"Understanding Tattoo Bruising and Swelling: What's Normal and When to Worry"

If you've recently been tattooed, you might notice that the area is swollen or even bruised. Understandably, this may have you concerned about the condition of your new tattoo. No need to panic, minor reactions are quite common and fade quickly.

WHAT CAUSES SWELLING & BRUISING?

The tattoo process is shocking to your body. A grouping of needles punctures your skin very rapidly, creating thousands of tiny holes. Your body has to work to heal and protect the new wound created by getting tattooed. If you experience swelling or bruising after being tattooed, it's simply part of the process your body must undergo in order to heal the tattoo.

Swelling is a normal reaction after getting tattooed. Your body recognizes the pigment as a foreign object and responds by attempting to fight off any potential infections. Swelling, soreness, and redness are normal symptoms after getting tattooed. Follow proper tattoo aftercare to keep your tattoo clean and prevent infection.

Some parts of your body are more prone to bruising than others- joints and areas where the skin is thin (i.e., inner bicep). Even if you usually don't bruise, certain parts of your body may react to the trauma differently and result in a bruise.

While everyone is prone to bruising, there are many factors that may influence whether or not your tattoo will bruise, such as:

• a genetic disposition to bruising

• medication

• bleeding disorders

• tattoo location

• skin condition

HOW TO TREAT BRUISING & SWELLING

While it's not necessary to treat bruising or swelling, it might provide relief mentally and physically. Tattoo bruising would be treated the same as any other bruising, although you must consider the factors of tattoo aftercare. For example, you can't just throw a dirty ice pack that's been in the back of the freezer for a year on a fresh tattoo. That could lead to infection.

Here are some tips for treating a swollen and/or bruised tattoo:

ICE COMPRESSION

Applying a cold pack to your tattoo will provide relief to a swollen or bruised tattoo. However, you should only ice your tattoo after the weeping stage (when blood and plasma are leaking out of the wound).

Never apply ice or a cold pack directly on your healing tattoo, always ensure there is a barrier (such as a layer of paper towel) to protect yourself from infection. Additionally, place the ice or cold pack in a ziplock bag to further prevent the risk of infection. Only ice your tattoo for 15-20 minutes and reapply in a couple of hours if needed.

ELEVATION

Elevating the body part that has been tattooed can help blood flow and reduce bruising. It can especially help if you sleep with the body part elevated with a couple of pillows.

REST

Rest is a key factor in the healing process. Make sure you're getting adequate rest and even a little extra. Avoid drinking heavily and staying up late the first few days after getting tattooed.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In most cases, bruising and swelling are nothing to worry about. While these minor reactions will go away on their own, there are many ways to reduce discomfort. If you have further questions or concerns about the bruising or swelling of your tattoo, reach out to your artist directly or call the shop.