A tattoo artist in China got an unusual request from a father who wanted a scar tattooed on his chest.

Local papers report that the man from Chengdu, who asked to remain anonymous, contacted the tattoo artist named Guo. He said the tattoo is a replica of the scar his two-year-old son has, after undergoing heart surgery recently.

In a text message exchange between the man and Guo, the father said: "My two-year-old son just had heart surgery which left him with a long scar down his chest. I want the same scar tattooed on my chest.

"Although he's too young to understand now, he might grow up to feel inferior because of the scar. I want to support him."

Father and son both visited the tattoo studio on Saturday to get the ink done and Guo told local reporters that the man was very calm despite it being his first tattoo.

The tattoo artist said: "It's such a meaningful tattoo and it's touching to see how much this man loves his child."