Is it normal for my tattoo to bulge?

Author: Adriana O'Reilly DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, August 21, 2025

In fact, raised tattoos are a very common occurrence among tattoo enthusiasts. A raised tattoo occurs when the skin around the tattoo becomes swollen, bumpy, or elevated due to irritated scar tissue and/or histamine response from the body. This can happen shortly after getting a tattoo, or it can develop over time.

Why is my tattoo bulging out?

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 did my tattoo turn into a blob?

In a lot of cases, it's poor placement of the ink. If the ink is deposited too deep, then it bleeds into the fat tissue, casing it to look like a blob. It could be that the design is of poor quality. If the lines are too close, they will bleed together, causing it to again, look like a blob.

Is it normal for a new tattoo to puff up?

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.

What do bubble tattoos mean?

These tattoos, with their simple yet captivating allure, serve as a reminder of the fleeting moments of joy and the pure, unadulterated wonder that life offers.

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

Why is my tattoo raised?

As the body heals, it encapsulates the ink and holds it in place within deeper layers of the skin. That's why it's perfectly normal for a new tattoo to appear raised.

How long does a tattoo stay puffy?

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.

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 do you fix a blob tattoo?

How Tattoo Blowout Can Be Fixed. Unfortunately, once blowout occurs, there's nothing you can do to reverse it. In order to “fix” the blurry ink, you can try to correct it with additional tattooing, or opt to remove it altogether.

Will my tattoo become a blob?

Scale is more important to a tattoo than most people think. While a small intricate tattoo is beautiful while fresh, over the long term as ink migrates outward the design will likely become a smudge or blob.

How do you fix a puffy tattoo?

Apply a cold pack. This can help reduce swelling, bruising or itching. Never apply ice directly to the skin as it can cause tissue damage. Instead, put a layer of fabric between the cold pack and the skin.

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 to tell if a tattoo is infected or just healing?

What Does an Infected Tattoo Look Like?
  1. A rash that can be itchy with scaly, raised, or swollen bumps.
  2. Excessive redness or discoloration, where the skin beneath the tattoo becomes darker instead of lightening up as it heals.
  3. Pus that oozes from blisters on the skin.
  4. Open sores that may have crusting.

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.

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.

Why is my tattoo raised and puffy?

A raised tattoo occurs when the skin around the tattoo becomes swollen, bumpy, or elevated due to irritated scar tissue and/or histamine response from the body. This can happen shortly after getting a tattoo, or it can develop over time. The raised area may be itchy, painful, or feel uncomfortable.

Do new tattoos bubble up?

Tattoo bubbling is when these scabs don't heal correctly due to excess moisture. In most cases, tattoo bubbling occurs when your new tat isn't thoroughly dried after getting wet. Lotion or ointments can also make matters worse by trapping water inside the scabs.

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.

Is it normal for a tattoo to swell?

It's normal in the tattoo healing process to have some redness, swelling, and inflammation, but if those factors progress or occur for more than a few days, you likely have an infection.

Why is my 3 year old tattoo raised and itchy?

Allergic reactions: In some cases, individuals may develop allergies to the components in tattoo ink weeks, years, or even decades later, leading to itching or skin irritation.

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