If you have tattoos and are considering getting more, you might think that an area with varicose veins is out of the question.

This is a debate that’s occurring more and more often. As tattoos grow in popularity, and as older people are considering tattoos, the overlap of “people who want a tattoo” and “people with varicose veins” is pretty significant.

However, these swollen, twisted veins, which most commonly appear on the legs, can complicate the tattooing process 

At our vein clinic in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, we’ve heard many concerns about tattoos and varicose veins. Here’s what you need to know before getting any ink done near your varicose veins.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Before we cover tattooing, we need to explain what varicose veins are and why tattooing around them could be a problem.

Varicose veins occur when the valves in veins fail to function properly, causing blood to pool and veins to enlarge. The resultant vein can be blue, purple, or skin-colored and often appear twisted or bulging. 

Varicose veins are usually harmless. That said, they can cause discomfort, pain, itching, or even more serious health issues such as blood clots or ulcers. Many different things will make one more or less prone to varicose veins, such as genetics, age, pregnancy, obesity, lifestyle habits, and more.

What’s Wrong With Tattooing Near Varicose Veins?

When it comes to tattoos, varicose veins introduce unique concerns.

At its core, tattooing involves puncturing the skin repeatedly to deposit ink into the dermal layer. As is likely clear given the previous description of varicose veins, doing this near one of those problem veins and present issues.

First, tattooing near varicose veins can increase one’s risk of bleeding or bruising. The walls of a varicose vein are fragile and more prone to injury; tattooing near them can cause excessive bleeding and more noticeable bruising. This can not only be painful, but it may affect the final appearance of the tattoo.

Second, there’s a risk of infection when one tattoos near a varicose vein. Swollen veins can reduce proper circulation, which is required for the immune system to respond to the “injury” of tattooing.

Next, pain may be heightened if one tattoos around a varicose vein. Affected areas tend to be more sensitive and tender. This can make the tattooing process uncomfortable and painful.

Finally, there’s a chance that tattooing around a varicose vein can distort the ink. In some cases, underlying venous swelling can cause issues with the surrounding skin. This creates an inconsistent canvas for a tattoo artist and, consequently, can result in uneven lines or distorted designs.

Is There Any Way to Tattoo a Varicose Vein?

Experts strongly advise against tattooing directly upon varicose veins. One should also be incredibly careful when considering tattooing in the area of varicose veins, as even getting close to a varicose vein can cause issues.

That said, if one is set on getting a varicose vein area tattooed, there are a few steps they should take to ensure safety.

First, one should consult a doctor or vein specialist about their plans. This will allow them to assess any risks associated with carrying out such a procedure.

Second, one should consider the placement of their tattoo and avoid placement on top of or near varicose veins. Prioritize areas that do not have compromised circulation.

Third, make sure to select an artist with a good understanding of anatomy and blood circulation. There are plenty of artists with experience working with a broad spectrum of patients, and finding the right one will allow you to increase your likelihood of being tattooed without issue.

Finally, you should monitor your healing process carefully. If anything seems amiss, such as excessive swelling, redness, or signs of infection, you should seek medical attention.

Conclusion

It’s not impossible to get a leg tattoo with varicose veins — it’s just very, very difficult.

However, there’s a way that you can avoid this issue altogether: vein treatment.

Vein treatment can solve your varicose vein issues. Plus, once you’ve recovered, you can get a leg tattoo with significantly less risk.
If you’re considering vein treatment, or have concerns about tattooing and varicose veins, schedule a consultation today. We’d love to discuss a potential solution to your issue.