Cover-up tattoos are the most common tattoos people get inked over existing tattoos and birthmarks. This type of tattoo is generally used to cover up very distasteful tattoos that are unbecoming. For some people, getting a tattoo over a birthmark is a great way to create a unique design for your body. You can use a pre-existing design or create your own tattoo.

There are some health risks involved with getting a tattoo over a birthmark, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. While it is true that most people who get this type of tattoo have no issues, some have problems with it later in life. Most health risks are experienced by people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as lupus, diabetes, bleeding disorders, and hemophilia. Since the FDA does not regulate tattoo ink, people can easily be exposed to harmful chemicals. The ink used in cover-up tattoos can contain metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, tin, and titanium.

Here are a few reasons why getting a tattoo over a birthmark is not a good idea. Read on below to learn more.

#1 = Risk of Scarring

Whenever a person gets a tattoo, they will get a scar afterwards. The risk of scarring is only heightened whenever a person chooses to get a tattoo over a birthmark. Sometimes, a person’s skin is extra sensitive, and any form of injury on the skin can lead to scarring.

A person’s skin is sensitive even before they get a tattoo and as such, getting a tattoo over a birthmark heightens the risk of scarring. You may get a faint scar on the skin, but it is a scar nonetheless.

#2 - Expected Results

Getting a tattoo over a birthmark can be tricky, and you may not like the results. For instance, if you have a birthmark on your skin, your skin color may not react to the ink that gets used in your tattoo. You are likely to end up with a tattoo that has discoloration in it, and it will not be a close match to your skin color.

A tattoo artist may have a hard time creating a tattoo that matches your skin color. Sometimes, the tattoo’s color may turn out to be lighter or darker than your skin color. If you are getting a coverup tattoo to cover a birthmark turning into skin cancer, you may want to think about it again. The cancer is likely to spread to other parts of your skin, where the tattoo is.

#3 - Health Concerns

Many tattoo artists are not aware of the risks associated with getting a tattoo over a birthmark. In fact, many people who get this type of tattoo do not know that they are exposing themselves to harmful toxins. Many tattoo inks still have levels of toxic chemicals in them, and they can trigger adverse reactions if they come in contact with your skin.

Some people get reactions such as:

• Skin inflammation

• Skin form redness and bumps

• Infections

• Bleeding

Many tattoo artists have their own ink formulations, but they still have different toxins in them. You must ask your tattoo artist about the ink they are using on you and what their side effects may be. It is even better if you get the ink in writing and ask for a copy of the Certificate of Analysis for that ink.

#4 - The Healing Process

The healing process will probably take longer when you get a tattoo over a birthmark. Your skin is at a greater risk of infection, and you will likely have a scar on your skin. The healing process can take up to three months, and you will have to take care of your skin until the tattoo is healed.

If you have a birthmark turning into skin cancer or skin cancer, you may have a  hard time with healing due to your skin being sensitive. The healing process might take longer than expected, and it might cause you some discomfort, 

#5 - Risk to Other Body Parts

Getting a tattoo over a birthmark on a body part such as your face is risky. If you are still young, your body will likely change as you grow older. The birthmark may be on a body part that stays the same size, but your skin may change. This can lead to the tattoo being out of place at some point in your life.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a cover-up tattoo to cover up a birthmark, you need to think about the safety factors associated with it. Also, make sure the artist is using ink that has been approved for human use. Getting a tattoo over a birthmark can be risky. Make sure you do your research before getting one.

If you’re looking for the best tattoo artists in Denver, Certified Tattoo is for you! All of our tattoo artists specialize in different art styles, so you’ll have a diverse range of choices that you can have on your skin. Contact us today to learn more!