A tattoo can offer a very meaningful way for you to express yourself, but if you have varicose veins, then you may be concerned about whether it is safe to get them tattooed over. Varicose veins are twisted and swollen vein that normally appear on legs resulting from poor flow of blood. While hiding these strange veins with tattoos might seem a good idea, there are a number of things that you need think about before making your decision. This article will talk about the dangers and also potential complications plus everything you want to know if considering drawing over varicose veins.
Understanding Varicose Veins
Varicose veins result when valves in your veins become weak or damaged causing blood to pool and the veins to swell. They usually appear just under the skin and may be blue or dark purple in color. Typical symptoms of varicose veins include leg ache, swelling and heavy feeling in the legs while more severe cases could cause skin changes, ulcers or blood clots.
Can You Tattoo Over Varicose Veins?
Although it is technically possible for one to get a tattoo on top of varicose veins, it is generally not advisable. This involves injecting ink into the skin by use of needles which can damage underlying vessels in this case. The following are some important things to consider:
Risk of Increased Bleeding
The structure of weakened varicose veins makes them susceptible to bleeding already as they are. Therefore, having a tattoo done on such an area would only increase the risk making one bleed excessively during the procedure.
Risk of Infection
The skin that covers up those areas over which varicose veins run is often thin and delicate thus prone to infections. When bacteria enter into this tissue during tattooing process it results into complications that can even worsen their condition.
Poor Healing
Skin healing properly is something varices prevent from doing well; hence, taking longer than expected if at all handles a tattoo made on such an area may not retain the ink well and it may lead to distorted or faded design.
Pain and Discomfort
When tattooing above varicose veins, people may complain of increased sensitivity and pressure in these vessels from which they will be highly painful as compared to other body parts where tattoos can be done.
Potential for Vein Damage
Tattoo needles may cause further damage to already weakened blood vessels, potentially leading to more serious vascular issues or worsening of their appearance.
Alternatives to Tattooing Over Varicose Veins
If you are worried about how your varicose veins look, there are safer options available:
Medical Treatment
A number of treatments exist for varicose veins such as sclerotherapy, laser therapy and vein stripping. These procedures can reduce visibility of varices as well enhance the health of legs generally.
Tattoo Placement
Select an alternative location outside these varices if you have to get one. This allows you enjoy body art without posing any risks associated with this kind of tattoos covering flawed vessels.
Camouflage Make-Up
You can use camouflage make-up that is good quality so that temporarily hides the existence of these veins. It is non-surgical and can be applied whenever needed.
Consulting a Professional
In case you insist on having a tattoo over or close to your varices, it is vital that both medical practitioner as well as a professional tattoo artist should be consulted at this point. Your doctor will evaluate the health status of your veins and tell you whether proceeding with getting the tattoo would be safe for you. A reputable artist who has worked on similar cases before will also help advise on how best to go about the process or even if it is worth risking everything.
In conclusion
Although it may sound like an attractive idea to conceal varicose veins with a tattoo, the negative consequences often far outweigh any benefits that might be gained from it. The possibilities of complications such as excessive bleeding, infection or delayed healing make this decision not one to be taken lightly. Always look for safer options first and consult experts before taking this step. Your body comes first and there are many other ways of expressing yourself without endangering your health.