Sternum Tattoos
If you’re looking for a tattoo you can keep hidden at work and show off poolside, the sternum tattoo is for you.
Also known as the “underboob” tattoo, a sternum tattoo is a nice way to show off your shape.
With many celebrities choosing sternum tattoos, it’s no wonder they’ve become one of the top requested designs in tattoo shops.
What’s great about a sternum tattoo is that, while they’re very popular, you can choose any aesthetic you like, so it’s easy to avoid fads you may regret later.
Thinking you’d like to hold your favorite quote, constellation, or winged creature close to your heart?
While sternum tattoos are a gorgeous way to show off a bold or delicate design, there are definitely considerations to be made before getting one.
Sternum tattoos are not “beginner-friendly” tattoos, and you should probably know how you deal with the process before taking on something so intense.
Let’s take a look at sternum tattoos.
Who has them, what looks good as a sternum tattoo, what’s the application process like, and what’s involved in aftercare?
What is the Sternum and Is it safe to get a sternum tattoo?
Many people use “sternum” as a term to refer to both the ribs and the sternum.
While some “underboob” tattoos start at the sternum and flair out, some “underboob” tattoos are on the ribs only.
Strictly speaking, the sternum is the long, broad, flat bone at the center of your ribs.
It’s basically holding your torso together so, don’t leave home without it.
The sternum is shaped like a tie and starts just under your clavicles, which join the sternum at the “knot” part of the necktie.
The sternum is also responsible for protecting the heart and lungs, not to mention a bunch of vitally important vessels.
It’s a pretty high-stakes piece of your anatomy.
That said, it is safe to get a sternum tattoo.
That piece of bone is very strong and can withstand a little needle.
Are Sternum Tattoos Unisex?
While sternum tattoos are generally popular for female bodies, they can look great on men too.
Men generally have a flatter canvas to work within the chest area, which can make the process a little easier.
They can be a nice way to accentuate pectoral muscles and bring definition to the chest area.
Sternum tattoos are an alluring choice for female bodies, no matter how large or small their chest area is.
They have risen in popularity thanks to celebrities like Rihanna and Miley Cyrus, but have always been a fun surprise for the lucky people who get to see them.
Sternum and chest tattoos may also be a nice choice for someone who has survived BRCA.
Many people who have to get mastectomies or lumpectomies are left feeling less confident about their chest area.
A tattoo can be a nice way to create something beautiful and new out of something painful.
Do Sternum Tattoos Hurt?
If you’re wondering if getting sternum tattoos is painful, the answer is a big resounding YES.
There are some tattoo artists who won’t even get inked in that area.
The problem is it’s not a very fleshy part of the body.
Tattoos in areas that are mostly fat just aren’t as painful.
When thinking of bony areas like your sternum, feet, or clavicle, the tattoo needle is going to cause your bones to vibrate- which can be a really unpleasant sensation.
Good news for curvy people looking to get sternum tattoos: you’ll still experience some twinge, but you have a little more padding to cushion your bones.
What Do I Wear to my Sternum Tattoo Appointment?
Another reason why sternum tattoos are not for the beginner tattoo canvas is that they’re very intimate, especially for women.
You’re better off wearing as little as possible.
If you’ve been to your tattoo artist before, you’ll know if you’re comfortable baring all to them.
If you meet in person for the first time on the day of the tattoo, perhaps not.
Consider also that this tattoo may involve your tattoo artist touching your chest.
If you are uncomfortable being touched in that area, best to hold off on the tattoo until you find a special artist you feel comfortable with.
You can bring something to cover yourself up with, but you definitely won’t be able to wear a bra during or after the appointment.
When Can I Wear a Bra Again after Getting a Sternum Tattoo?
If you wear bras, you will want to figure out an alternative for the next two weeks.
Friction is the number one downside to a tattoo, and bras have to fit closely to the skin.
They’re also often made with underwire, which will dig into your fresh ink.
Smaller-chested people may opt for pasties, but there are some cup-less “sticky bra” alternatives for larger-chested folks who need some support.
Best Time of Year for a Sternum Tattoo
It sounds funny, but planning a sternum tattoo during the colder months makes sense.
Form-fitting or light-colored clothing can get stained as your tattoo ages.
Loose clothing is best, as is staying away from the sun and any swimming for at least 2 weeks.
If you got your tattoo to show off at the beach, it will be ready for its closeup when summer arrives.
No one wants to show off a flaky, scabby tattoo, and that’s just a natural part of the process.
Something Else to Consider…
What position do you sleep in?
Tummy sleepers may have a difficult time with sternum tattoos, as you’ll want to sleep on your back while it ages.
The friction of your body up against the bed can interrupt the aging process.
So if you want a sternum tattoo, start practicing a new way to catch some Zzzs.
Sternum Tattoo Cost:
When considering a sternum tattoo, you may wonder about the associated costs.
The price of a sternum tattoo varies due to several key factors:
a. Design Complexity and Size: The intricacy and size of your chosen design significantly impact the cost. Smaller, simpler tattoos are generally more affordable than larger, intricate ones.
b. Tattoo Artist Expertise: The reputation and skill of the tattoo artist play a vital role in determining the price. Highly experienced artists may charge more for their services.
c. Location: Your geographic location can also affect the cost. In major cities or popular tattoo destinations, prices tend to be higher compared to smaller towns or areas with a lower cost of living.
d. Color vs. Black and Gray: The choice of color in your tattoo can influence the cost, as it often demands more time and expertise compared to black and gray tattoos.
e. Tattoo Shop Policies: Many tattoo studios have a minimum fee, regardless of the tattoo’s size or complexity.
f. Customization: Opting for a custom-designed sternum tattoo may increase the cost compared to choosing a design from the artist’s portfolio.
g. Additional Work: If your sternum tattoo is part of a larger tattoo project covering a substantial portion of your body, the overall cost will be higher.
To get an accurate estimate for your sternum tattoo, it’s advisable to consult with local tattoo artists.
They can provide a precise price quote tailored to your specific design and preferences.
Investing in a skilled and reputable artist is crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of your tattoo, considering that tattoos are permanent.
Are sternum tattoos more expensive?
While the placement of a sternum tattoo can influence your personal experience due to the proximity to bone and sensitive areas, it does not inherently make sternum tattoos more expensive than others.
Do Sternum Tattoos Stretch when Pregnant?
While sternum tattoos are typically located on the chest bone (sternum), they are less likely to experience noticeable stretching during pregnancy compared to tattoos on areas of the body that are more prone to stretching, such as the abdomen or breasts.
The sternum itself doesn’t significantly expand or stretch during pregnancy, so these tattoos are generally less affected by pregnancy-related changes.
However, some women may experience subtle changes in the appearance of their sternum tattoos due to skin stretching or hormonal effects, but these changes are usually minimal and temporary.
It’s important to keep in mind that the extent of any changes in a sternum tattoo during pregnancy can vary from person to person.
Factors such as the size of the tattoo, the individual’s skin elasticity, and the degree of weight gain can influence how the tattoo looks during and after pregnancy.
After giving birth, many women find that their bodies gradually return to their pre-pregnancy state, and any temporary alterations to the sternum tattoo are often reversed.
If you are concerned about the impact of pregnancy on your sternum tattoo, it’s advisable to consult with a tattoo artist or a healthcare professional for personalized advice and recommendations.
How do Sternum Tattoos Age?
Sternum tattoos, like all tattoos, undergo similar aging processes, but they can be influenced by the specific characteristics of the sternum area.
Here’s a comparison of how sternum tattoos may age compared to tattoos in other body locations:
- Fading:
Sternum tattoos, like other tattoos, may experience fading over time due to sun exposure and the natural aging of the skin.
However, sternum tattoos are less exposed to sunlight than tattoos on areas like the arms or legs, which can help them retain their color and vibrancy for longer.
- Blurring and Smudging:
The sternum area is less prone to stretching and movement compared to other body parts like the abdomen or thighs.
As a result, sternum tattoos may experience fewer issues with blurring or smudging over time.
Tattoos in areas subject to more frequent movement may show more noticeable changes.
- Skin Changes:
The sternum area typically undergoes less significant changes in terms of skin elasticity and firmness compared to areas that may experience more stretching or weight fluctuations.
This can be an advantage for sternum tattoos in terms of aging gracefully.
- Color Changes:
The aging of tattoo ink colors is not significantly different between sternum tattoos and tattoos on other body parts.
Both may experience color shifts or fading, depending on ink quality and care.
- Tattoo Maintenance:
Proper aftercare and maintenance are crucial for all tattoos.
Sternum tattoos, like any other, benefit from sunscreen protection, moisturizing, and good overall care to preserve their appearance over time.
In summary, sternum tattoos may have some advantages in terms of aging compared to tattoos in areas with more movement or exposure to the elements.
However, the aging process is influenced by factors such as the quality of the tattoo, the ink used, and individual care practices.
With appropriate care and attention, sternum tattoos, like tattoos in other locations, can continue to look appealing and meaningful as they age.
How Long Does a Sternum Tattoo Take to Heal?
The healing time for a sternum tattoo is generally similar to that of tattoos in other areas of the body.
It typically takes about 2 to 4 weeks for a sternum tattoo to heal completely.
However, healing experiences can vary from person to person, influenced by factors such as individual skin type, tattoo size, aftercare practices, and the skill of the tattoo artist.
Proper aftercare, including regular cleaning, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and refraining from activities that may irritate the tattoo, will help ensure a smooth and timely healing process.
Summing Up
In conclusion, sternum tattoos offer a captivating and meaningful way to express one’s individuality and personal story.
Keep in mind that it’s important to work closely with a skilled tattoo artist to customize the design to your liking and ensure it complements your body’s shape and contours.
Additionally, consider the meaning and significance behind the design to create a tattoo that resonates with your journey and style.
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