So you’re thinking about getting a scar cover up tattoo in Calgary—first of all, kudos to you. Whether your scar tells a story of survival, surgery, self-discovery, or something else entirely, deciding to turn it into art is a powerful, personal move.
But let’s get something straight: not every tattoo artist is trained (or experienced) in working with scar tissue. And when you’re choosing someone to help you reclaim part of your body and your story, you want to get it right.
I’ve been through this myself—after sitting on the idea for way too long—and I learned a few things that might help you get from “I think I want this” to “Wow, I can’t believe that’s my skin now.”
So whether you’re from the heart of the city or somewhere nearby, here’s how to find the right artist for your scar cover up tattoo in Calgary.
Start by Understanding Your Scar
Not all scars are created equal—and they don’t all respond the same way to tattoo ink. Before booking a consultation, take a moment to really look at your scar and understand what type it is.
Common Scar Types:
- Surgical scars – Usually linear and smooth; often easier to tattoo.
- Self-harm scars – Often fine, textured, and more emotionally layered.
- Keloid or hypertrophic scars – Raised, thick, and potentially more sensitive.
- Burn scars – These can be shiny, tight, or irregular in shape.
Most artists recommend waiting at least 12 to 18 months after a scar has fully formed. This gives the tissue time to heal, settle, and be more predictable during the tattooing process.
Personal story: My own cover-up came after a laparoscopic surgery. I was eager to move on and get inked right away, but my artist encouraged me to wait. Two years later, the tattoo took better, healed faster, and honestly—I had way more clarity on the design I wanted.
Find a Calgary Tattoo Artist Who Specializes in Scar Cover-Ups
If you’re searching for a scar cover up tattoo in Calgary, your best bet is to look for someone who has actual experience working with scarred skin—not just someone who’s done a few cover-ups.
Where to Start Your Search:
- Check out tattoo studios in Calgary on Instagram and Google.
- Use hashtags like #scarcoverupcalgary, #calgarytattoos, or #scarcoveruptattoo.
- Browse portfolios for examples of healed scar cover-up work (not just fresh ink).
You want someone who knows how to work with texture, understands how scar tissue absorbs ink differently, and will be honest about what’s possible.
I found my artist through a Reddit post and then discovered she was based in Calgary—talk about meant to be. What sold me was how she talked about the emotional side of the process, not just the art.
Book a Consultation (and Feel the Vibe)
This is your chance to:
- Show your scar and discuss its history.
- Ask about their experience with similar scars.
- Get input on designs that work well for cover-ups.
- Talk about style, pain levels, and healing expectations.
But beyond the technical stuff, pay attention to the vibe. Are they listening? Do they make you feel comfortable? Are they honest if they don’t think something will work?
My consultation lasted nearly an hour, and we barely talked design at first. She just listened—about the surgery, about what I wanted to feel when I looked at the tattoo, and why I waited so long. That connection made all the difference.
Choose a Style That Works With Scarred Skin
Some tattoo styles just work better for scar cover-ups than others, especially depending on the texture of your scar.
Styles That Work Well for Scar Cover-Ups:
- Bold linework – Florals, animals, geometric patterns—great for distracting from texture.
- Dotwork and stippling – Helps create shading without overworking the skin.
- Watercolor or abstract – Flows beautifully over irregular or uneven areas.
- Organic or nature-inspired designs – Trees, waves, vines, and similar elements work great with the natural shapes of scars.
Styles with super-fine lines or intricate realism might not hold up well over time, especially if the scar is raised or shiny.
Plan for a Slightly Different Healing Journey
Tattooing over a scar may be a little more uncomfortable and often requires more healing time than regular skin. This is totally normal.
Healing Tips:
- Follow your artist’s aftercare exactly.
- Moisturize, but don’t overdo it.
- Avoid sun exposure during healing.
- Be gentle—both with your skin and your expectations.
Some parts might heal patchy. Touch-ups are common, especially with textured or older scars. A good Calgary tattoo artist will schedule a follow-up or give you tips on what to expect.
The Emotional Side: It’s Real, and It Matters
Getting a scar cover up tattoo in Calgary isn’t just about hiding something—it’s about transforming it. That’s emotional, and there’s no shame in that.
Some people feel empowered. Some feel emotional. Some cry in the chair. And some quietly look in the mirror afterward and just… breathe differently.
For me? I cried the next morning. Not out of sadness, but because I felt like I could finally own my body again. Like I had the final word on a chapter I didn’t choose.
If your artist doesn’t get that emotional layer or brushes it off, they might not be the one. The right artist will honor your story just as much as the design.
Final Thoughts: Your Scar, Your Story, Your Ink
Getting a scar cover up tattoo in Calgary can be one of the most powerful choices you make for yourself. But it’s not something to rush. Take your time. Do your research. Trust your gut.
Remember:
- Find someone who specializes in scar cover-ups.
- Look at healed work.
- Have an honest conversation during your consultation.
- Choose a design that works with your scar’s texture and shape.
- Be ready for a slightly different healing process.
- And give yourself space to feel whatever comes up emotionally.
Your scar already tells a story. Now you get to decide what that story looks like.
Looking for a Scar Cover Up Tattoo in Calgary?
Let’s turn your story into art—your way.