Have just ordered my first binder. Very nervous but happy to make that step forward. Also took all my remaining girl clothes to the charity shop. Hurrah!

My question is - I have extensive tattooing over one shoulder, arm and back. It comes down onto my chest as well. Will long-term binding have an effect on the tattoo? I expect binding will not be great for my skin, but I'd rather know in advance if there are any potential problems with tattoos?

Thank you!

ummm not that i have first hand experience ..but tattoos are down the third layer of the skin ...so even if you end up with a binder that is sort of abrasive to your skin, that will only affect the first layer.
Bind them "up and out" or even "up and in" rather than "down and out", in order to avoid tissue breakdown.

Quote from: emil on July 30, 2010, 03:26:34 PM
Bind them "up and out" or even "up and in" rather than "down and out", in order to avoid tissue breakdown.

Thank you!

Maybe. Cuts and irritation on tats tends to make the pigment come out with the scab. And trust me, your binder will cut you at one point or another. Mine does constantly but it's too small (technically)

Mine cuts into my tats on my ribcage but i haven't noticed to much of a change in them, i am more worried about what my chest tats will look like after surgery.

Quote from: JudahLiam on July 31, 2010, 06:33:31 PM
i am more worried about what my chest tats will look like after surgery.

Me too, but I figure I'll sort them out, however warped they end up! My tattooist is FTM so knows the issues.

obviously you should get a binder that fits and won't leave scabs 
none of my binders cut in like that....omg, if they do that, the DON'T fit

My whole back and sides are tattooed with one going over my shoulder and I've had no problems (yet) with binding affecting them. I do wear an A frame tank top underneath the binder so I don't get chaffing, cutting in the skin or scabs. I would think that happening would affect your tattoos some. FYI I've been binding since May/June of last year.

Well, the binder has arrived (exactly a week to get to the UK - thankyou Mr Underworks...). It certainly does what it should - I'm not pancake-flat, but my gf said I just looked like a guy with great pecs (this is why I love her!).

Still, it's a little depressing that for the next 2 or 3 years, I'll have to turn myself into a nylon sausage most days! It's HOT in here!

It does sit on some of my tattoos, so I'll just keep an eye on them.

Lack of dignity, heat and sweat aside, I'm a happy bunny