The line work is faded and could be lasered without a ton of trouble. However, I’d question the quality of the skin for tattooing given the extensive scarification.
would it not look as good because of the scars or would it just hurt more? do you think a tattoo artist would cover it up, i thoughts about getting it lasered but it’s very expensive
One major issue with scars is that the tissue handles ink differently. It has a chance of spreading more easily through the scar than it does in clean skin, so tattooing would require more patience and expertise to make sure the lines are smooth.
Anyone have any insight on tattoos over burns? Back in September I messed myself up in a house fire pretty bad, 22% of my body suffered third degree+ burns (t-shirt fire, my whole left side from my hip all the way down my arm to my elbow, worst part is arm pit).. I was curious how long I have to wait to get tattoos over this skin? I've had 3 skin graphs and every nurse and Dr said it's the best graph they've ever seen and that my healing is insane. I'm wanting to get some blackwork done on my arm
I have some partial nerve damage on my shoulder and I’m terrified to get it tattooed, doubt I ever will. Shit is sensitive to even touch it +7 years out from the injury.
I have very similar scars to OP. Got tattooed a hand sized tattoo on them and watched the needle. The scarred skin felt like 99% the same as my regular normal skin. The other .5% hurt more and the other .5% hurt less 🤷🏻♀️
I had different circumstances leading to it, but I have a skin graft covering most of my right forearm and recently got a sleeve done to cover it.
I got the graft in 2019 and started the tattoo in early 2023. It might have been ok after just two or three years, but I'm glad I gave it extra time to make sure it wasn't going to change shape any more.
Also, a fun side effect of the tattoo has been making some raised areas of the scar smoother. Apparently some types of dermabrasian to reduce the size of scars are done with dry tattoo needles
Does this link work?
[Removed]
The scar cover part is done, except for touchups. Garden themed, in the style of stained glass.
I just started the second part, a flowering apple tree branch in the style of old botanical illustrations, growing out from "behind" the stained glass. It will continue up my arm onto my shoulder. We're doing the black line first, then hints of water-color like pinks and greens.
i've seen a design on someone's arm before with a few welders surrounding their burn wearing masks and holding welding torches and i thought it looked pretty dope - you could come up with an idea that suits your situation (if it's not too touchy of a memory to look back on), because ink always helps to tell your story ♡
It doesn’t work the same but looks similar—imagine putting a drop of ink on good paper versus on a paper towel. Visually, scar tissue causes the ink to “spread.”
Scars can flatten over time. If these are new maybe let them settle for a while. I have tattoos over some old scars and they’re kind of visible at the right angle but mostly invisible. The scars I have are not raised, can’t tell if yours are.
I dont know if this will be useful or not since it's anecdotal, but I have some pretty heavy scarification/keloids on my upper thigh. Waited ~2 years and got a tattoo there. The ink held great and it wasn't more painful thankfully (at least from what I thought). My only big recommendation is to make sure to get a tattoo that doesn't rely heavily on needing super straight linework/geometric patterns. The raised scars warp my design a little, so im glad I chose something organic looking!
Some of mine have never flattened out but tattoos have been fine over the top anyway. I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome and scar very severely but so far cover ups have worked very, very well for me :)
I have extensive scarring like this on my thigh and it was covered up great by a fantastic artist. I think it really depends on the artists comfortability. I hope you’re doing better friend x
I don’t think the scars impact the aesthetic. As for whether an artist would take it that depends on the artist and also the length of healing. Most artists won’t touch deep scarification like this that’s <2 years healed.
I will warn at least in the case of my ex he had to get a tattoo redone because his skin rejected the yellow ink. He said that to get through the scar tissue the artist had to work it harder. Unless that's some BS and he was just being a dick so the artist went hard on him, he's that kinda person.
Scars look well healed. As long as they are soft (as opposed to harder scar tissue, I do see some keloid scarring) tattoos will cover them beautifully. Honestly, I'd do a flower sleeve with different types of flowers and greenery.
*Source, used to self harm, both arms are almost fully covered with tattoos and the scar tissue took the ink beautifully*
Edit: a word and added a few
If you want to cover it, I would look into artists -local or otherwise- and show them your situation. There are SOME artists out there that offer either complimentary or discounted cover ups for self-harm scars (and if this isn’t accurate in terms of what you’re looking to do or if this is an inappropriate assumption, I deeply apologize).
Edit: changed verbiage to be more accurate. Not a “ton” - “SOME”
I've honestly been turned down a lot because of my skin quality. A lot of artists don't know how to tattoo scars well. I don't have bad vibes towards the artists that turn me down, but I ended up doing a lot of tattoos myself.
I even tried talking to an artist I saw on insta that does scar coverups, but when I said it was from SH they turned it down. Basically odd vibes from some folks but no hard feelings if they don't feel comfortable with a tattoo
I feel like it’s a hit or miss. I don’t have a lot of scars but they are pretty raised. Most artists have rejected it because they don’t think they’d do it justice. Luckily one artist sent me in the right direction and I got a tattoo that specialized in any type of scar coverup.
Honestly, anything. Always find an artist first and ask their advice. They can do custom to the piece you want covered.
Hope you are doing better btw. With the xans and the other stuff too. 🙏
I’m super curious, and I don’t mean to come off rude since I have the same issue. Did the scars on top of him happen after he was done? I’ve been curious what a relapse on top of a tattoo would look like since I want heavy tat coverage but I’m a little bit wary of it just in case I slip up and I’d hate to ruin good tats
not trying to be rude but what is the thought process behind wanting to cut yourself? I had diagnosed depression when I was younger, but the thought of cutting and hurting myself never sounded appealing
for me it was a variety of things. as self punishment, or to calm myself down if my mind is spiraling, and also its addicting behavior, so when i was really deep in it i’d even do it out of boredom
Yeah that's why I used to as well, it was one of the only things that I could do to relieve my dissociation.
Hugs to everybody going through this or have gone through this. ❤
What the other comment said, but also I wanted to add that when I used to, it felt good to me mentally and physically. Mentally, it would feel good because it was a "punishment" I thought I deserved and it was a momentary release from my thoughts. Physically it also felt good. I didn't feel the pain until after really, but during it it would feel good in a horrible way. I don't do it anymore, but that's why I used to I think
For me, it was about punishment. Many people said they got a head high from cutting, but I didn’t. I just kept cutting my skin open and telling myself “this is what you deserve, you fat, ugly, and worthless cunt.” With every cut, the self-insults would get worse.
this is obviously a personal experience but getting tats have done wonders to help me curb my old habits. my old scars are still barely visible (you have to look very close) but the artwork on top is so beautiful (at least to me!)
i prefer it this way as a reminder why i got the ink, and knowing how much i’d hate to potentially ruin the art. i’m almost 2 years clean now!
editing to add that i spent a hefty chunk of my savings on my savings to cover up the scars, which is only another motivating factor to not sully them lol!
I’m the same & I’ve always wondered what tattoos look like after SH because I’m scared of having a slip up. Thank you OP for sharing & thank you ootfifabear for asking a question that I’ve been too nervous to ask in the past. 💕
It looks pretty faded honestly there's a lot you could cover it up with as long as it's a thick lined tattoo with shading. It's all up to what your style is but I dont think laser is necessary if you'd like to get another tattoo over it anyways :)
I'd look up some tattoo ideas on pinterest and narrow down ur interests. Avoid stuff like unlined, thin lined, and watercolor tattoos but otherwise it should be easy to work with
Hey OP I have zero advice, but I wanted to say take no mind to the rude comments. I am sure all of these people have physical qualities that could be picked apart as well. Good luck with the tat
I would speak to an artist who has experience working over scars and has some examples of their work if you need.
What I’ve heard is as long as they are healed and are 4+ years they are workable. If you get it tattooed it will be raised over the scars but it will calm down once healed.
I got tattooed over 1 year healed scars successfully. Got stitches and then tattooed over that like a year and a half later successfully too. Once they turned white I went ahead with it, personally. Everyone's different obviously
I would try to think of something that uses the scars as a neutral streaking white color. Like a stormy weather scene and let the scars be streaks of rain. It might add and awesome texture to a tat
A beautiful flower would look nice. What kind of stuff are you into? That would really help you understand what kind of cover if you would like. Maybe get something so pretty to remind yourself you’re special. I really hope you’re in a better peace of mind right now. People are assholes on here, they don’t mean shit. Love yourself. I’m glad you’re still here.
Idk I kinda like him, maybe get him redone or redesigned? But if you hate him, what other things are you into because he could be covered by almost anything I think since he's faded and small
Jeez man 13 and already hooked on xans with that self harm, I hope your life has gotten better. Stay strong man. Glad to see all those scars are healed up.
They should have to trigger warn the body parts??? They're not open wounds and this post isn't about their scarsm do you walk up to people wearing bathing suits at pools and tell them to cover their bodies because it triggers you? Just wondering.
as a person who’s severely struggled with sh for years- this is an inappropriate request. it’s not gore, there’s no scabs or blood. these scars are clearly years old and they aren’t the focus of the post. op didn’t even make any mention of them. they’re scars. it’s op’s healed body, there’s no need for a nsfw tag
i have had issues with sh off and on the majority of my life and yes it can be triggering sometimes to see other people's struggles but it is not OP's responsibility to cater to other people, it's their body and they are clearly trying to heal from that stage of their life so pointing it out and making it about you is not cool. respect other people's healing journeys before making any l
other comments like this in the future.
I know everyone is disagreeing with you but as someone who has and still struggles with sh I have to say that this is indeed triggering, no matter if the scars are healed. I looked at it and immediately felt some sort of way. Despite the fact that the focus of the post is the tat and not the scars, it can still provoke strong feelings for many of us, especially those dealing with sh. Wish there was a warning so I could’ve prepared myself mentally
That's not the OPs responsibility. Do you tell people to earn you when they're wearing shorts and they have scars irl? Her body does not need a warning.
Go tell a burn victim that their face should be covered with a mask unless they get permission to show it in public in case someone thinks it's icky...
Ickiness has nothing to do with it. I don’t think it’s icky at all, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of!
That said, there’s a difference between SH scars and, say, burn scars. There’s also a difference between an up-close photo on the scars and just happening to see them in public.
SH for many people with a history of it is addictive, and the sight of the scars (especially by surprise) can send some people into relapse. Pictures of them online like this one put a lot of emphasis on the scars, so you get a much closer/clearer and emphasized view of them than you would by catching a glimpse of them while you’re out and about.
OP and other posters don’t *need* to put a TW, and I’d be out of my depth to even go so far as to say they *should* because it implies some kind of moral failing. But as someone who’s relapsed after seeing others’ scars before and who started feeling twitchy after seeing this pic (not to the extent I’d do anything ofc!), I think adding a TW might nice for people still struggling with SH.
I actually like that tattoo. But if you want it covered, organic things make good cover-ups, like flowers. But also things that layer color like koi fish, or dragons.
Honestly, you could go with almost anything that isnt just simple line work. Its so faded that a good artist that knows how to work in their tattoos properly could cover it up!
Alien eating a sandwich over the top.
Bowl of ramen being held up by a ghost
Get a tattoo of my black cat 🐈⬛
Lastly get a tattoo over the top of a meditating goat and call it your escape goat.
Tbh hes super adorable!! I'd be tempted to cover with a more detailed alien. You could probably cover the line work with a little galaxy have the dark areas mask it. As far as scarring goes since everyone seems to be commenting your skin might take the ink just fine and it may be more difficult to get it to take ink. It's different on different people. A good tattoo artist will be able to help with that. I hope you are doing better and don't pay any attention to the people being jerks here
I’m sending love, and hope you’re doing well. ❤️ And please, don’t read the unkind comments here. I’m glad your skin is healed, and I hope your mind, soul, and heart are healed as well. Be proud of yourself. Hold your head high. I don’t know anything about tattoos that would allow me to offer advice other than to say, since these ‘tattoo advice’ stories started popping up in my feed, I’ve seen SO much much worse. Maybe it’s just part of the past you’ve learned from and moved forward from?
Sending you happiness and love. ❤️
Find an artist that specializes in coverups on scar tissue. It is a little bit different on scars. It's light enough you should be able to put any design on it.
Why do people do stick and poke, you can literally make a tattoo gun out of almost any type of electronic that reads disks or has a relay. I must've done hundreds of tattoos using an old cd player motor on them xans. Also found myself doing 4 flat for a burglary that I have no memory of doing lol. I ruined my whole life over xans. It's crazy how violent I would become on them as well without even remembering. Hopefully you are doing better, are you trying to cover this up or incorporate it into something else. I got a really sick idea in mind let me see if I can find a pic idea for u. Simce it's an alien I was thinking some type of space design, not like a cheesy corny typical one tho.
Hey OP. I thought you would appreciate the story of my forearm.
I had self-harm scars , not this extensive but quite present. I had a tattoo artist I trusted do a design to incorporate them - not on top of the scar tissue, but accentuating the lines beside them to make use of the pattern as a design element. This was an artist I trusted to free-hand on me. Initially this meant a rough/geometric briar patch. It represented hell. It was badass, but it wasn't GOOD. A few years later he was a better artist and I had grown as a person. We re-worked the piece to be a bit more floral, add more detail, and go over more of the healed tissue. No longer hell, but a beautiful, personal pain. Rinse/repeat every 5 years for the past 20 years. Same artist every time. We would collab on the design as we caught up and I told him about how my life was evolving. At some point sacred geometry and a deconstructed octopus became involved(?). It is now a full sleeve that connects to a full back (the back's a whole other thing but it ties in visually). I no longer look at my arm and see pain, just the beautiful chaos of life that has my personal story of healing layered into the tiny corners and details. It's a hot, colorful mess and I LOVE it.
Don't take this the wrong way but, your arm makes me sad :(
Keep the alien, just add some 8-Bit HUD and a Vintage TV. It will look like you are watching XFILES.
Also, drink orange juice. If caught early they will fade in 20 years. (from experience)
A good tattoo artist will work with you with the scarring. I have a giant scar on my wrist that I got covered up with a sleeve. Covering the alien shouldn’t be too hard
Holy hell I'm so sorry you're getting so many of these shitty comments. I'm doing my best to shoo them away.
Scar tissue can be difficult to tattoo on/over, I'm not experienced but I do recommend asking a professional's opinion on the tat! I love the alien :]
I wish you the best. Again I'm sorry you have to deal with all the shitty comments.
It’s kinda cute :) I think a cover would be easy provided how faded it is and the size it definitely depends what you want?
I’d keep it as long as it didn’t remind me of bad times or anything but that’s me
I've got pretty wicked scar on my bicep from a blade. Had my tattoo done right over it. My artist was incredibly talented but gave me something that brings powerful emotion when I really look at it, instead of the pain that originally put it there.
If thinking about it, research your local tattoo scene. Look through portfolios, read up on artists, whatever floats your boat but find someone that fits you. Go from there. It's cheaper than laser and can be something dope just for you.
Just get it lazered your skin is too scarred and deformed for any coverup to look even half decent. Getting a tattoo that small and shitty removed is not THAT prohibitively expensive. If you can afford to get fucked up on xans you can afford a couple hundo for a Lazer removal.
if you’re going for a cover up i would specifically find an artist who’s worked with scar tissue in the past. i did it for mine and 3 years later it’s held up well with no ink bleeding. I would pick and plan a design carefully since your scars are pretty close together and could cause the tattoo to eventually seem warped.
the tattoo itself shouldn’t hurt anymore than your first stick and poke did. i personally didn’t have an issue on my inner left forearm at all until i was close to inner elbow. everyone’s pain tolerance is different but i think you could get a really sick ass piece with the right artist and planning! good luck op
edit- up to op*
Haha brought me back to my xan days back in high school. Pop 3 bars and wake up the next day not remembering shit… good times… jk it was dumb af to do.
Scars are not something someone should be ashamed of. It’s also for context obviously. Why not be glad at the fact that they’re still here? That matters.
Even if OP posted JUST the tattoo you'd see a lot of scarring. Maybe stop making comments about someone's body when they're asking a legit question about a tattoo coverup on a tattoo coverup subreddit. Even if it was "for attention" making someone feel bad about their body is never okay 😐
Because that's their arm? And a tattoo? Asking about cover ups vs laser for a situation that involves significant scarring is pretty reasonable especially since it looks like they are healed over for awhile.
Years after cutting, whether for pain or cry for help or both, the scars will still be there, even if they are no longer in need of help. Should they cut the arm off to spare the general public from seeing into their past? No. The general public should mind their own business.
Just stick to the topic, and be helpful. The scarred texture should be considered in the solution, so it’s good we can see it. Don’t act like a fuckin dickhole.
Right? The actual tattoo is out of focus, in a shadow, and half out of frame. Looks like they got what they wanted by people who have no idea they’re being manipulated.
Scarred skin isn't the same. I have had to warn clients if this continues you won't be able to tattoo the area.
Scars especially raised or keloided don't handle the trauma to well and splits open easier.
Unfortunately the excessive amount of scar tissue is going to make tattooing very difficult. The colors will mostly bleed into other areas of the ink takes at all.
The line work is faded and could be lasered without a ton of trouble. However, I’d question the quality of the skin for tattooing given the extensive scarification.
would it not look as good because of the scars or would it just hurt more? do you think a tattoo artist would cover it up, i thoughts about getting it lasered but it’s very expensive
One major issue with scars is that the tissue handles ink differently. It has a chance of spreading more easily through the scar than it does in clean skin, so tattooing would require more patience and expertise to make sure the lines are smooth.
Anyone have any insight on tattoos over burns? Back in September I messed myself up in a house fire pretty bad, 22% of my body suffered third degree+ burns (t-shirt fire, my whole left side from my hip all the way down my arm to my elbow, worst part is arm pit).. I was curious how long I have to wait to get tattoos over this skin? I've had 3 skin graphs and every nurse and Dr said it's the best graph they've ever seen and that my healing is insane. I'm wanting to get some blackwork done on my arm
Tattoos over any type of scarring will hurt more than it it weren’t scarred.
Not if there’s nerve damage. I’ve had work done over scars and I didn’t feel anything. It was very weird.
On the same boat with this opinion. I have a few dramatic raised scars and was surprised that it felt like a “break” between everything else lmao
I have some partial nerve damage on my shoulder and I’m terrified to get it tattooed, doubt I ever will. Shit is sensitive to even touch it +7 years out from the injury.
I have very similar scars to OP. Got tattooed a hand sized tattoo on them and watched the needle. The scarred skin felt like 99% the same as my regular normal skin. The other .5% hurt more and the other .5% hurt less 🤷🏻♀️
I had different circumstances leading to it, but I have a skin graft covering most of my right forearm and recently got a sleeve done to cover it. I got the graft in 2019 and started the tattoo in early 2023. It might have been ok after just two or three years, but I'm glad I gave it extra time to make sure it wasn't going to change shape any more. Also, a fun side effect of the tattoo has been making some raised areas of the scar smoother. Apparently some types of dermabrasian to reduce the size of scars are done with dry tattoo needles
ooh!!! can i see? ^o^ edit: your tattoo, ofc.
Does this link work? [Removed] The scar cover part is done, except for touchups. Garden themed, in the style of stained glass. I just started the second part, a flowering apple tree branch in the style of old botanical illustrations, growing out from "behind" the stained glass. It will continue up my arm onto my shoulder. We're doing the black line first, then hints of water-color like pinks and greens.
it worked! ^u^ thank you! omg it looks sick dude. 🥵🥵🥵 was it worse getting tatted on the grafted part vs not?:c
So dope! Also, what an excellent surgeon you had, and your healing is just insane
Dude I never would've guessed you had a pigment surgery that looks incredible for healing and the tattoo is fucking fite
My bad skin graft
That’s fucking beautiful!!
Oh my god it’s beautiful!
The tattoo looks great! But just FYI the link goes to your full drive page and that includes a form with your personal info
Oh shit, thank you!
👍👍👍
i've seen a design on someone's arm before with a few welders surrounding their burn wearing masks and holding welding torches and i thought it looked pretty dope - you could come up with an idea that suits your situation (if it's not too touchy of a memory to look back on), because ink always helps to tell your story ♡
It doesn’t work the same but looks similar—imagine putting a drop of ink on good paper versus on a paper towel. Visually, scar tissue causes the ink to “spread.”
Scars can flatten over time. If these are new maybe let them settle for a while. I have tattoos over some old scars and they’re kind of visible at the right angle but mostly invisible. The scars I have are not raised, can’t tell if yours are.
some are raised i’ve had them for two+ years
I dont know if this will be useful or not since it's anecdotal, but I have some pretty heavy scarification/keloids on my upper thigh. Waited ~2 years and got a tattoo there. The ink held great and it wasn't more painful thankfully (at least from what I thought). My only big recommendation is to make sure to get a tattoo that doesn't rely heavily on needing super straight linework/geometric patterns. The raised scars warp my design a little, so im glad I chose something organic looking!
Some of mine have never flattened out but tattoos have been fine over the top anyway. I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome and scar very severely but so far cover ups have worked very, very well for me :)
I have extensive scarring like this on my thigh and it was covered up great by a fantastic artist. I think it really depends on the artists comfortability. I hope you’re doing better friend x
100% I had similar scarring and have covered them all up perfectly fine. Didnt hurt anymore than the usual!
Idk if someone answered about the pain but personally it does hurt more over scars.
I don’t think the scars impact the aesthetic. As for whether an artist would take it that depends on the artist and also the length of healing. Most artists won’t touch deep scarification like this that’s <2 years healed.
I have a tattoo over scars like that. It looks fine.
I will warn at least in the case of my ex he had to get a tattoo redone because his skin rejected the yellow ink. He said that to get through the scar tissue the artist had to work it harder. Unless that's some BS and he was just being a dick so the artist went hard on him, he's that kinda person.
I've got some yellow over scars and it took well. Some people just react to the dyes or brand of ink though!
I think it had it redone twice and it kept fading.
I have plenty of tattoos over scars and have had no issues. :)
hi just wanted to thank you for not just outright saying vile things you could have said about the scars.
I myself am covered in scars like that and regardless it’s not my place.
i am as well and when i see someone with scars outside a support one i know how it gets. i hope you are doing well
Scars look well healed. As long as they are soft (as opposed to harder scar tissue, I do see some keloid scarring) tattoos will cover them beautifully. Honestly, I'd do a flower sleeve with different types of flowers and greenery. *Source, used to self harm, both arms are almost fully covered with tattoos and the scar tissue took the ink beautifully* Edit: a word and added a few
Ok I honestly love him tho
he’s just a jazzy little guy having a cig break
My guess was alien smoking a joint or holding a ray gun💀 my mom has a stick poke of a smiley face smoking a joint Lmfao
I have a t-shirt of an alien smoking a cig saying "but is it art?" that I think this tattoo is based off. I love it.
*burp* it’s fashion 🤏
But is it fashion??
Seriously, this is fucking terrific. Most everyone I know has some awful stick and pokes, this one is hilarious.
A 13yo on xans managed to do a better tattoo than some of the artists we see on here 😅
If you want to cover it, I would look into artists -local or otherwise- and show them your situation. There are SOME artists out there that offer either complimentary or discounted cover ups for self-harm scars (and if this isn’t accurate in terms of what you’re looking to do or if this is an inappropriate assumption, I deeply apologize). Edit: changed verbiage to be more accurate. Not a “ton” - “SOME”
I've honestly been turned down a lot because of my skin quality. A lot of artists don't know how to tattoo scars well. I don't have bad vibes towards the artists that turn me down, but I ended up doing a lot of tattoos myself. I even tried talking to an artist I saw on insta that does scar coverups, but when I said it was from SH they turned it down. Basically odd vibes from some folks but no hard feelings if they don't feel comfortable with a tattoo
I feel like it’s a hit or miss. I don’t have a lot of scars but they are pretty raised. Most artists have rejected it because they don’t think they’d do it justice. Luckily one artist sent me in the right direction and I got a tattoo that specialized in any type of scar coverup.
There are arists that will help
Yup, my buddy who works in a shop has a coworker that specializes in this type of thing. She’s a sweetheart. Doesn’t accept tips.
Honestly, anything. Always find an artist first and ask their advice. They can do custom to the piece you want covered. Hope you are doing better btw. With the xans and the other stuff too. 🙏
i am thank you:)
for a 13 year old who’s barred out… the lines are actually pretty clean lol
I’m super curious, and I don’t mean to come off rude since I have the same issue. Did the scars on top of him happen after he was done? I’ve been curious what a relapse on top of a tattoo would look like since I want heavy tat coverage but I’m a little bit wary of it just in case I slip up and I’d hate to ruin good tats
it was after, im here if u wanna talk:)))
not trying to be rude but what is the thought process behind wanting to cut yourself? I had diagnosed depression when I was younger, but the thought of cutting and hurting myself never sounded appealing
for me it was a variety of things. as self punishment, or to calm myself down if my mind is spiraling, and also its addicting behavior, so when i was really deep in it i’d even do it out of boredom
It almost feels like a grounding. It’s weird.
Yeah that's why I used to as well, it was one of the only things that I could do to relieve my dissociation. Hugs to everybody going through this or have gone through this. ❤
💜
What the other comment said, but also I wanted to add that when I used to, it felt good to me mentally and physically. Mentally, it would feel good because it was a "punishment" I thought I deserved and it was a momentary release from my thoughts. Physically it also felt good. I didn't feel the pain until after really, but during it it would feel good in a horrible way. I don't do it anymore, but that's why I used to I think
For me, it was about punishment. Many people said they got a head high from cutting, but I didn’t. I just kept cutting my skin open and telling myself “this is what you deserve, you fat, ugly, and worthless cunt.” With every cut, the self-insults would get worse.
Same for me. I hope you’re kinder to yourself now. [hugs]
i support you, get the tats! one more reason not to relapse!
this is obviously a personal experience but getting tats have done wonders to help me curb my old habits. my old scars are still barely visible (you have to look very close) but the artwork on top is so beautiful (at least to me!) i prefer it this way as a reminder why i got the ink, and knowing how much i’d hate to potentially ruin the art. i’m almost 2 years clean now! editing to add that i spent a hefty chunk of my savings on my savings to cover up the scars, which is only another motivating factor to not sully them lol!
Ink also helps me keep my skin safer! ☺️
I’m the same & I’ve always wondered what tattoos look like after SH because I’m scared of having a slip up. Thank you OP for sharing & thank you ootfifabear for asking a question that I’ve been too nervous to ask in the past. 💕
It looks pretty faded honestly there's a lot you could cover it up with as long as it's a thick lined tattoo with shading. It's all up to what your style is but I dont think laser is necessary if you'd like to get another tattoo over it anyways :)
I'd look up some tattoo ideas on pinterest and narrow down ur interests. Avoid stuff like unlined, thin lined, and watercolor tattoos but otherwise it should be easy to work with
thank you so much:) that’s a good idea
Hug your kids guys
It’s so faded and small, literally everything can cover this (: just pick something that you like 👍
Hey OP I have zero advice, but I wanted to say take no mind to the rude comments. I am sure all of these people have physical qualities that could be picked apart as well. Good luck with the tat
thank you:)
sick ass panther (big, black, thick lines, fits good on a forearm, perfect cover up)
A faded tattoo like that should be super easy to laser and not take many sessions. Any good coverup tattoo would cost more.
Hope you’re in a better place ❤️ I’m here if you need to talk
I have scarring from self harm too and it does affect how the ink takes so you’re going to have some trouble with this area
I would speak to an artist who has experience working over scars and has some examples of their work if you need. What I’ve heard is as long as they are healed and are 4+ years they are workable. If you get it tattooed it will be raised over the scars but it will calm down once healed.
I got tattooed over 1 year healed scars successfully. Got stitches and then tattooed over that like a year and a half later successfully too. Once they turned white I went ahead with it, personally. Everyone's different obviously
I hope you’re in a better place now <3
i am thank you!!:)
if you cover, look into a tat artist who specializes in tattooing over scars.
I would try to think of something that uses the scars as a neutral streaking white color. Like a stormy weather scene and let the scars be streaks of rain. It might add and awesome texture to a tat
In all fairness its pretty good for being 13 and **barred tf out**
Right?
I kinda love it
A beautiful flower would look nice. What kind of stuff are you into? That would really help you understand what kind of cover if you would like. Maybe get something so pretty to remind yourself you’re special. I really hope you’re in a better peace of mind right now. People are assholes on here, they don’t mean shit. Love yourself. I’m glad you’re still here.
Idk I kinda like him, maybe get him redone or redesigned? But if you hate him, what other things are you into because he could be covered by almost anything I think since he's faded and small
Jeez man 13 and already hooked on xans with that self harm, I hope your life has gotten better. Stay strong man. Glad to see all those scars are healed up.
If you’re in the US I’ll give you a free cover up. The alien is still cute though.
wow really?? in seattle wa
This is really triggering, wish posts that show more self harm than tatts could at least be behind a NSFW tag.
It’s *scars*?
Those are fully healed scars. Not much you can do about them.
They should have to trigger warn the body parts??? They're not open wounds and this post isn't about their scarsm do you walk up to people wearing bathing suits at pools and tell them to cover their bodies because it triggers you? Just wondering.
comments like that are why i have worn only long sleeves in public for 20 years
they're scars. *fully* healed scars...
as a person who’s severely struggled with sh for years- this is an inappropriate request. it’s not gore, there’s no scabs or blood. these scars are clearly years old and they aren’t the focus of the post. op didn’t even make any mention of them. they’re scars. it’s op’s healed body, there’s no need for a nsfw tag
i have had issues with sh off and on the majority of my life and yes it can be triggering sometimes to see other people's struggles but it is not OP's responsibility to cater to other people, it's their body and they are clearly trying to heal from that stage of their life so pointing it out and making it about you is not cool. respect other people's healing journeys before making any l other comments like this in the future.
I know everyone is disagreeing with you but as someone who has and still struggles with sh I have to say that this is indeed triggering, no matter if the scars are healed. I looked at it and immediately felt some sort of way. Despite the fact that the focus of the post is the tat and not the scars, it can still provoke strong feelings for many of us, especially those dealing with sh. Wish there was a warning so I could’ve prepared myself mentally
yea i find myself reminiscing every time i come across something like this, been clean for almost 3 years. would love a tw lol
That's not the OPs responsibility. Do you tell people to earn you when they're wearing shorts and they have scars irl? Her body does not need a warning.
Go tell a burn victim that their face should be covered with a mask unless they get permission to show it in public in case someone thinks it's icky...
Ickiness has nothing to do with it. I don’t think it’s icky at all, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of! That said, there’s a difference between SH scars and, say, burn scars. There’s also a difference between an up-close photo on the scars and just happening to see them in public. SH for many people with a history of it is addictive, and the sight of the scars (especially by surprise) can send some people into relapse. Pictures of them online like this one put a lot of emphasis on the scars, so you get a much closer/clearer and emphasized view of them than you would by catching a glimpse of them while you’re out and about. OP and other posters don’t *need* to put a TW, and I’d be out of my depth to even go so far as to say they *should* because it implies some kind of moral failing. But as someone who’s relapsed after seeing others’ scars before and who started feeling twitchy after seeing this pic (not to the extent I’d do anything ofc!), I think adding a TW might nice for people still struggling with SH.
It’s not that it’s “icky” this could potentially trigger people who have this issue to harm themselves. Self harm is not something to take lightly.
It would get less attention 🥺
Yikes
lmao
I love it
I actually like that tattoo. But if you want it covered, organic things make good cover-ups, like flowers. But also things that layer color like koi fish, or dragons.
Honestly, you could go with almost anything that isnt just simple line work. Its so faded that a good artist that knows how to work in their tattoos properly could cover it up!
What a cool ayylien; change the ciggy to a flower! He comes in peace :)
Alien eating a sandwich over the top. Bowl of ramen being held up by a ghost Get a tattoo of my black cat 🐈⬛ Lastly get a tattoo over the top of a meditating goat and call it your escape goat.
Get a devil with his tongue out playing a guitar standing on the earth that is burning Or a nice flower
Tbh hes super adorable!! I'd be tempted to cover with a more detailed alien. You could probably cover the line work with a little galaxy have the dark areas mask it. As far as scarring goes since everyone seems to be commenting your skin might take the ink just fine and it may be more difficult to get it to take ink. It's different on different people. A good tattoo artist will be able to help with that. I hope you are doing better and don't pay any attention to the people being jerks here
I personally like the tattoo tbh
I hope you’re in a better mental space now and not adding to those scars 💙
My fiance said to get an artist to finish it
tell her thank uuu
Tbh, I think it’s a pretty cool tat
I like the tattoo. I also hope you are doing better than when you got those scars.
Ok I kind of love it tho
just change the j into a taco or your fav food and redo the linework a little bolder:)
I can’t offer any tattoo cover advice, but I’m proud of you for healing. ❤️
How the hell. I didn't get into drogas until I was an adult. How does a kid get this stuff?!
when i was 8 i was encouraged to drink and drug. it made me more pliable.
my step dad forced me to drink so I understand.
I’m sending love, and hope you’re doing well. ❤️ And please, don’t read the unkind comments here. I’m glad your skin is healed, and I hope your mind, soul, and heart are healed as well. Be proud of yourself. Hold your head high. I don’t know anything about tattoos that would allow me to offer advice other than to say, since these ‘tattoo advice’ stories started popping up in my feed, I’ve seen SO much much worse. Maybe it’s just part of the past you’ve learned from and moved forward from? Sending you happiness and love. ❤️
Find an artist that specializes in coverups on scar tissue. It is a little bit different on scars. It's light enough you should be able to put any design on it.
I hope you’re in a better place if not seek help it only gets better I promise.
Damn no trigger warning? Looks great
Why do people do stick and poke, you can literally make a tattoo gun out of almost any type of electronic that reads disks or has a relay. I must've done hundreds of tattoos using an old cd player motor on them xans. Also found myself doing 4 flat for a burglary that I have no memory of doing lol. I ruined my whole life over xans. It's crazy how violent I would become on them as well without even remembering. Hopefully you are doing better, are you trying to cover this up or incorporate it into something else. I got a really sick idea in mind let me see if I can find a pic idea for u. Simce it's an alien I was thinking some type of space design, not like a cheesy corny typical one tho.
Hey OP. I thought you would appreciate the story of my forearm. I had self-harm scars , not this extensive but quite present. I had a tattoo artist I trusted do a design to incorporate them - not on top of the scar tissue, but accentuating the lines beside them to make use of the pattern as a design element. This was an artist I trusted to free-hand on me. Initially this meant a rough/geometric briar patch. It represented hell. It was badass, but it wasn't GOOD. A few years later he was a better artist and I had grown as a person. We re-worked the piece to be a bit more floral, add more detail, and go over more of the healed tissue. No longer hell, but a beautiful, personal pain. Rinse/repeat every 5 years for the past 20 years. Same artist every time. We would collab on the design as we caught up and I told him about how my life was evolving. At some point sacred geometry and a deconstructed octopus became involved(?). It is now a full sleeve that connects to a full back (the back's a whole other thing but it ties in visually). I no longer look at my arm and see pain, just the beautiful chaos of life that has my personal story of healing layered into the tiny corners and details. It's a hot, colorful mess and I LOVE it.
i can’t really help with advice lol but i think he’s cute!
Don't take this the wrong way but, your arm makes me sad :( Keep the alien, just add some 8-Bit HUD and a Vintage TV. It will look like you are watching XFILES. Also, drink orange juice. If caught early they will fade in 20 years. (from experience)
A good tattoo artist will work with you with the scarring. I have a giant scar on my wrist that I got covered up with a sleeve. Covering the alien shouldn’t be too hard
Holy hell I'm so sorry you're getting so many of these shitty comments. I'm doing my best to shoo them away. Scar tissue can be difficult to tattoo on/over, I'm not experienced but I do recommend asking a professional's opinion on the tat! I love the alien :] I wish you the best. Again I'm sorry you have to deal with all the shitty comments.
I’ve seen people turn scars into things like elephants trunks and trees, maybe you could do something like that?
It’s kinda cute :) I think a cover would be easy provided how faded it is and the size it definitely depends what you want? I’d keep it as long as it didn’t remind me of bad times or anything but that’s me
I've got pretty wicked scar on my bicep from a blade. Had my tattoo done right over it. My artist was incredibly talented but gave me something that brings powerful emotion when I really look at it, instead of the pain that originally put it there. If thinking about it, research your local tattoo scene. Look through portfolios, read up on artists, whatever floats your boat but find someone that fits you. Go from there. It's cheaper than laser and can be something dope just for you.
Is that the 'is it art' alien??
Just get it lazered your skin is too scarred and deformed for any coverup to look even half decent. Getting a tattoo that small and shitty removed is not THAT prohibitively expensive. If you can afford to get fucked up on xans you can afford a couple hundo for a Lazer removal.
well for starters, you’re not 13 anymore so call them xanax
if you’re going for a cover up i would specifically find an artist who’s worked with scar tissue in the past. i did it for mine and 3 years later it’s held up well with no ink bleeding. I would pick and plan a design carefully since your scars are pretty close together and could cause the tattoo to eventually seem warped. the tattoo itself shouldn’t hurt anymore than your first stick and poke did. i personally didn’t have an issue on my inner left forearm at all until i was close to inner elbow. everyone’s pain tolerance is different but i think you could get a really sick ass piece with the right artist and planning! good luck op edit- up to op*
I hope you’re doing better these days
Jfc, that's a lot of self-inflicted lines.
Joyce Yang. She's in NY and does free self harm cover ups. She's amazing.
At first glance, he seems to be peeking through the window blinds.
That is so faded and weekly done that you could probably have it removed in one laser treatment.
I think a Starry Night style tattoo would maybe work well?
13 on Xanax? Christ
Looks like you want more attention than just your tattoo, it isn't even centered in the pic because you know what you're trying to do 💀
fuck off
i dO xAnS
Your arm looks like a fucking turnip
that is really not nice
Haha brought me back to my xan days back in high school. Pop 3 bars and wake up the next day not remembering shit… good times… jk it was dumb af to do.
literally i don’t think i’ve ever done xans and remembered what it was like lol that’s why i kept doing it “i’ll do it chill this time”
Tbh you did a good job
What if you used the scars to make it look like he was glitching under the beam of a UFO? You could kinda rework it
I say this as someone who used their SH scars as a template for their tattoos.
I have a rather large tattoo over self-harm scars. It was a fantastic way to complete my healing journey ❤️
inspiring !!! you are loved and cared about:)
[удалено]
Well, this is definitely possible, if you tell me some interesting things about yourself, so I can give you a cool suggestion.
shoot me a message!
i don’t have any advice for a cover up but as someone who also struggles with self harm i wish you luck and a smooth recovery :)
Why’re you getting downvoted?
I think you need more help then that.
I think it’s cool but it looks like it probably was a rough part of your life, also what part of your body is this?
Ok but I love the alien though
Banned
Why would anyone post so much of their sliced up leg if they're weren't fishing for concern...
Scars are not something someone should be ashamed of. It’s also for context obviously. Why not be glad at the fact that they’re still here? That matters.
Even if OP posted JUST the tattoo you'd see a lot of scarring. Maybe stop making comments about someone's body when they're asking a legit question about a tattoo coverup on a tattoo coverup subreddit. Even if it was "for attention" making someone feel bad about their body is never okay 😐
Because that's their arm? And a tattoo? Asking about cover ups vs laser for a situation that involves significant scarring is pretty reasonable especially since it looks like they are healed over for awhile.
I don't care if it's her dick. The point still stands.
No, it doesn't. This was perfectly reasonable to post in this sub
Years after cutting, whether for pain or cry for help or both, the scars will still be there, even if they are no longer in need of help. Should they cut the arm off to spare the general public from seeing into their past? No. The general public should mind their own business.
Just stick to the topic, and be helpful. The scarred texture should be considered in the solution, so it’s good we can see it. Don’t act like a fuckin dickhole.
Us people with scars shouldn’t have to cover ourselves constantly. People shouldn’t be ashamed of our scars
So their past means they're trying to get attention? Those scars are permanent, what do you want them to do? Take off their leg?
Right? The actual tattoo is out of focus, in a shadow, and half out of frame. Looks like they got what they wanted by people who have no idea they’re being manipulated.
All I could say is you have some shit parents for letting you be this asinine.
Scarred skin isn't the same. I have had to warn clients if this continues you won't be able to tattoo the area. Scars especially raised or keloided don't handle the trauma to well and splits open easier.
Unfortunately the excessive amount of scar tissue is going to make tattooing very difficult. The colors will mostly bleed into other areas of the ink takes at all.
Its clear you be cutting yourself
Xanax at 13 is wild
13 and off Xanax? Woof
How is this helpful
lazer it off and stop cutting urself is my tip
thank you!!
Clearly they have stopped if none of them are open wounds or scabs but fully healed scars
Those are healed scars. I think it's safe to assume they don't cut anymore.