Did you know that, according to the data, one in three people has a? And that almost everyone at some point has considered getting one? It is not for less, this expression of art that has the skin as its canvas is beautiful, modern and at the same time a reflection of the personality of each one.
That is why surely you have heard more than once that whoever starts with tattoos can no longer stop. Our mission is that you have at your fingertips all the information you need before, during and after getting your tattoo. How long does it take to heal a tattoo? We tell you what the healing phases of a tattoo are.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
- It is clear that when you get a tattoo, it is to show it off and exude personality. But if you want it to be like that and there is no inconvenience, you have to follow a few steps before and after doing it. The question is that there are no infections and that the healing process is adequate, so you must have all the information possible.
- As a general rule, the average time it takes to heal a tattoo is one to two weeks, but everything will depend on the type of tattoo it is, its size or its style. But wait! Don’t stop reading that there are still many things you have to know so that everything goes well. As with common wounds, the time it takes to heal will depend, first of all, on the type of skin you have. If you are a person who is lucky enough to heal quickly when a cut or wound is made, the same thing will happen with a tattoo.
How to make your tattoo heal well?
However, whatever your skin type is, the important thing is that the tattoo heals well to avoid infections and diseases. So keep the following points in mind:
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The establishment where you are going to get the tattoo
You must bear in mind that the establishment or place where you are going to get the tattoo has the appropriate hygiene measures. It will be useless to take care of the tattoo after having done it if the tattoo studio was not adequate and did not comply with current regulations.
Disposable needles, antibacterial soap, the use of new gloves and a long etcetera are just some of the things that we must take into account. All of them must be in the studio, because as you already know, health comes first!
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Make the necessary cures
Toper form you must do a gentle massage in the tattoo area to remove the remains of blood and ink that remain after doing it. Dry the area and wash it as indicated by the tattoo artist. The simplest and most effective thing is to wash the tattoo well with lukewarm or cold water, use a mild neutral soap and apply the specific cream. This removes any excess residue or ink substance.
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The bandage
After getting the tattoo it is normal that they put a little bit of plastic wrap to protect the tattoo. However, this type of bandage should not be covering your tattoo for more than 4 hours because it may not heal well from the beginning as the skin is deprived of oxygen.
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A good moisturizer
For a few days after getting the tattoo it is very important to keep it hydrated. To do this, get a protective moisturizer or a healing cream that is recommended in the pharmacy or in the studio. Apply as directed and make sure the product ingredients are correct.
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Does the tattoo scab?
The scab in the healing of the tattoo is something that should not be formed, since the scab forms from what the skin expels. The ideal is to wash the tattoo for a long time, massaging but not rubbing so that everything that has oozed (tube and blood) comes off the skin and leaves it clean.
Also, it is best to do this process for several days, depending on the healing. Sometimes five days is enough, but other times it will take two weeks. All this will depend on the style of the tattoo, its size…
The different healing phases of a tattoo that you should know
Let’s see what was said before with the phases of the tattoo so that it is a little clearer.
1 First stage
In the two or three days after getting the tattoo, and due to the pressure of the needles, a scab will form on the wound. This means that you are in the first step of healing your tattoo. Of course, not in all cases, but it is observed that the skin in that area is a little redder, with bruises and even itchiness.
2 Second stage
In the event that a scab has emerged, it is common for it to itch, even more so when it begins to come off on its own. That is why it is important not to scratch, if the scab falls off before the wound is closed, another new scab will come out again and it will take longer to heal. The scab usually comes off completely after one or two weeks, at which time you can boast of beautiful and one hundred percent care.
How to know if the tattoo has been infected?
Let’s now see the symptoms that indicate that the tattoo has been infected and what you should do about it, it is just as important as knowing if the tattoo has healed completely. The tattoo could if…
-The skin presents with redness, continuous itching and painful irritation. It is normal for it to itch a little when the scab begins to appear, but not for it to do so every so often and even for it to hurt, especially when touching the skin.
-If the swelling on the tattoo and the Surrounding skin is still present after 24 hours and doesn’t seem to be going down, it’s a sign that you might be infected.
-If you notice pain or itching when the scab has already fallen off. In this phase the tattoo is healed and there should not be any symptoms or discomfort. If not, then it is a possible infection.
–Yellow pus-filled discharge and a bad odor coming from the tattoo are also signs that something is not right.
-On the other hand, you have to pay attention to other indications such asfeveror general malaise.
Now, if you suspect or are certain that your tattoo has not healed as it should and has become infected, you will have to see a doctor. It will be he or she who will recommend an appropriate antibiotic cream or oral medication. In addition, you will have to go to the studio and talk to your tattoo artist to verify what happened and find out when the infection could have occurred.