Most people will experience some level of tattoo aftercare anxiety. It’s only natural to wonder how long it will take for your tattoo to heal and whether or not you’re doing everything right to facilitate the process.
At Beauty and Ink Team, we want to put your mind at ease by telling you all you need to know about tattoo healing.
How Long Does Healing Take?
Most tattoos heal at the surface layer within the first couple of weeks, but it may be months before your skin completely recovers. Factors influencing the healing process include the area of your body tattooed, the ink used, and your skin type.
If you want a general idea of how long it will take for your tattoo to heal, here’s a rough timeline:
- First week. Your tattoo may ooze a bit of plasma and lymph as it begins to heal. The area will also look red and swollen.
- Second week. The fluid will dry up, and your tattoo will start to form a scab. Don’t pick at the scab, as doing so can cause scarring.
- Third to the fourth week. The scab will slowly flake off and peel, revealing the new skin underneath.
While you can’t control every aspect of the healing process, you can do some things to help your tattoo recover in no time.
Quickly Heal Tattoo Wounds with These Tips
When the artist finishes your tattoo, they’ll apply a clean bandage. Keep the bandage on for a couple of hours, especially if you still have to go about your day. When you get home, thoroughly wash your hands and carefully remove the dressing.
Gently wash your tattoo twice daily with your artist’s recommended soap or cleanser. The cleaning agent should be free of alcohol, fragrance oils, and other substances that can irritate the skin. Gently dab the area dry with a clean cloth.
Other things you can do to hasten the healing time include:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing. If your tattooed area is in a place where clothing rubs against it, wear something soft and comfortable. Even if it means you have to spend a few days in your PJs, it’ll be worth it!
- Avoid direct sunlight. UV rays can irritate the skin and fade the tattoo. If you’re going to be in the sun, always cover-up.
- Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid going to pools, lakes, hot tubs, and other bodies of water if you want to heal tattoo wounds quickly.
- Apply topical medicine. For faster healing and pain relief, ask your artist for ointment recommendations. Good products do not contain petroleum or other harsh chemicals.
Following these steps can help your tattoo to heal and give you the best results possible. Our experts are more than happy to provide more tattoo aftercare instructions if you need them. Just give us a call!
Watch Out for the Symptoms of an Infection
When your tattoo peels or flakes, don’t worry. This symptom is completely normal and part of the healing process. You should also expect a bit of itchiness as your skin regenerates.
However, the following signs could indicate an infection:
- Intense pain. Tattoos (especially larger, more elaborate designs) can feel sore in the first few days. If the pain is unbearable or worsens over time, it could be a sign of an infection.
- Excessive inflammation. The early tattoo healing stages include some redness and swelling. If it gets worse or starts to spread, it could be a problem.
- Fever. Feeling hot and feverish is a major red flag that something is wrong. These symptoms often mean that your body is fighting off an infection.
- Discharge. Another sign that your tattoo has an infection is if pus starts seeping from the design many weeks after you got it.
Don’t be afraid to consult a doctor when you notice these signs your tattoo isn’t healing properly. Catching and treating an infection early is vital to preventing serious complications.
Reach Out to Beauty and Ink Team Today!
At Beauty and Ink Team, we want you to love your tattoo. Our talented artists can create anything from traditional designs to more modern styles with a wide selection of colors. We’ll also provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to help your tattoo to heal well.
Call (619) 951-9916 today if you would like to book an appointment with us in Lemon Grove, CA. We’re more than happy to help you get the tattoo you’ve always wanted!
