Day 1 (after bandage removal) This is just plasma and some extra ink. It's completely normal and nothing to worry about. Clean and dry as directed above. The tattoo may also feel sore and slightly warm to the touch.
It is normal for a tattoo to be red, swollen, and tender for the first 48 to 72 hours. There may also be some oozing of blood and/or ink during this time period. 1 Makharita notes that these symptoms should improve significantly each day. Prolonged symptoms should be evaluated by your tattoo artist and/or a physician.
In the immediate aftermath, and for the next few days, the site of a new tattoo can feel stingy and sore, maybe a bit like sunburn or a light graze. Slight inflammation and soreness is normal for skin that has been broken and needs to heal.
Days 1-3: Oozing and Sore
During the first few days, your tattoo is still an open wound and will be sore, painful, and warm to the touch. The skin around your tattoo might also appear slightly red and swollen.
Your tattoo will scab over because it's a wound, but a properly healed tattoo shouldn't scar. Signs of scarring include raised, puffy skin, redness that doesn't fade, distorted colors within the tattoo, or pitted skin.
Typically, the outer layer of your skin will heal in two to three weeks. The deeper layers can take up to six months. The total healing time will depend on the size and placement of your tattoo. Once healed, your tattoo shouldn't hurt.
The rule of thumb is to moisturize your new tattoo at least 2-3 times per day for the first two weeks (or until the healing process is complete). Many tattoo enthusiasts continue to moisturize their tattoos every day! As for what type of moisturizer to use, lotion is generally the best.
You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.
During these first few days, it is normal for your tattoo to feel sore and tender. 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.
Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water and be sure to pat dry. Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't put on another bandage.
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.
“You should also expect the appearance of your tattoo to get worse before it gets better,” he added. “Your tattoo will likely look wrinkly and cloudy for a couple of months before the fresh skin beneath the damaged layers rises to the surface.” But you should also be on the lookout for any potential infections.
Fresh tattoos will be swollen and not 'settled in' yet
If your tattoo is very new, it is likely that the lines feel raised and swollen simply because they are a bit swollen. Your new tattoo is an open wound, and the impact of the tattooing process will usually result in some swelling.
Your tattoo will likely hurt for at least a few days after the procedure. It may be extremely itchy, which is a sign of healing. It may feel like a sting or a sunburn.
When the skin begins to dry out, the area of the tattoo may also feel tight, as if it is pulling a little. Your skin might also still feel a little warm to the touch. This is perfectly normal, but the swelling should begin to subside by now.
Some tattoo artists recommend waiting between 24-48 hours before applying moisturizer, though others recommend doing so as soon as the first wash. A person with a fresh tattoo should follow their tattoo artist's instructions on when to start using moisturizer.
If you miss a few chances to wash it or moisturize it, don't worry. Your body is completely capable of healing it without any help.
You should wrap your tattoo in cling film, even while sleeping for the first couple of nights. This helps keep the germs out and helps with keeping fabric off of the tattoo to reduce rubbing/chafing.
Tattoo bubbling is a common issue experienced by many people with new tattoos during the healing process. Usually, tattoo bubbling is not a major cause for concern and can be easily treated. It's important to take care of tattoo bubbling right away to prevent infection and tattoo damage.
Yes, in fact it's common belief that the more you moisturize your tattoo, the better. But the truth is, that over moisturizing leads to clogged pores and breakouts in your skin. Your tattoo is like an open wound and it will dry out occasionally, however, do not over moisturize in an attempt to keep it from drying out.
On your first night, there's a chance your tattoo will still bleed. The blood can dry overnight and stick to your clothes or bedding. If this happens, gently take the fabric off.
If you use too much moisturizer, over time it makes your skin lazy, which can encourage your skin to produce less moisture on its own. Over moisturizing signals to your skin that it has enough water, lipids and protein (skin's building blocks) and that it can slow down the production of these important skin nutrients.
Areas of the body that have less fat tend to hurt more. Those areas include "the ribs, feet, elbow ditch, and armpit area," explains Lavriv.