Is It Okay To Tattoo Over Wrist Veins?
When you peer down at your wrists, you’ll likely notice a blue tinge, or the protruding appearance of veins and tendons. This image can invoke anxiety in people wishing to get tattooed in this area.
Common questions from concerned clients go something like this:
“Can the needles accidentally reach the veins in my inner wrist?”
“Will my veins get damaged if the tattoo needle ends up puncturing them?”
There is little need to worry, however, as getting tattooed over wrist veins is just the same as getting tattooed pretty much anywhere else on your body.
Although the veins seem to be extremely close to the skin, there are three layers — epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis ― that sit between the area of veins and the layer that you see on the surface. The needle will be aiming for the dermis layer, and should not penetrate any deeper than this. Have no fear, young padawan; your artist won’t tattoo into your veins!
It is perfectly fine to tattoo over wrist veins, but consider these factors first:
Special Considerations
The process of any tattoo is that the needle and ink penetrate only the epidermis and dermis layers of skin. It’s the hypodermis part that houses the veins and arteries, which is why it’s perfectly safe to tattoo over the wrist veins.
With that said, it’s a sensitive area, and thought should be given to factors involved in committing to a wrist tattoo.
Tattooist’s Experience
Even with years of training, a body modification professional can be inexperienced with certain areas of the body. When choosing your artist, inquire about their wrist tattoo portfolio — this will give you a better understanding of their skill with that specific area of skin. Find someone whom you trust and make sure you think highly of their work.
Any great tattooist will tell you if they think there’s a problem with your tattoo design within your required area, and whether it’s due to the anatomy of the angle and shape of your wrist.
This applies no matter where you get tattooed, but always try your hardest to find a great artist. This area is highly noticeable, and a permanently-visible bad tattoo will be frustrating to say the least.
Visibility
The wrist cannot always be covered up. If you desire a quaint little tattoo on the wrist, then consider the potential risk to career prospects. If you’re happy with wearing this tattoo for many years to come — in an obvious area — the only risk that comes with that is not taking proper initial aftercare and having a complication arise.
Pain During Tattooing
Reduced fatty tissue in this area can result in a more painful session. It’s not so much the bones, but the nerve endings are very close to the surface and can be stimulated during the process.
All tattoo pain is very relative to the individual, with some having more tolerance than others. If this is your first tattoo, or you know you’re sensitive to the pain of tattoo needles, then decide if you’re happy to go through that or not.
Recovery and Mobility
We use our hands and wrist movement in almost every task. This area can, therefore, be vulnerable to pressure and bumps, which are undesirable with a new tattoo.
You also need to keep the area covered and free from foreign particles — such as dirt and chemicals. In addition, be sure to protect it from the sun for the entire healing period.
As tattoo sites can be a bit rigid to move and sore to touch, the wrist may be slightly inflamed and feel aggravated with any lifting and movement for a few days to a week after the session. Keep this in mind when planning your days ahead. Call in the help of a loved one if you need a bit of assistance.
A great way to keep the skin mobile and elasticated during healing is by applying a gentle healing/moisturizing lotion to the area whenever the skin is feeling dry or tight.
The best tattoo lotion I’ve ever personally used is a vegan aftercare product called After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Lotion. This stuff works amazingly well during the healing process; not only by keeping your tattoo really well hydrated but also by soothing any annoying itching and irritation. When using it from the very start of the healing process, this lotion will help to decrease tattoo healing times and work towards eliminating any lingering dryness and scabbing.​ Click here to buy from Amazon.
Ink Over Those Veins
Acquiring an inner wrist tattoo is an entirely safe and reasonable thing to do. A professionally trained artist will always ensure that all risks are minimized as much as possible, leaving you to deal with minimizing the risks while your tattoo is healing.
Due to the everyday use of the wrist area, the healing process can be lengthened if you don’t take precautions. The main danger here is an infection.
