tattoo advice please??

Question

this is really only for people who have had a tattoo. i was wondering, how long does it take for a tattoo to heal? for the swelling and redness to go down? im thinking about having a tattoo on my lower back? all answers appreciated :)

Answer 1

I had one done on my lower back, measuring 5.5 inches x 5 inches onthe 09.03.07, I used savlon up till sunday, and now use moisturiser. The redness ( I didnt suffer swelling as such, just iritated skin) went by mon, and it started scabbing by then. Let the scabs fall off when they want. Obviously after having a bath, they will soften, but dont encourage them away. It started itching 14.03.07, and although its driving me mad at times, I avoid it completely! I have found that when it itches, putting a little bit of moisturiser on soothes it. Avoid leaning on it or sleeping on it and avoid snug fitting clothes till its fully healed. Parts of mine are already fully healed I'd say. These are the little bits, but as I softly run my finger over it, it no longer feels raised off my skin.

Its difficult to describe the healing process, just as hard as it is to describe having one done. It was uncomfortable, and did hurt a little as he rent over my spine, but it never got to the stage where I had to tell him to stop. Towards the end it was hot, but that was all. When it was done I hardly felt it! It took 1hour 15 mins roughly. Have you got a pic of what you'd like done for us to view?

Good luck!

Answer 2

It depends on your own body some people heal quicker than others. I was given the following advice from my tattooist, I was told to buy nappy rash cream, cling film and surgical tape. I was also told to wash the tattoo in the same shower gel I used before the tattoo in case any of the antiseptic ones didn't agree with my skin. You will have to wash the tattoo 2 - 3 times a day and then apply a thin layer of nappy rash cream and then put the cling warp over it and tape the corners to you skin. The nappy rash cream helps it heal the cling wrap keeps it clean and stops your clothes from sticking to it. your tattooist will give you advice on this anyway. Oh by the way when you are at home try to let the air into it this also helps it heal. Mine looks great and is worth all the work above. You also need to get emulave moisturising cream (this contains no soap or alcohol so is extra gentle) when it is healed to keep the tattoo nice and soft and moist works a treat. Good Luck.

Answer 3

you know what it's like when u graze your skin ? not a deep wound, but enough for it to bleed and then scab over ? it's just like that. and no matter how itchy it gets, u can't scratch it, or u risk damaging the design ! really annoying, but totally worth it. it took my tattoo (dragon on my left hip) about 10 days to totally heal. the swelling and the redness went down after about 2 days. the first night after i'd had it done was the worst. it felt like i'd been burnt. your skin will feel very sore and hot. make sure u don't have to work for at least one day after getting it done. (although i guess that really only applies if u are getting an average or larger sized tattoo done - tiny ones shouldn't effect u that much) u will need to keep your tattoo clean and moisturised. i found that vaseline was good. it also helped ease the itching. good luck. hope it all goes well.

Answer 4

If should only take a week to ten days for the swelling and soreness to subside. However your tattoo WON'T be completely healed for 6 to 8 weeks (it will take that long to complete replace the outer layer of skin with new skin cells.) During this time a good non scented moisturizing lotion applied a couple of times daily will keep your tattoo looking good (I use Cetaphil).......

good luck

Answer 5

It all depends on the size of the tattoo and how well you care for it. I have about a dozen tattoos and they have ranged from a week to over a month to heal. I would never use like Vaseline or a&d ointment on mine - it tends to block the pores from breathing. I use and used lubriderm hand lotion on all of mine and they have kept color and healed very well for me. Lower back is a bit painful - but if it's something you really want it's all worth it in the end! Good luck and have fun.... and YES I agree it's very addictive!!!

Answer 6

I had my tattoo done on my lower back before Xmas.
I think you have to be really sure you want to do this, and if you are then you have to be prepared for pain and discomfort. It's very painful at the time, but doesn't hurt too much afterwards. It takes about a week to heal if you look after it properly. You musn't get it wet while it's healing.
I adore mine, and it was worth the pain.

Answer 7

Mine (lower back too) took about 3 days for the itchyness to go - cover the tattoo with vaseline - it works and is better than covering it. The swelling takes about a week.
Part of a friend's came away - after the "scabbing" over - it didnt take and she just got it touched up again.

Also actually getting the tattoo on the lower back can be sore - depending on how much "insulation" you have ;-)
The closer to bone the sorer (I know - grammer!) it is!

Hope this helps.

Hope this helps

Answer 8

Its different for everybody. Usually it takes a good three weeks for the scabbing to come off but i have had swelling that lasted about 6 weeks.Different body parts heal at different rates.

Answer 9

It takes about 6 weeks in total for the skin to completely rettle down. That means no swimming in pools with chlorine, no salt water swimming, no chemicals on the skin, no sunbathing, try not to scratch it when it itches (and it will!!!).

The pain and redness will go after a 'few days', depending on how quick a healer you are. My lower back was ok in a week, though wearing trousers was a bit uncomfortable.

Answer 10

It can take anywhere between a few days or a week or so. All six of mine healed within a week. The ones on my hip and stomach healed the fastest, whereas the ones on my arms took a little longer.