After getting a tattoo, your body needs time to recover. The tattooed area may be sore, red, and swollen for several days, which can make you feel tired and drained. It's important to follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
It's normal to feel a bit run down and tired after a long tattoo session, but if you begin to feel feverish or have the shakes, this could be a sign you have an infection.
Tattoos breach the skin, which means that skin infections and other complications are possible, including: Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes — can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo.
This experience causes an extreme influx of adrenaline which may result in a severe crash, following the session. This crash, and your body's energy being sent to this wounded area for repair, is your body trying to fight back against the tattoo. This sense of shock can result in your feeling nauseous and sick.
This process can be uncomfortable and may cause your body to release stress hormones, such as adrenaline. Adrenaline is known to increase heart rate and metabolism, which can lead to a temporary increase in calorie burn. However, the calorie burn from getting a tattoo is minimal and short-lived.
Carbs are good, but not too many
But, Whitney Marie Donohue, artist at Rise Again Tattoo in Billings, MT, suggests “bringing little candies to keep your blood sugar up” during the session so that you don't feel faint from the sight of needles, blood, or you know, from not eating at all.
In general, the least painful spots are those with the biggest fat content, fewest nerve endings, and thickest skin. The most painful spots to get tattooed are those with the least fat, most nerve endings, and thinnest skin. Bony areas such as ribs or hips or chest usually hurt a lot.
It is normal to also feel a bit under the weather during the first 48-72 hours after getting a tattoo. While getting a tattoo is a form of artistic expression, it is also a medical procedure and your body needs time to recover from the injury.
Most people will experience redness for a few days after leaving the studio. But if the redness doesn't improve, it could indicate that your tattoo isn't healing as well as it should. Skin feels hot. If your skin feels like it's radiating heat days after getting your tattoo, this could be another sign of infection.
What to eat to speed healing. To speed the healing process of the skin, you should consume foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as omega-3. Foods with the most antioxidant properties include tomatoes, red fruits, citrus fruits like orange, and herbs such as garlic, onion and saffron.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
Training After Getting a New Tattoo: Best Practices. We do not recommend exercising at all until after 48 hours after getting a tattoo. After these 2 days and depending on the location of the tattoo, it may be possible to do some form of light training.
Our bodies need sleep to repair itself. Not getting enough sleep can actually cause the healing process to take longer than usual. Be sure to get enough rest during the first week or so after getting your tattoo to allow your body to work its magic.
The healing process. The healing process is different for every person and tattoo. Most sources indicate that tattoos generally take about 2 weeks to heal. However, it may take up to 4 weeks for the skin to fully recover.
Drunken behaviour could ruin your new tattoo
You need to be aware of keeping your tattoo clean and dry while it is fresh, so a night out might not be the best option. It's generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours after your new tattoo before you start drinking alcohol again.
You may also see redness, swelling, and some mild bleeding. DAYS 3-14 (or until healed): After the first 2-3 days, your tattoo should begin to feel dry and tight.
You might feel stinging or burning when the artist outlines or details your design. If you're getting a bony spot inked, you might feel a vibrating sensation. The most common feeling, however, is a low-grade pain that's moderate enough for you to be distracted from by talking, watching TV, or listening to music.
If some swelling/redness is present the day after your tattoo, and it is uncomfortable or bothering you, it is appropriate to use ice (20 minutes) and/or an NSAID (ibuprofen, Advil, aleve, naproxen) to help bring the swelling down.
The Next 24 Hours
Your tattoo will likely still be sore. The area often appears swollen and red – similar to a sunburn. Remove the protective tattoo wrap if you didn't let the tattoo air dry.
Yes, your body can go into shock while getting a tattoo. If the session is too long and your body becomes stressed due to the pain, dehydration, low blood sugar, your skin will actually start rejecting the ink.