scars before camouflage tattoos.
Why flatten cutting scars before a tattoo?
Contour changes (raised scars) do not hide well in tattoos. Additionally, the needles & ink of tattoos can, in some people, cause raised areas. Hence it is best that you consider flattening scars before seeking a tattoo.
My clinical team at Cutis can guide you through this process. We use a combination of lasers, steroid injections & silicone tape to help flatten this type of scarring. Once flatten, we can work with your artist.
What factors should you consider when deciding on a tattoo?
Consider this very carefully. Do your research on what design inspires you. Do some research on your tattoo artist. Take a few weeks to decide. Though I do have lasers that can remove tattoo ink, you should view your tattoo as a permanent fixture on your skin.
Consider what is meaningful to you now & in the future. You should elect to see an artist noted for your style of tattoo, examples include traditional tats, script, portrait, Japanese style & others. Remember, they are artists & will gravitate towards what they enjoy creating.
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How many sessions are required to cover up cutting scars?
1- 4. It depends on the complexity of design, as well as the area of cutting scars. Most artists do an outline prior to shading or colouring. They each have their own way of tattooing, some do 1-2 hour sittings, others can go for 8-10 hours.
Who are some inspirational tattoo artists in Australia?
Fernando Hideki is a tattoo artist in Sydney. The ABC in Australia has featured him in 2021, below is a recent write up on his inspiration work.
Fernando Hideki moved to Australia two years ago from Brazil. He noticed a growing trend among his clientele: more young people were seeking out his help to cover scars caused by self-harm.
“I have met many people who are trying to move past self-harm and move forward in their life through covering their scars with tattoos,” Mr Hideki said. “Many have told me that the choice to cover their scars with tattoos was empowering and would increase their self-esteem.” In March 2021, he founded the Tattoo for Mental Health campaign to support those struggling with depression and self-harm. Full story in the link below.
What are other ways to hide cutting scars?
If you are not yet ready for a tattoo, there are other ways to hide scars. A simple solution is called a tattoo sleeve, brands include Tattoo Armour. If you Google lycra tattoo protection you can select what suits you best.
I personally wore these protectors for many years (to protect my tattoos). They are super comfortable and provide good cover up, all the way to the wrists.
Can lasers remove tattoo ink?
Yes, however you will require between 3 to 15 sessions over 4 to 48 months. Lasers are best used to lighten tattoos. In some cases, complete removal is possible, but it could take many years. Black & red ink are the easiest to remove. Green, yellow, orange is the hardest.
*For tattoo removal options, book a consultation with my clinical team @cliniccutis
How are cosmetic tattoos different from normal tattoos?
Cosmetic tattoos use skin coloured ink that can be considered as semi-permanent. They require touch ups every 12 to 36 months. Colour matching tattoo ink is paramount. These tattoos are more prone to UV degradation; hence sun protection is important.
Be guided by your tattoo artist.
Can you have cutting scars lasered after a tattoo?
No. Lasers such as pulse dye, fractional devices & QSL will not improve your scars. Additionally ablative fractional devices, including lasers & microneedling can expel tattoo ink. These are not recommended.
Davin’s Viewpoint on tattoo cover ups for scars
I think the most important aspect of ink is to find an artist who fits your style of tattoo. Self-harm scars are relatively easy to cover up- if they are flat. Check out an artist’s portfolio to see if they have the style, you are looking for. Most tattoo artists will have extensive experience in the context of ink over cutting scars, be guided by them. View a tattoo as permanent, hence do not be rushed into any hasty decisions.
