Many men and women have stretch marks somewhere on their bodies. Despite the embarrassment that many individuals feel about their stretch marks, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Stretch marks and scars are a natural and common occurrence. While lotions and healing creams can help improve skin health and potentially reduce appearance, sometimes those just aren’t enough. And costly laser treatments aren’t much better. That’s the bad news, the good news is that with advancements in tattoo artistry there are now ways to cover up these unsightly and sometimes moral crushing aberrations that are cost-effective, stylish and concealing. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about getting a tattoo over your stretch marks. And when you’re ready to take the plunge, reach out to our team or stop by our conveniently located Toronto, Markham, Mississauga or Vancouver tattoo shops to get started.

Benefits of Using Tattoos to Cover Stretch Marks

Enhanced Confidence: Concealing stretch marks with tattoos can significantly boost your self-esteem and body confidence. The artistry and creativity of a well-executed tattoo can help you reclaim ownership of your body and feel proud of your unique aesthetic.

Versatility and Customization: Tattoos offer endless possibilities in terms of design, style, and customization. Whether you prefer bold and colourful designs or delicate, intricate patterns, there is a tattoo style to suit your taste and effectively cover your stretch marks.

Long-Term Solution: Unlike temporary concealment methods, such as makeup or clothing, tattoos provide a long-term solution for covering stretch marks. Once healed, a well-executed tattoo can effectively disguise stretch marks for years to come.

Empowerment and Personal Expression: Tattoos have long been associated with personal expression and storytelling. By transforming your stretch marks into meaningful artwork, you can turn what was once perceived as a flaw into a unique and empowering statement.

Not All Stretch Marks Take Ink the Same Way

Stretch marks form when the skin is damaged by stretching out too quickly, or beyond the scope of the skin’s normal levels of elasticity. When our skin is injured by a laceration, for example, and the cut is deep enough to leave a scar, that scar is very sensitive at first, but becomes less irritated, raised, and fades in color as time passes. Stretch marks develop and fade in a similar manner. Recent stretch marks are usually red or purple in color, and can even become itchy. As the stretch marks age, the skin begins to heal further. This usually results in the marks eventually fading to more of a silvery white color.

What Should I Expect when Getting a Tattoo Over a Stretch Mark?

Everyone’s skin is different, and not all skin heals or ages stretch marks the same way. Some people will experience dark red or purple stretch marks for years, sometimes permanently. It all depends on the amount of damage the skin sustained from the stretching (either from pregnancy, a growth spurt, weight gain, or increased muscle mass). Another issue is the overall sensitivity and elasticity of each person’s skin, as is the location of the stretch marks on the body as these factors can contribute to the likelihood that they will fade on their own and become less noticeable over time. An experienced tattoo artist like those from Chronic Ink can help you determine the best options for your particular situation and which types of tattoos, styles and color schemes might be best. From matching your natural skin tone to make stretch marks nearly indistinguishable, to camouflaging them with artistic designs, the options are endless.

What if My Stretch Marks Formed Recently?

One of the most common questions we come across with regards to stretch marks and tattoos is if it's ok to tattoo recently formed stretch marks. The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to take into consideration. Red or purple stretch marks, or those that are raised, are generally more of a challenge for the artist and the client than are older, more faded marks. Freshly formed stretch marks are often more sensitive and the artist must take special care when working on or around them. Recently formed (non-faded or raised) stretch marks can be more noticeable even through the tattoo ink. When tattooing over raised skin texture, the artist will have to choose colors and placement which will act as a camouflage for the area. This takes significant artistic skill and knowledge, so it’s important to have an artist that you know and trust work on areas with stretch marks (especially fresh ones).

How Much Will it Hurt?

Anytime an artist is tattooing over scared or damaged skin, it’s likely going to be sensitive and usually more painful than getting a tattoo on undamaged skin. The general rule is – the newer and darker the stretch marks are, the trickier it will be for the artist to conceal them, and the more likely it is that the level of pain will be more intense than if the client got their tattoo once the marks have had more time to age and fade.

What if I get More Stretch Marks in the Same Place?

It is, in fact, possible for new stretch marks to form in the same area you got a tattoo to conceal the previous marks. If a new stretch mark happens to be threatening the integrity of your new tattoo, your tattoo artist may be able to help you figure out a strategy to fix the problem. Alternatively, if your stretch marks are the result of lifestyle behaviors, it may be worth a positive change in your habits that will result in ensuring this problem doesn’t arise again in the future.

 

Pick Someone Who Knows Their Stuff

Just like with any body modification, the biggest piece of advice anyone can give you is to do your research. Make sure the shop you choose is clean and has proper sterilization procedures in place. Speak with your chosen artist at length about the risks and possible complications of tattooing over damaged skin and heed their professional advice. When you’re ready, reach out to the team at Chronic Ink in Toronto. Their staff of incredibly talented tattoo artists can help you make the perfect choice for your next set of ink.