How long does it take a Tattoo to Heal? Once you got a tattoo, you are eager to show it to others but the problem is after getting it takes some time to heal and you want to take care of it. The process of healing takes place over many stages, four to be exact and the time it takes to heal the tattoo depends on the size of the tattoo.
In this article, all four stages of the healing process will take place and also talk about the signs of the tattoo not healing. The outer layer of the tattoo which you can see can be healed within 2 to 3 weeks but sometimes it can look like it is healed but it’s probably not. The skin underneath the tattoo can take about 6 months to properly heal.
The skin takes longer to heal and you have to take care of it properly and you have to use lotion daily.
How long does it take a Tattoo to Heal? Different Stages
Tattoo healing can be divided into four stages and the size of the tattoo is the main factor in the whole process.
The stages are divided into weeks and we will talk about them below:
Week 1
The first stage last about 6 days, after taking out the bandage it is generally a wound and your body will react to it as a wound. You can see redness, oozing and swelling or sometimes you can feel the skin burning where you got the tattoo.
Week 2
After the first week, you may experience itching and flaking. It is a natural response and you have nothing to worry about, even if it looks like some of it’s coming off but and the ink will remain intact
Do not scratch the tattoo and it is recommended to put moisturizer on it and it can stop the itching and make the wound easy to clean.
Weeks 3 and 4
At this time, the tattoo is starting to dry and all the itchiness should pass in that stage if you still see redness, it may be an infected tattoo. You can notice that the tattoo is more visible than ever it is because a dry layer is formed over it.
Months 2 to 6
Itching and redness should have subsided by this point, and your tattoo may look fully healed, though it’s smart to continue with aftercare. Long-term care for a tattoo includes staying hydrated, wearing SPF or sun-protective clothing, and keeping the tattoo clean.
Signs your tattoo isn’t healing properly
It’s important to know the signs that your tattoo isn’t healing properly or has become infected. Symptoms of improper healing include:
- Fever or chills. A fever may indicate that your tattoo has become infected, and you should see a doctor right away.
- Prolonged redness. All tattoos will be somewhat red for a few days after the procedure, but if the redness doesn’t subside, it’s a sign that your tattoo isn’t healing well.
- Oozing fluid. If fluid or pus is still coming out from your tattoo after 2 or 3 days, it may be infected. See a doctor.
- Swollen, puffy skin. It’s normal for the tattoo to be raised for a few days, but the surrounding skin shouldn’t be puffy. This may indicate that you’re allergic to the ink.
- Severe itching or hives. Itchy tattoos can also be a sign that your body is allergic to the ink. The allergic reaction to a tattoo trusted Source can happen right after, or as much as several years after getting the tattoo.
- Scarring. Your tattoo will scab over because it’s a wound, but a properly healed tattoo shouldn’t scar. Signs of scarring include raised, puffy skin, redness that doesn’t fade, distorted colours within the tattoo, or pitted skin.
Learn More: How Long Does a Tattoo Take to Heal? A Recovery Timeline (healthline.com)
