Tattoos for Ostomates – UK

Today I’m so excited to bring you a controversial topic, which is the use of Tattooing over our Ostomy Scars.

First of all, I am personally not a Tattoo person BUT… I liked so much some of the examples I found and bring here to you in case you get inspired 😉

Benefits of Tattooing Over Scars

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Confidence: A tattoo can draw attention to artwork you enjoy.
Personal expression: Your design can tell as much or as little of your story as you want.
Appearance, not scar treatment: Tattooing should not be presented as a way to flatten or heal a raised scar.

Free guide · A gift from SIIL

The SIIL Ostomy Diet Guide — yours, free

Practical information on food and hydration for everyday life with a stoma.

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Potential Risks + Ostomy

FDA tattoo safety advice explains that ink can cause infection or allergic reactions. Tattooing may also cause scarring. If the area is not healing, or you develop a rash or fever, contact a healthcare professional.

Important notice

Having a stoma does not make every tattoo placement suitable. Before booking a tattoo near your stoma or a surgical scar, take the design to your healthcare professional and ask:

Is this area suitable, considering my scar, skin and current healing?
How would the placement work with the skin barrier and the space I use to change my pouch?
Do my medicines, treatment or any planned surgery affect the decision?

Ask about your own timing; a fixed number of months or a distance from the stoma cannot assess your individual situation. Discuss realistic results and aftercare with an experienced tattoo artist. There is no need to rush.

When to do it?

The right time is an individual question. Ask your healthcare professional to assess the proposed area and discuss your recovery and current treatment. This article does not prescribe a minimum number of months.

After that conversation, ask an experienced tattoo artist about placement and realistic expectations. You can enjoy the design while taking time to decide whether to book.

Fast Questions I made myself

When to do it after surgery?

Ask your healthcare professional about your individual timing and the proposed area. This article does not prescribe a minimum number of months.

Will the tattoo hurt more over the scar?

Pain and comfort vary. Discuss your concerns with the artist and your healthcare professional; you do not have to prove how much discomfort you can tolerate.

Can the tattoo be affected if I need another surgery?

Discuss any planned surgery and tattoo placement with your surgeon. Ostomy reversal is not a universal recommendation for when to get a tattoo.

Is there a chance the tattoo can fade faster on scar tissue?

Ask an experienced artist about realistic results for the proposed area. This article cannot predict how your scar or tattoo will look.

Are there specific designs recommended for ostomy scars?

It is a personal choice. Try the drawing on paper, think about the size and discuss the proposed placement before deciding.

A tattoo can express something personal, whether you want to mark a chapter of your life or simply enjoy the artwork. Choosing not to get one is just as valid.

Take time, ask practical questions and decide for yourself. If further surgery is planned, include that in the conversation about placement and timing.