Does tattoo ink expand as it heals?

Author: Lisandro McKenzie  |  Last update: Monday, July 28, 2025

If the ink is placed in the middle layer (the dermis), it will hold well. If it's placed in the third, deeper layer (the subcutaneous tissue), it will spread. This is because it's a fat layer, which can act like a liquid and move the ink around.

Does tattoo ink spread during healing?

*A little line spread is normal as your white blood cells attack the ink, and pull the lines apart. This happens the most in the first year, and very minor for up to ten years. What you're dealing with IS NOT NORMAL. No highlight or color correction can fix that. This can ONLY be fixed with a cover up.

Do tattoos get bigger as they heal?

Ink expands when healed and over time the older you get.

Why does my tattoo look like the ink is spreading?

It's typically caused when a tattoo artist presses too aggressively into the skin, deposits ink at the wrong angle, or overworks the skin, which occurs more often with a less-experienced tattoo artist but can happen with any artist.

Does tattoo ink expand over time?

Spreading: Ink particles can sometimes migrate from their original location, causing the tattoo to appear slightly “spread out” or less defined than when it was fresh.

Is this HAPPENING TO YOUR NEW Tattoo?! Is this Normal or is it RUINED?

Why does my tattoo look smudged while healing?

If you've recently gotten a tattoo, but it appears blurry and smudged during and after the healing process, you may be experiencing tattoo blowout. "A blowout is when a tattoo expands below the skin layer when it hits fat [and] veins or when scarring occurs," says Crys.

How long does it take for tattoo ink to fully settle?

A Quick Review

Tattoos typically take two to four weeks to heal on the surface, but it can take three to six months to fully heal. The tattoo healing process typically involves a week of redness and oozing, followed by two to three weeks of itchiness and peeling. After about a month, the skin still internally heals.

Do tattoos bleed ink when healing?

A tattoo bleeding ink while healing is normal. The very experienced tattoo artists will always ensure that as much ink as possible is packed in so that most of it remains. Even if excess ink is packed in your skin and some comes out with the bleeding, it is perfectly normal, and there is no need for you to worry.

Why is my tattoo ink puffing up?

It's nothing to be concerned about, but it can sometimes raise up, and this is generally caused by changes in body temperature or weather conditions, as well as general health. Many people notice the swelling happens during the summertime, when weather is warmer and humidity higher.

When to stop using Aquaphor on a tattoo?

Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.

Do tattoos thicken as they heal?

“Your tattoo will get a bit lighter or slightly thicker depending on how your body heals it,” Kim says. “Go with your artist's suggestion regarding placement, size, and detail. They're the expert and are there to make your tattoo experience as fun, informative, and seamless as possible.

Does a tattoo blowout ever go away?

Sadly, the answer is no, tattoo blowout will not go away on its own. Tattoo pigment particles are too big for the body's immune system to process away, so the blowout will remain, as if it were intended to be there.

Is it normal for ink to come out while healing a tattoo?

The quick answer is that yes, it's perfectly normal for ink to come away as a tattoo heals. Ink is driven deep into the skin by the tattoo needles, but some will be on the surface of the skin, and some others will collect in scabs above the tattoo.

Can your body reject a tattoo years later?

Yes, you can be allergic to certain brands of tattoo ink. Allergic reactions generally occur due to ingredients in the ink, such as pigments or metals. Symptoms can include itchiness, redness, swelling, or rash at the site of the tattoo, and can occur immediately or years later.

How often should I moisturize a new tattoo?

How Often Should I Moisturize a New Tattoo? According to tattoo artists and skincare experts, you should moisturize a new tattoo three times a day. While this might seem excessive, it's important to remember that your skin is still healing and will be very tender from the process.

Why does my tattoo look like it's missing ink while healing?

Your tattoo is going through the normal healing process.

This milky skin sticks around for 1-2 weeks, and it might make your tattoo ink appear less vibrant. A lack of ink isn't a problem if your tattoo is still peeling and healing.

When to stop washing a tattoo twice a day?

Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.

When can you sleep with a tattoo uncovered?

Should I cover a new tattoo when I sleep? Keeping your new tattoo covered for at least the first night or two will help reduce the risk of it leaking onto your bedding and lower the risk of infection.

What are the stages of a tattoo healing?

While there's some variability to the healing process, generally, there are three broad stages of tattoo healing:
  • Inflammation (Days 1-3) ...
  • Visible recovery (Days 4-14) ...
  • Invisible recovery (Days 14-30) ...
  • On the day. ...
  • 1-48 hours. ...
  • 48hrs – 14 days. ...
  • The sun. ...
  • Scented soap.

Does tattoo ink spread while healing?

Throughout the healing process, the blowout will become more prominent. Note: When a tattoo is healing, there might be excess ink that looks like it's coming out of the tattoo when it's bandaged.

When can I stop washing my tattoo with antibacterial soap?

It is considered fully healed when all scabs have fallen off, and the skin has regenerated and closed up. This process generally takes between 2 to 4 weeks. At this point, you can stop washing your tattoo with soap, as it will be protected by its own layers of skin.

Do tattoos shrink after healing?

Stay hydrated.

A tattoo is an integral part of our body and changes its shape and appearance over time: it will stretch and shrink, until it looks faded.

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