If you are new to the world of tattoos then there are a lot of things for you to learn. Behind those beautiful and eye-catching tattoo designs, there is a background of a lot of pain, long procedures, and brainstorming done for getting the best design inked on your body.
People do think a lot about the designs and the overall procedure as the tattoos are permanent. Changing your mind will warrant you to go through the same procedure all over again
Even tattoo removal is a painful and costly process. Once you are done with the most desirable tattoo imprinted on your skin then your recovery or healing phase starts. The tattooed area tends to swell during the early days which may stretch up to weeks.
This may impact your routine life. However, there are some really useful things which you could do to reduce the swelling of your tattooed area.
What can you experience post-procedure with tattoo designs?
Once you are done with your tattoo design then the tattooed area is normally wrapped so that it could heal properly with no external issues. It is normal to experience swelling after your tattoo procedure.
A lot of people also see redness on and around the tattoo area. These are expected signs and nothing to worry about unless you have not caught any infection.
However, there are some other serious signs which if appear could be alarming. Apart from swelling and redness, if you experience fever, chills, skin rashes, skin irritation, open sores, and pus then those could be signs of infection.
Infection may occur either immediately after the tattoo procedure or it may also be the case weeks or months after the procedure. If it is just about swelling and redness then you need not worry that much. This could also be controlled and minimized which we will be discussing below.
Things to do for reducing the tattoo swelling
To make things easy for your post-tattoo procedure, the following are the things that you could do:
Ensuring Aftercare
One highly recommended way by experts after a tattoo procedure is aftercare. This will reduce any probably swelling and could also eliminate the chances of getting any infection.
It is not just that you should blindly follow the advice of your tattoo artist but, you must also do your research as well in this regard.
The basic idea here is to keep your tattooed area nicely cleaned and dry all the time. You also need to make sure that you do not pick the flakes formed.
Ensure no Pressure on the Tattooed Area
Putting excessive weight on the bruised tattoo area could further worsen it. This may develop into excessive swelling. Therefore, it is advised not to apply too much pressure or weight on the tattooed area.
You must be very careful with your sleeping positions as it could also worsen it if unknowingly you apply some pressure on it while sleeping. You must also not lift too much weight, for example, when the tattoo is inked on your biceps. This could also cause swelling.
Avoid Blood Thinners
Experiencing pain during and after the tattoo procedure is a normal thing. A lot of people take painkillers to reduce their pain. If that is also the case with you then try Panadol and ibuprofen.
Take these medications just as they are suggested to be used on their package. Make sure that you avoid taking any blood-thinning kind of medications as that could enhance swelling.
Ice and Elevate Technique
You must also couple it with rest. Your tattooed area needs to rest to heal properly. This could be best done with your complete body rest and as much as you could do this.
If you see swelling then use ice on it which will help it to settle down Elevating the tattooed area while in rest position also helps considerably in the subject matter. Elevation would enhance blood circulation in the area and will help in the reduction of swelling.
Avoid Heat
Make sure that you are keeping your newly applied tattoo far away from any heat. Heat could be responsible to induce your blood flow to the tattooed area which could make things worse with swelling. Make sure you avoid warm water to wash your tattooed area for at least 48 hours or so. Hot compress must also be avoided and keep away from direct exposure to sunlight as well.
Why Swelling occurs after tattoo?
Swelling could be due to many reasons which are given below:
Reaction
Try to avoid taking any blood thinner medications like painkillers. They potentially result in excessive swelling. Coffee, alcohol, and aspirin are also considered to be blood-thinning agents and they must be avoided unless you are completely healed.
Placement
Swelling is usually observed in those fleshier parts of your body. It could be the spots where the flow of blood is high and it is also close to the skin. The new tattoos do swell considerably, especially under the arm area, thigs, feet, hands, and the sides of the neck. This is just a rough idea and there are chances to experience swelling on any area of your body where the tattoo is inked.
Excessive Use of Numbing Creams
The skin numbing creams are known for restricting the flow of blood specifically to the tattooed area. This may lead to opposite results as desired during the recovery phase. This restricted blood flow could be dangerous through the numbing creams and may cause extreme swelling.
Natural
Some people are more susceptible to swelling or bruising as compared with others. This could be natural or due to any medical reason. They may also have some specific blood condition that will make them experience that kind of reaction.
Video Credit: Machu Tattoos
Conclusion
Experiencing swelling after a tattoo procedure is a normal thing but it can be painful and uncomfortable as well. You can do a few things to minimize swelling where the first and foremost is excellent aftercare.
You can also apply ice and elevate techniques for enhancing blood circulation around the tattooed area. Heat, blood thinner medications, and pressure on the area should be avoided. If you are good with all these things then the swelling will be minimized.
Howlingly Beautiful Wolf Tattoo Ideas for Men and Women