Can You Fix Part of a Tattoo?

It is not uncommon for people to inquire about altering or correcting a tattoo. It is common for script tattoos done by a tattooist who did a good job, but rendered a letter/number in poor quality compared to the rest. It is also a common request for portrait tattoos, where a facial expression doesn’t quite match a person's or pet's persona.

Whatever the case may be, as someone who is generally pleased with their body art and only wants to edit (so to speak) some of it, you want to know: can you fix a tattoo? Yes, you can. Below is a straightforward breakdown of how to make it happen.

3 Steps Required to Alter, Correct, and Fix a Tattoo You’re Not Happy About

Step 1: Provide 100% Clarity on What You Want the Correction to Look Like

Before proceeding, have a picture/image ready to provide to the tattooist, who will correct the undesirable portion of your tattoo. For example, if you need a portrait tattoo corrected, find a better photo of the subject that captures the expression or nuance you want to convey in the updated work.

Step 2: Have the Unwanted Part of the Tattoo Removed

For greater effectiveness, have the unwanted part of the tattoo removed with industry-leading technology. An expert technician can target practically any design element and outright remove it or fade it enough to allow the ink to be replaced (as required) once healed. View our recent article, "Can You Remove Part of a Tattoo?," for more clarity on how this will work.

Step 3: Fix the Unwanted Part of the Tattoo with a Coverup

Once the unwanted part of the tattoo has been removed or faded with laser technology (as per Step 2 above), the tattooist can then take your edit request (Step 1 ) and apply a cover-up. This will occur once the removed/faded part has fully healed, to minimize the risk of skin irritation and protect the integrity of the alteration. Depending on the size of the removed/faded area, the cover-up can occur anywhere from two to six months after the final laser session. NIXX Tattoo Removal is located within one of Vancouver’s best tattoo shops (view location), so that you can have everything done in one convenient space.

Ready to Get Your Tattoo Fixed?

If you're located within or plan to visit the Greater Vancouver, BC area, you can schedule a FREE consultation at NIXX. Click the link to book your appointment.