Is it normal for a tattoo to stick out?

Author: Domenick Gutkowski  |  Last update: Friday, December 12, 2025

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.

Why does my tattoo stick out?

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.

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

It's normal for a raised tattoo to go down after one to two weeks with proper aftercare. If it's taking a lot longer than that or if the situation is getting worse, you may have an infection. The best way to avoid an infected tattoo is to follow your artist's aftercare instructions down to the letter.

How long should a tattoo needle stick out?

Where Should the Tattoo Needle Go? Again, you want your needles to reach the dermis and no farther. This usually means the needle should penetrate about 1–2mm (usually a bit closer to 2) or around 1/16th of an inch into the skin.

Is it normal for tattoo to stick to clothes?

Your tattoo may be susceptible to sticking to your sheets or clothes. It is better that it sticks to you clothes rather than your sheets. If the tattoo sticks to your clothes, splash warm water on it and remove the clothing from the tattoo very gently. Remember, this is an open wound, so use common sense.

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

Is it OK if my clothes touch my new tattoo?

Is it OK to wear clothes over a new tattoo? Yes, but try not to after the few initial days after application. If you do, make sure you change your clothes frequently. In our experience, tattoos can weep onto the clothes and if you don't change them, it can cause infection.

What speed for lining a tattoo?

The Right Rhythm for Line Work: Linework is the foundation of most tattoos, demanding precision and consistency. For this task, a higher speed is typically employed-ranging from 7.5 to 8.5 volts, depending on the machine and power supply.

Why do tattoo artists dip the needle in water?

You may notice your artist dip the needle in water during the session. This is called a dip cap which helps clean, blend, dry, or dilute ink. Artists do this for smoother ink flow and to reduce friction. This allows more precise and comfortable tattooing.

How to tell if a tattoo isn't healing properly?

Persistent redness: Skin shouldn't stay red for weeks or start to darken or spread. Green or yellow fluid: Pus oozing from your tattoo is a sign of infection. Persistent swollen skin: Skin on or around the tattoo shouldn't look puffy for weeks, which indicates an allergy to tattoo ink.

Is a raised tattoo normal?

Older tattoos may be raised due to scar tissue

Thicker lines, and more pressure applied during tattooing, can cause some scarring. 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.

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

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.

Is it normal for a tattoo to push out ink?

​ Yes. It is quite common for ink to leak from the tattoo the day after it was inked. This suggests that everything is fine and your immune system is functioning normally.

How to avoid tattoo blowout?

If you are worried about tattoo blowouts, avoid areas where the skin is particularly thin – such as the wrist or the top of your foot. And go for a tattoo location with thicker skin – like the upper thighs or the calves. Finally, be sure to continue a thorough aftercare routine.

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.

What voltage should I tattoo at?

Here is a basic voltage range chart to guide you: Lining: 7.5 - 9V. Shading: 6 - 8V. Color Packing: 7 - 9V.

Why is my tattoo 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.

Do fine line tattoos age well?

Aftercare & Aging

Fine line tattoos are applied with less ink. While the ink is still embedded in the second layer of skin, the single needle does not penetrate as deeply or deposit as much ink. As a result, it is common for fine line tattoos to fade with age.

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