Perhaps, if you have recently had a tattoo, or are planning to get one, you have doubts about the different phases in the healing of a tattoo.
Don't worry, that's what we're here for! So we have prepared an article that covers all phases of healing of a tattoo so that you do not find any surprises.
First phase of tattoo healing: tender and swollen skin
During the first days of the healing phase of a tattoo, which occurs approximately the first week after tattooing, they are characterized by a swelling in the area of the tattoo. It may be, especially if the piece has been large and laborious, that you also notice hot skin and that when you touch the tattoo when washing it, the skin is tender and sore.
Also during the first days the tattoo will ooze ink and blood. So it is important to maintain good hygiene in the area and do not let it rub against clothing, for example. At the end of the day, the tattoo is a wound and as such leaving it in the air is the best thing to heal.
For this reason, many tattoo studios recommend that you leave the plastic wrap with which the tattoo is covered for only one night, or at most, twenty-four hours. When you remove it, you will see that it will be full of blood and ink, it is totally normal. When washing, wash your hands before touching it and then rinse it gently, without the water jet hitting it directly, and removing ink and blood remains with your hand very very gently.
Second phase: superficial healing
Upon reaching the second phase of tattoo healing, which takes place during the second week (and may even last a few more days, depending on your healing rate), the tattoo will have already healed, at least superficially.
You will know that this is the case by the scabs that have started to appear on the surface. Some will fall off right away, in the form of dry skin remnants, like flakes. (in a similar way to how we peel ourselves when we get burned on the beach).
This part is one of the worst and most difficult to bear, since it is usually accompanied by a horrible itch. I do not know if it is related, but the tattoos that I have done in summer have itched more than those that I have done in winter, perhaps because the skin is drier. In fact, one of the best ways to avoid itching is to apply the lotion that your tattoo artist has indicated to keep your skin hydrated.
In addition to the superficial scabs that will fall off, thicker ones will also form on top of the tattoo. Especially the eyeliner, it is likely that it will even be seen with a curious highlight effect. Do not touch or tear them: let the body remove them on its own or you will prevent it from healing properly and it could even affect the final design.
By the way, when you clean your tattoo it is normal for some scabs to come off. Don't panic and clean the area gently to avoid ripping them off.
Third phase: (almost) final healing
When almost all the scabs have fallen off, we will have reached the last phase of the healing process of a tattoo, in which the tattoo will be almost healed. And we say almost because, even though the outermost part of the skin has already healed, the innermost part still has to continue healing the area. This is a process that can take several months.
From this point on, even if you no longer have to take any precautions and the risk of infection has been reduced, you should continue to take care of your tattoo. How? Keeping it hydrated and covered with a good sunscreen cream to prevent the sun from doing its thing.
Still have questions? Remember that for each case it is best to discuss it with your tattoo artist, who will answer all your questions.
We hope this article on the healing process of a tattoo has served as a guide for you if you just got tattooed. Tell us, how has your process been? Do you have any tips you want to share? Remember that you can tell us what you want in the comments!