Overview
If you've recently obtained a new tattoo only to discover that it is not healing as expected and instead appears swollen, red, and bruised, you may be experiencing a common side effect known as tattoo bruising. This guide aims to provide an understanding of what tattoo bruising is, its causes, and how to address it to promote faster healing and minimize discomfort.
causes
Tattoo bruising most often results from the direct penetration of the tattoo needle into the dermal layer of the skin, causing blood to leak from the bloodstream and form pools underneath the surface. As the platelets in the blood clump together to try and stop the bleeding, the body's healing mechanisms kick in, triggering a complex series of events that can result in the formation of a typical bruise. The body naturally absorbs the blood over time, which eventually fades away, but this process can sometimes appear as purplish-blue or reddish-brown marks on the skin's surface.
Bruising During Tattooing
During the tattooing process, the skin undergoes significant trauma as the tattoo machine scores its way through the upper layers. The area where the tattoo is applied, which may initially look fresh and healthy, tends to become more delicate and bruise prone during the healing phase. This is because when blood vessels are ruptured and blood pools in the subcutaneous layers, it becomes easier for the tattoo needle to pierce the second or third layers of the skin, sometimes even deeper. This additional trauma and the resulting bruising can extend beyond the edges of the tattoo and leave the skin looking somewhat raw and raw-looking.
Bruising After Tattooing
Tattoo bruising following the procedure can present as a patchwork of red, blue, purple, and even blackISH streaks that are typically more pronounced in the areas where blood circulation was abundant at the time of the tattooing. While the redness may fade by the next day or two, these bruises can persist for several days or weeks as the body processes the insult and heals the wounded area.
How to Address Bruising
Postoperative Care
To help minimize tattoo bruising post-tattoo, it's crucial to engage in meticulous postoperative care, which includes keeping the area clean and dry, applying ice packs to the site gently and avoiding direct sunlight, and taking pain relief medication as recommended. Keeping the tattoo elevated can significantly aid in reducing swelling and bruising and is recommended to do so by sleeping with the site elevated.
Avoiding Bruises Before the Procedure
If you have a tendency to get easily bruised or broken blood vessels, you're advised to temporarily avoid getting tatTOOKED in areas where you are likely to develop bruising during the tattooing process. In the days leading up to your tattoo, consider wearing long-sleeved clothing or using an ace bandage to protect the tattoo site from cuts and scratches. It also helps to limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking to ensure proper healing.
Home Treatments
Occasionally, if the tattoo bruise is not severe and fades promptly, there are several home treatments that can be employed. Using witch hazel pads may be soothing to the area and aid in drawing out blood and inflammation, while applying aloe vera and cold packs can help to calm itching and reduce swelling. It is essential to avoid picking, scratching, or cutting at the tattoo during the recovery period.
Professional Help
If the tattoo bruise exceeds expectations or doesn't seem to improve within a couple of weeks of appropriate care, it may be necessary to consult with a professional tattoo artist or a health care provider for further guidance and potential management options.
Prevention
To help prevent tattoo bruising and promote faster healing of your tattoo, it's beneficial to choose the right tattoo artist, ensure proper needle insertion techniques, follow pre- and post-tattoo care instructions, avoid excessive movement in the weeks surrounding the tattoo, and maintain a balanced lifestyle that supports overall health and wellness.
##Tattoo bruising is a common and generally normal side effect that arises from the trauma and disruption of the skin during tattooing. It is important to allow adequate time for the body to heal and promote healing in a clean environment. Follow the guidelines outlined here, maintain patience, and seek assistance early on if the condition worsens or does not respond as expected.,
