A new tattoo is considered to be an open wound so naturally they require proper aftercare in order for them to heal correctly. Through each stage of the healing process the tattoo will need attention. Tattoos must be kept clean and exposed to least amount of germs as possible. The healing stages of a tattoo will be as unique as the individual who is experiencing it.
Different factors play their roles in the nature and manner that your tattoo tends to heal. A number of these factors tend to be centered on the kind of skin you possess and where your tattoo is located anatomically. Also of note are the tattoo artist and the style and manner they use to create your tattoo.
When your tattoo has been completed, the tattoo artist will usually place a bandage over the tattoo and tell you not to remove it for a few hours in order to limit the external exposure that your fresh tattoo gets.
A brand new tattoo is similar to having minor surgeries so don’t be surprised if your tattoo bleeds a little for the first 24 hours. This is normal and your bandage will help absorb any bleeding from your tattoo initially following your procedure. One thing to note is to be extremely careful when removing your bandage and to not let a large amount of blood dry on your bandage.
As soon as it is time to get the bandage off from your tattoo, you should do it rather carefully. It may be possible that some amount of blood has dried on the bandage and ripping it off suddenly could ruin the look of your new tattoo.
The first healing stage of your new tattoo is experienced almost initially so expect that your tattoo is going to be sore, red, and possibly a bit swollen. You may also experience a slight stinging sensation that is similar to the feeling of sunburn. Tattoo artists will tell you that getting a tattoo feels like strong sunburn; the truth is that a healing tattoo will often feel like sunburn.
The healing process with tattoos is almost the same as recovering from bad sunburn. It is a rather common occurrence for a new tattoo to peel after a number of days. You should never attempt to peel away any part of the skin yourself because doing so might result in you pulling the ink out of your tattoo and leaving it discolored and uneven in terms of the way it looks. You might also experience the tight, dry and itchy feeling which comes with a new tattoo. You should continue applying tattoo aftercare lotion in order to moisturize the tattoo and reduce the symptoms experienced. You might see some small particles of colored skin drift off your tattoo as it heals and this is rather normal as well.
These are the usual healing stages associated with new tattoos: Week one, expect soreness and redness, and slight bleeding is common during the initial 24 hours following your procedure. Week two, expect the tattoo to flake or peel and your tattoo may become itchy. Week three, which is usually the final week of the healing process scabbing and peeling will have subsided although the area might still feel sensitive.