Ok, tattoo experts, I need some advice:

[tinfoilinfor2005]

I was just gifted a beautiful gold bracelet for Christmas, but since I am not a kid, I have some ugly sun spots on my wrists. I have recently thought of covering up one or two of the spots with a small tattoo, such as a lady bug, and since I received this gift, I am now seriously thinking of doing this. Is there a problem with getting a tattoo over a blemish in the skin? And p.s....how much does it hurt?

[dropkickpa]

1. Depends on the type of blemish

I would avoid anything that has the future potential to become skin cancer. I have moles that we've tattooed around. Any responsible tattoo artist will tell you the same (both of my older brothers are tattoo artists). You may want to see a dermatologist and look into laser treatment for the sun spots, it costs a lot more, but it it may just be a good idea for your health. Normally I would be all "Go for it!", but not in your case.

*edited to add - tattooing over freckles is fine


Now, if it were a scar, a good artist would be able to cover it up (depending on the type of scar). My brother has done something similar to what's below for a woman who had a masectomy. I worked in the shop at the time and, when it was done, I just couldn't believe the change in her demeanor, she seemed so much more confident, and she told him "I haven't felt this beautiful in years!!"


****may be too graphic for some viewers****

[tinfoilinfor2005]

2. Good for her!

No cancer stuff, but a large freckle that I would call a liver spot. Any danger here? And are these types of areas harder to tattoo, or more painful?

Thanks in advance for your advice!!

[dropkickpa]

3. Tattoo-wise

moles are harder to tattoo, as the skin texture is different. I'm not sure if a liver spot would be, I'd have to ask one of my brothers (I worked in the shop for 2 1/2 years, but NOT as an artist, can't draw a straight line with a ruler and map!!) To tell if the spot is dangerous, you'd be best speaking to your doctor or a dermatologist. I just had several moles removed about 6 months ago (mostly for cosmetic reasons, and none were precancerous), and was surprised with how knowlegable my GP was, so it would never hurt to ask! You could also keep an eye out for free skin cancer screenings in your area (around me the local hospital system does them twice a year).

If you get the okay from the docs, I say go for it! Tattoos hurt, but not too bad, kinda like a brush burn. Believe me, if they hurt too bad, I wouldn't have as many :rofl: Below is my left forearm a week after wek finished the first piece of the coverup (we're covering the third tattoo he ever did, the black and gray vine, he HATES it now). There's a whole lot more now, pic is 2 years old, it's a work in progress (it'll eventually be the whole arm). If you notice, in the middle pic, the botton leaf has a "blank" spot, that's a mole we left alone.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

4. I really appreciate the advice.

And BTW, your artwork is awesome. :)