What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins occur when you are suffering with a disease called venous insufficiency. The veins are blocked when the one-way valves within them become damaged, causing a build-up of blood. This results in the lumpy appearance of varicose veins.
Over time they can become discoloured, and sometimes uncomfortable
Is it safe to get a tattoo over varicose veins?
As with all medical questions, we would always suggest that you check this with your GP. Some veins may be less prominent than others, and so it may be possible to tattoo over them. But, as a general rule, it is not recommended that you get a tattoo over varicose veins. There are risks involved that we will explain here:
Tattooing could rupture the vein
The pressure applied when tattooing could actually cause the vein to rupture. It may also result in swelling, and could lead to an infection in the leg. If an infection were to enter your bloodstream, this can cause serious health complications. This is obviously something you want to avoid, so best to get that tattoo elsewhere!
Varicose veins can distort the tattoo
It goes without saying that tattooing on such an uneven, bumpy surface, will affect the way the tattoo ends up looking. You may end up with a piece you are unhappy with, as the texture of the vein will still be present within the tattoo.
Tattooing can make treating the vein impossible
If you end up needing treatment on the vein in the future, having a tattoo on top of it can make it really difficult for medical professionals to see the vein well enough to treat it. This can lead to complications during recovery, or not being able to recieve treatment at all.
Overall, we would not recommend getting a tattoo over a varicose vein. The risks associated are just too high, and you will surely have another free space that will be much easier both for you and your artist!
