Can you tattoo over an old tattoo?

Yes, it is possible to do a cover-up to get a new design that you feel better about, but not all tattoos can be tattooed over directly. In many cases, it is necessary to fade the old tattoo before applying a new one. Almost everyone considering a cover-up will benefit from lightening their old tattoo first.

Advantages of Fading the Tattoo First

The advantages of fading your old tattoo with laser treatment before getting a new one include increased flexibility regarding the new design. By fading the old tattoo, its visibility is reduced, which in turn minimizes limitations on the new design.

A faded tattoo also provides a lighter base for the tattoo artist to work with, making their job significantly easier. Additionally, it becomes much simpler to add more details to the new tattoo when you are not limited by the need to primarily cover the old ink.

One situation we sometimes encounter is when someone has a very dark tattoo that they have tried to cover. However, the new design may not be dark enough, causing the old tattoo to shine through. This results in having two tattoos that one regrets. Removing a cover-up also takes longer compared to just removing a tattoo that has been applied once.

In summary, while cover-ups are possible, fading the old tattoo beforehand can lead to a more satisfying and effective result.