I specialise in covering scars, stretch marks and old tattoos, as well as reworking existing designs. Get in touch to see what’s possible!
Covering scars, stretch marks, old tattoos and reworking existing designs requires expertise and creativity to achieve the best results. Whether you’re looking to transform an old tattoo, disguise a scar, or refresh a faded design, I’m here to help.
Over time, tattoos naturally expand and blur as the ink disperses in your skin. This means older tattoos are often easier to cover, with black areas lightening to grey over the years. By incorporating techniques like white ink layering, grey opaque ink and clever shading, I can create a new design that works with your old tattoo. While darker tattoos may need additional layers or ongoing touch-ups for highlights, they’re far from impossible to cover.
I also specialize in color cover-ups, using shades like dark reds, purples, blues, and greens to disguise older designs, including tribal and traditional pieces. Instead of laser removal, which can break down tattoo pigments into harmful particles, I use innovative tattooing techniques to lighten and cover existing ink safely.
If you’re unsure about what design to choose for a cover-up, let me know what you’d want if the tattoo weren’t there. My job is to visualize and adapt your ideas into something that fits perfectly.
Most scars can be covered or hidden with a tattoo, but the design needs to account for the unique texture and characteristics of scar tissue. Scars hold ink differently from undamaged skin, so bold shading and areas of color often work better than fine lines, which can spread. The key is to modify the design to blend seamlessly with the skin’s natural contours.
Stretchmarks occur when connective tissue beneath the skin tears, leaving the area fragile and more prone to swelling during tattooing. Designs for stretchmark cover-ups require a thoughtful approach, often incorporating shading or color to disguise any ink spread. Depending on the severity of the stretchmarks, sessions may need to be spaced out to ensure the best results.
Birthmarks and skin discoloration, as long as they don’t involve moles, are typically straightforward to cover. I’ll carefully plan the design to avoid any prominent moles, which should remain visible for medical monitoring. Freckled or mole-dotted skin might give the tattoo a unique texture when healed, but this only adds to the individuality of your design.
Reworking an old tattoo can give it a new lease on life without a full cover-up. Whether it’s refreshing faded colors, re-lining blurred outlines, or integrating new elements into an older design, there’s a lot that can be done to enhance your existing ink. I also specialize in combining older tattoos with new ones to create cohesive sleeves or larger pieces.
Transforming something you’ve been hiding into something you’re proud to show off is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. No matter the challenge, I’m here to help you achieve a design that you’ll love and feel confident wearing.
The Retreat Tattoo, West Sussex, BN15Email: the.retreat.tattoo@gmail.com
Instagram: @the_retreat_tattooFacebook: /theretreattattoo
© Copyright The Retreat Tattoo | All rights reserved.