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Scars, Moles and Stretchmarks

Scars, Moles and Stretchmarks

Melbourne Tattoo Supplies |

When it comes to tattooing over scars, stretch marks and moles, artists need to approach with both skill and sensitivity. These skin conditions can dramatically change the way ink heals and sits within the skin. Understanding how to adjust needle depth, ink saturation, and design flow around these areas is essential. By building knowledge in this area, artists not only protect their clients’ safety but also expand their ability to create tattoos that sit beautifully on every canvas.

Tattooing Over Moles
Tattooing directly over moles is strongly discouraged. Raised moles create an uneven surface, which can affect how ink sits in the skin and lead to patchy results. More importantly, covering a mole can make it difficult for your client to notice any changes in its shape or color, which are important signs for monitoring skin cancer and skin health.

Tattooing Over Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a type of scar tissue formed when the skin stretches quickly due to growth, pregnancy, weight changes and are a natural bodily change. They appear as streaks with a different texture from surrounding skin, which can influence how the ink settles.
Stretch-marked skin is thinner and often more sensitive, tattooing over it requires extra care. Avoid working on fresh stretch marks, but healed ones can be tattooed successfully with the right approach:

  • Styles That Work Best: Watercolor, abstract, and illustrative designs are especially effective since they are more forgiving of textural variations.

Tattooing Over Scars
Scars come in many forms and each needs to be treated differently:

  • Hypertrophic: Raised but confined to the original wound area.

  • Atrophic: Sunken scars such as acne or chickenpox marks.

  • Surgical or Burn Scars: Larger areas with altered sensitivity and texture.

Tattooing over scars is only recommended once the tissue has fully healed and matured. Even then, expect challenges such as inconsistent ink absorption, higher risk of blowouts, and unpredictable pain sensitivity. With the right knowledge and patience though, scars can often be covered beautifully.
Working with scar tissue is an advanced skill and something every artist should learn. Scarred skin behaves differently than healthy skin, so technique adjustments; such as altering needle depth, pressure, or ink placement are critical. Gathering background information helps you make the right call. Ask your client:
Healing and Aftercare for Complex Skin
Healing may take longer when tattooing over moles, scars, or stretch marks. Set realistic expectations and guide your clients through the process:

  • Tailored Aftercare: Suggest gentle healing products and make sure your customer is extra careful when healing.

  • Plan for Follow-ups: Be clear that some areas may need touch-ups due to pigment rejection or uneven absorption.

When to Decline or Delay
A key part of being a responsible artist is knowing when not to tattoo:

  • Avoid tattooing over moles that are changing in shape or color.

  • Wait until scars are fully healed, flat, and stable.

Your client’s long-term health should always take priority.
Tattooing over moles, scars, and stretch marks is more than just technical skill, it’s about respecting the personal stories behind each client’s skin. By asking the right questions, practicing patience, and adjusting your techniques, you can create tattoos that not only look incredible but also empower your clients in meaningful ways.
Wed love to showcase the wonderful art by Karlla Mendes above.
Karlla is an incredible Brazilian artist who is known worldwide for her scar coverage tattooing.
She tattoos the scars of survivors of domestic violence and other physical trauma into works of art through her organization 'We Are Diamonds.'
For more info, check out her socials @karllamendestattoo
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