A sternum tattoo is one of the most aesthetic and unique tattoo placements, performed on the sternum area. This location, situated at the center of the chest, offers a canvas for deeply personal and visually striking designs that flow with the body’s natural lines. For those considering this placement, understanding the key aspects is crucial for a positive experience.
This article is the most comprehensive guide, which will lead you through every important aspect: from symbolic meaning, the actual pain level, and cost factors, to how to prepare for the tattoo session, the detailed aftercare process, and how the tattoo ages well over time.
What Is a Sternum Tattoo?
A sternum tattoo is a work of art placed on the breastbone, located in the very center of the chest. This versatile placement is not limited to a single spot; it can be positioned vertically down the sternum, follow the natural curve under the breasts in what is known as an “underboob” tattoo, or sit delicately just under the cleavage. Designs can also extend upwards toward the collarbones or sideways onto the ribs. Often, these placements are combined to create a larger, cohesive “chest piece” that aaccentuates the body’s contours.
The sternum is a powerful choice for a private tattoo. Our complete guide to 20+ hidden tattoo placements offers a wider look into other personal and discreet options for your art.
Sternum Tattoo Meaning: More Than Just an Ornament
There are four primary locations for sternum tattoos including the underboob, the center sternum, the full sternum (chest piece), and the cleavage, here are detailed information:
A sternum tattoo is deeply personal, with its meaning often amplified by its placement near the heart. This location is chosen to represent core themes like inner strength, resilience, and personal transformation. For many women, a sternum tattoo also serves as a powerful celebration of the body, highlighting femininity and sensuality. The design itself can be a private symbol of intimacy, reserved for the wearer and those closest to them, making its meaning even more profound.
While the ultimate meaning is unique to the individual, many designs fall into these symbolic groups:
- Inner Strength and Resilience: The sternum’s proximity to the heart makes it a prime spot for symbols of courage and overcoming adversity. Designs like snakes or bold geometric patterns are often used to convey this power.
- Growth and Transformation: This placement can mark a significant life change or a milestone in self-discovery. Butterflies, moon phases, and the unalome—a symbol for the path to enlightenment—are popular choices to represent this journey.
- Spirituality and Balance: Many choose designs like mandalas to symbolize wholeness, balance, and a connection to the universe. The lotus flower is another common choice, representing purity and rebirth.
- Femininity and Beauty: Sternum tattoos can be a beautiful enhancement of the body’s natural curves. Floral motifs, especially roses which symbolize love and beauty, are frequently chosen for this purpose.
- Personal Mantras: The placement is ideal for inspirational quotes or words that hold special, personal meaning for the wearer.
How Much Do Sternum Tattoos Hurt?
A sternum tattoo is classified among the most painful placements, with an average pain level of 7 to 9 on a scale of 10 on Hyper Inkers tattoo pain chart. There are three primary reasons for this high pain rating: the skin in this area is very thin, there are few layers of fat and muscle to provide cushioning, and the tattoo needle works directly over the breastbone, which is dense with nerve endings.
To have the most comfortable session possible, you need to follow these preparation steps:
- Get a full night’s sleep the night before your appointment.
- Eat a full, nutritious meal 1-2 hours before the session to maintain your blood sugar levels.
- Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your tattoo to keep your skin hydrated and in optimal condition.
- Practice deep breathing exercises to stay relaxed during the tattooing process.
- You must not consume alcohol or stimulants for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed, as they can thin the blood and increase pain sensitivity.
How Much Does a Sternum Tattoo Cost?
The cost of a sternum tattoo typically ranges from $250 for a small, simple design to over $800 for a large, complex piece. At Hyper Inkers, our studio’s rates start from a minimum of $80 per hour, with the average hourly rate being $150 and senior artists charging from $200 per hour. This price is not fixed and depends directly on the following 4 main factors:
- Size and Complexity: This is the biggest factor affecting the final price. Larger and more intricate designs require more time and skill from the artist, which increases the cost.
- Color or Black & Grey: Color tattoos often demand more time to blend and saturate the ink properly, and they may use a wider variety of pigments, thus costing more than black and grey designs.
- Artist’s Experience and Reputation: Highly skilled artists with extensive experience and a strong portfolio, such as our award-winning team at Hyper Inkers, will have a higher hourly rate.
- Studio’s Location: Tattoo prices vary significantly depending on the city and state due to differences in living costs and market demand.
Preparing for Your Appointment: What to Wear for a Sternum Tattoo
Choosing the right outfit on your tattoo day will help your appointment go more smoothly and comfortably for both you and the artist. The goal is to provide easy access to the sternum while maintaining your privacy and comfort. Below are the most optimal clothing choices for a sternum tattoo:
- Button-down Shirt: You can easily wear the shirt backward, buttoning it up in the back to cover your front while allowing the artist unrestricted access to your sternum.
- Zip-up Hoodie: A zip-up hoodie is another practical option, as it can be zipped down to the necessary level while keeping you warm and covered.
- Tube Top or Bikini Top: These two options are excellent for exposing the entire sternum area. They cover the necessary areas while ensuring the artist has a clear workspace.
- Pasties: Regardless of your top choice, pasties are a useful accessory to add an extra layer of privacy and confidence during your session.
The Sternum Tattoo Healing Process: A Week-by-Week Guide
The healing process for a sternum tattoo requires careful aftercare to ensure the best results and prevent infection, as the chest area experiences a lot of movement. This process occurs in distinct stages over the first 4 weeks, though complete regeneration of all skin layers can take longer.
Week 1 (Days 1-6): The Initial Stage
This is the open wound phase. The tattooed area will be red, swollen, and sore, feeling similar to a fresh sunburn. This inflammatory response is a completely normal reaction as your body begins the healing process. You may also notice some clear fluid (plasma) and excess ink weeping from the site for the first 24-48 hours.
Week 2 (Days 7-14): The Peeling Stage
During the second week, the tattoo will start to form scabs and the top layer of dead skin will begin to flake and peel off. This is often the itchiest stage of healing. It is crucial that you do not scratch or pick at the scabs, as this can pull out ink and lead to scarring or infection. Let the skin shed naturally.
Weeks 3-4 (Days 15-30): The Regeneration Stage
By this stage, the surface layer of your skin has healed. Most of the scabbing and flaking should be gone. The tattoo might look a bit dull, faded, or have a thin, shiny layer of skin over it. This is because the deeper layers of skin are still regenerating. Continue to moisturize the area to keep the skin healthy.
After 1 Month: The Fully Healed Stage
After about one month, your sternum tattoo is considered fully healed on the surface. The colors will appear vibrant and the lines will be sharp. To protect your investment for years to come, you must always use a high-SPF sunscreen on the tattoo when it is exposed to UV rays.
Do Sternum Tattoos Age Well? Long-Term Considerations
Whether a sternum tattoo ages well depends heavily on your aftercare, lifestyle, and natural body changes. To keep your tattoo looking sharp and vibrant over the decades, you must pay attention to the following 4 main factors:
- Body Changes: Significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can stretch the skin on the chest. This stretching may distort the tattoo’s appearance, affecting its shape and clarity.
- Sun Exposure: UV radiation from the sun is the number one cause of tattoo ink fading. It breaks down the ink pigments in the skin over time. You must always apply a broad-spectrum, SPF 50+ sunscreen to the tattooed area when it is exposed to the sun.
- Ink Quality and Artist’s Technique: A professional tattoo done with high-quality ink by a skilled artist will hold its color and lines much better over time. Expert application ensures the ink is deposited at the correct depth.
- Design Choice: Designs with fine lines and intricate, small details are more likely to blur or fade faster than designs with bold lines and solid areas of color or shading.
Understanding how a tattoo will age is crucial. Our complete tattoo placement guide details the long-term considerations for every spot, ensuring you choose wisely.
Popular Sternum Tattoo Designs and Ideas (Inspiration Gallery)
The sternum location is ideal for symmetrical and delicate designs that complement the body’s natural form. Below is a collection of the most popular design ideas and styles to inspire your own unique piece.
Ornamental and Chandelier Tattoos
These designs often feature jewel-like patterns, lace, and filigree that drape elegantly from the center of the chest, mimicking a decorative chandelier.
Floral and Botanical Designs
Flowers like roses, peonies, and lotuses are popular choices, often arranged in a symmetrical bouquet or a trailing vine that follows the curve of the sternum.
Animal and Serpent Motifs
Symmetrical designs of animals like snakes, moths, or birds with their wings spread are powerful and visually striking choices for this placement.
Inspired by these visuals? Learn how to transform that spark into a design that’s uniquely yours with our complete guide on how to choose your tattoo design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can You Wear a Bra After a Sternum Tattoo?
It is recommended to avoid wearing a bra, especially one with an underwire, for at least two weeks after getting your tattoo. Friction from tight clothing can irritate the healing skin, damage the scabs, and potentially lead to infection or ink loss. A soft, loose-fitting bralette or going braless is the best option.
How Long Does It Take for a Sternum Tattoo to Heal?
A sternum tattoo typically takes about 2-4 weeks to heal on the surface. However, the deeper layers of skin can take up to 6 months to fully regenerate. You must follow a consistent aftercare routine throughout this entire period to ensure the best possible result.
What Is the Best Style for a Sternum Tattoo?
Styles like ornamental, floral, and mandala designs are very popular for the sternum. This is because they are often symmetrical, which naturally complements the central, balanced shape of the sternum area and creates a harmonious, aesthetically pleasing look.
Conclusion
A sternum tattoo is a beautiful and deeply personal commitment. This decision requires thoughtful consideration, balancing your desired design with the importance of an artist’s skill and unwavering safety standards. For this reason, selecting a reputable and professional studio is the single most important step in your tattoo journey. An expert team ensures your vision is not only realized masterfully but also that your health and safety are protected throughout the process. If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to book a consultation to discuss your ideas with our premier tattoo parlor San Antonio.
