Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

Hi Dr. Lam,

I have a long and red surgical scar on my forearm, and I am thinking of having it tattooed just enough to camouflage the scar.

What are your views on tattooing over scars? Any negative side effects?

a few thoughts:
1. i don't like to address body issues since my specialty is the face.
2. red scars may be improved with KTP or PDL laser. also time tends to make red scars better.
3. if the red scar is an angry one, a tattoo may convert the scar into an angry hypertrophic, thicker, redder scar.
bottom line: check with your plastic surgeon/dermatologist before considering this intervention.