How long does a tattoo stay puffy?

Author: Lizzie Leffler  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Your new tattoo will be red, irritated, swollen, warm-to-the-touch & possibly bruised; this is all NORMAL. This will normally last 1 to 3 days. If your tattoo is on an extremity, especially below the knee, you may experience more swelling than normal.

Is it normal for tattoos to be puffy?

It's normal for a brand new tattoo to have some redness around it, and appear swollen for a day or two, especially if it's very large or in a sensitive area. But if the redness and swelling persists for more than a couple of days, or if it gets worse and begins to feel more tender, this could be a cause for concern.

How long do tattoos take to unswell?

After getting a tattoo, it's common for the area to be raised and swollen. Typically, this swelling can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Most people notice that the swelling decreases significantly within 2 to 3 days.

How long does a new tattoo stay raised?

After getting a tattoo, it's common for the area to be raised and swollen. Typically, this swelling can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Most people notice that the swelling decreases significantly within 2 to 3 days.

What does a tattoo blowout look like?

A blowout is a term that refers to when the ink is put in too deep in the skin. They can look like fuzzy spots in lineart or unintentional shading.

Tattoo Healing Process | day by day

Do tattoo blowouts eventually 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.

How long to keep a tattoo wrapped?

After your tattoo is completed, your artist will bandage your tattoo for your trip home. Leave the bandage on for one to three hours. When you take the bandage off, wash it with very warm water (as hot as is comfortable) and mild liquid hand soap (like Dr.

How long does it take for a tattoo to become smooth?

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.

How to flatten a raised tattoo?

Silicone sheets or gels are typically applied to the tattooed area and left on for several hours a day. Over time, they may help flatten the tattoo. It is crucial to follow the instructions provided with the product and consult with a professional for guidance.

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 is my tattoo still puffy?

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.

What helps reduce tattoo swelling?

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.

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.

Is it normal for my tattoo to bulge?

If you've got a bit of tattoo bruising or tattoo swelling, it's just a sign that your body is healing by sending more blood to the affected area, it's not usually anything to worry about and it's very rare to have an allergic reaction. If you're concerned, go and see a doctor to put your mind at ease.

How to fix a tattoo blowout?

What should I do if I have tattoo blowout?
  1. Don't panic. ...
  2. Keep the tattoo clean and moisturized. ...
  3. Avoid picking at the tattoo. ...
  4. If you feel comfortable, you can speak to your tattoo artist. ...
  5. Try a tattoo blowout cover up. ...
  6. If you want it gone, try tattoo removal.

Why does my tattoo look fluffy?

“If applied too deeply into the skin, a tattoo is able to get to the layer of fat, which basically is the reason for such tattoo blowout.”

Why is my 2 month old tattoo still raised?

It's common for new tattoos to feel raised for no reason. Over time, it will heal, and the raised feeling will go away. In some cases, it can take weeks or even months for your skin to return to normal. Still, there's no reason to be concerned.

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

How long does a raised tattoo last?

Everyone will heal at a slightly different rate. It's normal for a raised tattoo to go down after one to two weeks with proper aftercare.

How long does tattoo swelling last?

Your new tattoo will be red, irritated, swollen, warm-to-the-touch & possibly bruised; this is all NORMAL. This will normally last 1 to 3 days. If your tattoo is on an extremity, especially below the knee, you may experience more swelling than normal.

Can you sleep with a new tattoo uncovered?

Unfortunately, there's no way to control what your body does while you sleep, but keeping your new tattoo covered during the night will help mitigate the risk of causing any injuries by scratching it.

How long after a tattoo can you shower normally?

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.

What happens if I take the wrap off my tattoo early?

The bandage and area may smell a little bit, this is ok. DO NOT REMOVE BEFORE THE SIXTH DAY. Doing so will result in color loss and can require a touch up at an additional cost. It is harmful to the tattoo and to your health to leave a healing tattoo untreated.

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