I'm afraid many of your potential clients won't see a tattoo as a good recovery symbol. It will still be a distraction to them. Either way, I suggest you stick with long sleeves while working. Depending on where the scars are located, you might get by with 3/4 length sleeves. Long sleeves don't necessarily have to be in heavy fabrics.
I work in the steamy South, so I understand the comfort issue.
