What does scarring on a tattoo look like?

Author: Mr. Kory Murphy  |  Last update: Saturday, August 9, 2025

When the tattoo doesn't heal properly, two types of scars can occur: Raised line scars: A raised line scar is a hypertrophic scar that looks like the typical raised scar you may see if you have experienced an injury. Growing bulbous scars: Growing bulbous scars, or keloid scars, can form from any skin wound.

How to fix scar tissue on a tattoo?

What are some home treatments for tattoo scars?
  1. Silicone gel. Try Dermatix. Use twice a day for 3 months.
  2. Vitamin E cream.
  3. Aloe vera.
  4. Bio oil.

How do tattoos look over scars?

The ink will appear lighter on scarred areas compared to unmarked skin, so you may notice variations in colour based on the different skin textures. This is normal.

Can tattoo scarring be touched up?

Yes, you can get your tattoo touched up even if there are scars from the previous tattoo, but there are a few important considerations: Healing and Skin Condition: Ensure that the scars are fully healed before getting a touch-up.

Can a tattoo artist fix a scarred tattoo?

The answer is a vague “sometimes.” It depends on the type of scar, the location of the scar, and the surrounding area. Tattooing over a raised or keloid scar won't do anything to flatten the scar. It may actually irritate the scar or make it appear more noticeable. The same goes for very deep scars.

Why Tattoo Scarring Happens-Tattooing For Beginners

Why does my tattoo look like a scar?

Find a good artist: Many of the causes of tattoo scars begin at the tattoo parlor. If the tattoo needle is inserted too deeply into the skin, if the ink is too old, or if the needle hasn't been properly cleaned, it can increase the chances of scarring during the healing process.

What does an atrophic scar look like?

Atrophic scars are the opposite of hypertrophic scars. They are depressed, sunken and often have a pitted appearance.

How to know if a scar is fully healed?

Scar Process

It will take six to 18 months for the scar to have its final appearance. Your scar should gradually soften and fade over these six to 18 months, but will look pink initially (photo B). Some scars never fade. If your scar stays pink after 12 to 18 months please call to discuss options.

What does tattoo scabbing look like?

Typically, they will appear as dark, raised, and slightly textured patches over the tattooed area. The scabs may feel tight, itchy, or slightly uncomfortable as they form and begin to dry out. As the scabs heal, they will begin to flake and peel away, revealing the healed tattoo beneath.

How to tell if a tattoo is infected or just healing?

What Does an Infected Tattoo Look Like?
  1. A rash that can be itchy with scaly, raised, or swollen bumps.
  2. Excessive redness or discoloration, where the skin beneath the tattoo becomes darker instead of lightening up as it heals.
  3. Pus that oozes from blisters on the skin.
  4. Open sores that may have crusting.

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

Is Aquaphor good for tattoos?

Eucerin Aquaphor's gentle and non-irritating formula helps to alleviate discomfort, itchiness, and redness associated with brand new tattoos. By providing a soothing and calming effect, it allows the skin to heal undisturbed, promoting a smoother and more comfortable recovery.

What does scar tissue damage look like?

As scar tissue begins to form, it may appear red, raised, and hard, but over time it fades, flattens, and softens. Browse our specialists and get the care you need. Depending on the type of injury, the depth of the wound, and the person's skin type, this process takes months.

Does Vaseline help atrophic scars?

Moisturize Atrophic Scars

This will help to keep your skin hydrated making it appear less dry and rough around the scar. Try using a non-comedogenic moisturizer, like Vaseline® Jelly – it won't clog your pores and is appropriate for use on sensitive areas, like the face.

What does poor tattoo aftercare look like?

First, your tattoo will have some irritation around it. After you remove your bandaging after the allotted amount of time recommended by your artist has passed, your skin around the tattoo may be red. It may also be secreting a fluid, or ink may be dripping off of it.

Why does my white ink tattoo look like a scar?

White Tattoos Look Different on Everyone

That means, it could take on the color of pink or yellow undertones in their skin. On many skin tones, white tattoos may end up looking like a scar, which could be a pro or a con based on personal aesthetics.

How does a tattoo look when it's healing?

As your tattoo approaches the final stage of the healing process, it may look a little less vibrant than it did. The skin will heal over your tattoo, and it's normal for the colors to look a little less bright than they did the day you got your tattoo.

Why does my tattoo look smudged while healing?

If you've recently gotten a tattoo, but it appears blurry and smudged during and after the healing process, you may be experiencing tattoo blowout. "A blowout is when a tattoo expands below the skin layer when it hits fat [and] veins or when scarring occurs," says Crys.

Do fine line tattoos age well?

Aftercare & Aging

Fine line tattoos are applied with less ink. While the ink is still embedded in the second layer of skin, the single needle does not penetrate as deeply or deposit as much ink. As a result, it is common for fine line tattoos to fade with age.

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