How Long Does A Chest Tattoo Take To Heal?

How Long Does A Chest Tattoo Take To Heal
After getting a tattoo, the outer layer of skin (the part you can see) will typically heal within 2 to 3 weeks. While it may look and feel healed, and you may be tempted to slow down on the aftercare, it can take as long as 6 months for the skin below a tattoo to truly heal.

Do chest tattoos heal fast?

Tips for Getting Inked on Your Chest –

  1. Start small. Especially, if this is your first tattoo. You may even want to think about putting off your massive chest piece dream until you’ve done something small somewhere it will hurt less so you get a taste of the tattoo experience. Speaking from experience, the chest is one of the most painful areas to get a tattoo (after the foot), especially as you get closer to the breast bone.
  2. Allow plenty of time for it to hea l. Plan on at least five days and up to two weeks. You might not realize just how much you move the skin over your chest in day-to-day functions until it hurts every time you move your arms!
  3. Know what you want. Find your design and go to an artist you trust, because it is very hard to hide chest tattoos if something goes wrong. People will see pieces of it revealed by the neckline of a shirt or just plain see it through a shirt if it’s a thin material.
  4. Plan ahead. If you are thinking about getting a sleeve or even another smaller piece anywhere near your planned chest piece, make sure it will look good together. Remember, most people will see the tattoos on the front of your body before they see other areas (duh, right?) and nobody wants to look like they have a few missing puzzle pieces.
  5. Think carefully about how it will affect your daily life. If you have to look professional at work, are you willing to always wear high-necked shirts because the company has a no-tattoo policy? Or do you want all of the guys at the country club to see your tattoo of a heart with the kick-butt barbed wire with “Mom” in the middle? You are the only one who should be able to judge yourself but we all know that isn’t the case in today’s world, so take a few minutes to think about the backlash of a prospective tattoo.
  6. Look carefully for the right tattoo artist. If you just want someone to ink your skin, then settle for the first Joe Shmoe that gives you a price on a tattoo. But if you are looking for a true artist, go to every shop you have to until you find the perfect artist for you. I promise you there is someone out there that knows exactly what you are trying to describe and is willing to help you.
  7. Visit the artist in person. Don’t just rely on websites (although I do recommend reading reviews posted by others about prospective shops and artists) for your final judgment. Check the places out in person and talk to the artists if possible. Most will give you a quote on the spot plus you can check out the shop (don’t ever trust a dirty tattoo shop. Don’t trust it to just anyone!
  8. Have fun!! Tattoos are an artistic expression with no creative bounds! Express yourself however you want!

Don’t let any of these scare you away from a tattoo! Use these tips to make an informed decision. I love my tattoos but I do wish I had known then what I know now so take them or leave them, these are tried and true! Don’t be afraid to take a friend, or an entire entourage, along for your tattoo experience. Who knows, you might even start a trend! Best wishes!! Jax R on December 25, 2019: HeatherMarie628- Thank you, it wasn’t bad at all really. Tattooing had always been a rite of passage. I began in 1991 for me and honestly some if has hurt, most of it has not been all that bad. Without the help of the design and my artist, I would not have become the man I am today without her (and his) help. I’ve always felt the pain is something you need to go trough in order to grow spiritually.

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Ryan Murray of Black Veil Tattoo did this one and is one of the most significant pieces I have to date- he did an absolutely incredible job of it. I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s on his Instagram, if you’re interested in seeing it. It’s a crescent moon with over 14K views.

Yes, tattoos are fantastic means of self expression. Ink up! 🙂 heathermarie628 (author) from fresno, ca on December 25, 2019: Jax R that’s great to hear (except the pain part!). Tattoos are such a fantastic expression and very much worth the pain of the needle, especially when the meaning is more than skin deep (couldn’t help the pun, sorry).

In all seriousness, I’m glad you took that leap and got something so close to your heart. It sounds like a gorgeous design. Thank you for your comment! Jax R on December 25, 2019: Really well done article! Great points mentined for peopel to think about. Just had my entire left pec done a week ago and have to say, I wa nervos going in but it was a pretty easy spot for me.

It’s a custom blackwork crescent moon; starts over my collar bone, extends almost to my armpit (that part SUCKED), stops 2 CM abouve my nipple and just shy of 4 CM before my sternum. The ONLY area that was painfiul was near my armpit.

I was surprised I was able to concentrate on breathing and had a great conversation and laughs with the artist. Session lasted 4 hours and 10 minutes tho it felt MUCH MUCH shorter. It was getting raw towards the end, but it was tolerable. Just thought I’d throw that out there in case anyone was considering it but letting fear of pain get in the way.

You can live through the pain and it really wasn’t bad. My forearms hurt more than my chest. The piece is also DEEPLY meaningful to me on a spiritual level so that could have helped as well. heathermarie628 (author) from fresno, ca on April 03, 2017: Scroll to Continue Yasly i suppose you can but honestly the pain is bearable and it can tell you if the artist is doing the tat right.

My first tattoo was done wrong and it felt like the artist was dragging a dull, hot knife through my skin. The rest of my tats felt like tiny needles dragging along the top layer of my skin (which is exactly what it is!). It will burn and pinch but shouldn’t feel like it’s going too deep.

  • Yasly on April 02, 2017: Could I use a pill to not feel pain in getting tattooed heathermarie628 (author) from fresno, ca on May 24, 2016: Darkladyv, congrats! Healing can be a stressful time especially once your tat is done and you realize exactly how much that area moves suddenly! I recommend keeping it hydrated with whatever healing ointment you prefer at all times;

Keep cloth away from it as much as possible but if it is unavoidable, wear loose fitting, light fabrics, nothing heavy and scratchy. Keep movement to a minimum and don’t scratch it once it starts to itch!! It will be healed before you know it! Darkladyv on May 24, 2016: I’ve just had my chest piece tattoo finished and it looked incredible! I’ve had a full day’s work split into 2 half days already, then had a full day tattooing done 2 days ago.

After about 5. 5 hours, my pain threshold had totally disappeared and it really really hurt. Especially on the sternum omg. any tips on healing it? I find it is soo tight and you’re right, it hurts every time I move my arms and I am finding wearing clothes on it difficult although it’s not always professional to bear my chest at work! So happy with it though.

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Catherine Taylor from Canada on September 15, 2012: This was a very well done hub with some really insightful tips. I have a lot of tattoos, but have shied away from the chest area for some of the considerations you mention above. A worthwhile red for anyone considering getting work done in this area.

AlaskaInspired from Alaska on November 05, 2010: i have to agree with this because yet i love my tattoo (the big dipper on my ribs) It was a home tat. I am not discrimgrating(sp?) against home tattoo artists, but i happen to be a jumper.

tattoo artists know what that means, it means i may feel like i am laying completely still but my body is reacting with uncontrollable spasms, some i happen to be completely unaware of. this condition is the worst for tattoo artists. they avoid jumpers, regardless how much your willing to pay and how sentimental your tat may be.

they will most likely reject an uncontrollable jumper. i love tattoos. i would paint my whole body with the most respected artists independent creations if my body would allow it. but im still so proud of the one i have! i didn’t cry and its on my state flag.

not to mention, we see it all year round here in AK! plus the northern lights, which will be eventually my next, in a less sensitive place. heathermarie628 (author) from fresno, ca on July 31, 2010: Thanks Springboard!! My favorite thing about tattoos is that they make each of us more unique.

  • Besides, as an artist, I love the idea of being a walking canvas!! Springboard from Wisconsin on July 31, 2010: Tattoos seem to me to be a fairly painful undertaking, but there are some very interesting tattoos out there to be sure;

My wife has a couple of small ones. One on her ankle and the other on her arm. Not sure if I’d want her to have one on her chest. But that’s just me. Informative article..

How painful is chest tattoo?

Pain Level: 7 – A forearm tattoo can be surprisingly painful because of the radial nerve that runs through it, making the forearm one of the more sensitive spots on our tattoo pain chart. “The pain that I felt was tolerable, and I have a traditional black cracken tattoo spanning the length of my forearm.

When can I shower after a chest tattoo?

– This depends on the type of covering the artist uses on your tattoo and how long they recommend keeping it on. If the tat is wrapped in plastic or a piece of regular bandage, you’ll need to wait until it’s off to shower. This can be anywhere from 1 to 24 hours, depending on the location and size of your ink.

How do you take care of a chest tattoo?

Aftercare for Your Tattoo – So, how can you make sure that new tattoo is something you don’t end up regretting? Follow these steps while your new tattoo heals.

  1. Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage.
  2. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water  and be sure to pat dry.
  3. Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don’t put on another bandage.
  4. Gently wash your tattoo area twice a day with soap and water and gently pat dry before reapplying the antibacterial/Vaseline ointment.
  5. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean it to keep it moist.

You should repeat this process for 2 to 4 weeks. Also try not to wear clothes that will stick to your tattoo, and avoid swimming and the sun for about 2 weeks. And take cool showers. Scalding hot water will not only hurt, but it can also fade the ink. Wear a physical blocker sunscreen  with at least 7% zinc oxide sunscreen during the daylight hours and/or cover it up (with clothing, a bandage).

How do you sleep with a chest tattoo?

How should a tattoo feel after 2 days?

Traditional Tattoo Healing Method – Directly Following Your Tattoo Appointment The tattoo healing process starts as soon as you walk out of the tattoo studio. Your tattoo artist should cover your tattoo with some type of wrap (cling wrap, medical pads, etc.

  1. ) to protect it on your way home;
  2. “This usually stays on for approximately 2 hours,” says Caldwell;
  3. “It will trap any of the blood and plasma (clear fluid) that leaks out immediately after being tattooed;

This bandage also protects your new tattoo from the outside elements and keeps the blood from clotting to form a scab. ” How Long Does A Chest Tattoo Take To Heal Your tattoo artist will cover your tattoo with a temporary bandage or plastic wrap. After removing the covering placed on your tattoo by your artist, you should carefully wash the tattoo with warm, soapy water using an unscented, antibacterial soap. Do not use any type of washcloth or loofah—simply clean it with your hands to remove any plasma and ink from your skin.

  1. “You want to make sure you always pat dry with clean paper towels and then apply a thin layer of ointment,” says Caldwell;
  2. Try to wear loose-fitting clothing to bed, since your tattoo will likely continue to leak overnight;

Days 1-3: Oozing and Sore During the first few days, your tattoo is still an open wound and will be sore, painful, and warm to the touch. The skin around your tattoo might also appear slightly red and swollen. During the first days of tattoo healing your tattoo will continue to release plasma, blood, and ink—this is completely normal.

  • Plasma, which is a clear liquid, makes up the largest part of your blood ( 55 percent ) and it’s release is part of your skin’s natural healing process;
  • It’s important to keep your tattoo as clean as possible during this time;

Follow the same cleaning instructions (wash with soapy water, pat dry, apply a thin layer of ointment) as the night before. “Wash your new tattoo at least two times a day—when you wake up and before bed,” says Caldwell. If the tattoo is really leaky, you can add one more wash to the rotation to remove excess goop. How Long Does A Chest Tattoo Take To Heal Wash your new tattoo carefully in the shower using fragrance-free soap. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer or aftercare ointment after your tattoo is fully dry to help minimize scabbing. “The moisturizer/ointment is crucial to keeping your tattoo from forming a scab,” says Caldwell. “The softening of the skin prevents this. ” Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions carefully.

All tattoo artists recommend different aftercare products and have their own tattoo healing methods. Trust and listen to your artist. Days 3-7: Dry, Tight, and Starting to Flake After the third or fourth day following your tattoo appointment, your tattoo will begin to dry out.

It may feel tight. Swelling should start to subside, though your skin might still feel warm and uncomfortable. By the end of the first week, you will likely see your tattoo flaking. This is also a normal part of the tattoo healing process. How Long Does A Chest Tattoo Take To Heal What tattoo flaking looks like. “Flaking is simply your body shedding its outermost layer of skin,” says Erin Belley , an artist who works at the Parkdale location of Boss Tattoos Collective in Calgary, Alberta. “But this time, the skin had been damaged and filled with ink, so it comes off in larger flakes and full of color.

  1. ” If you see your tattoo flaking, don’t be alarmed;
  2. This is not a sign that ink is being removed from the skin;
  3. Just make sure you let your tattoo flake naturally;
  4. “As long as you’re not picking at it, scrubbing it, or peeling the flaky skin off, you should be fine,” adds Caldwell;

Days 7-14: More Flaking, Scabbing, and Itching During the second week of tattoo healing, your tattoo will continue to flake, and you may start to see scabs forming over some areas of the tattoo. While trying to prevent scabbing is recommended, tattoo scabbing is not uncommon.

“I would consider scabbing normal, but not ideal in tattoo healing,” says Belley. “Scabbing is what happens when the plasma is not efficiently cleaned off of the tattoo after your body is finished producing it (usually between 24-48 hours) and it evaporates and dries.

” Caldwell explains that scabbing may also happen if you apply too much moisturizer or ointment to your tattoo or if a particular part your skin was overworked during your session. Do not pick at the scabs on your tattoo. Continue to wash and lightly moisturize your tattoo as instructed by your artist.

  1. During this time, you may also experience the dreaded tattoo itch;
  2. Some may experience a mild itch, while others will experience an intense itch;
  3. Your skin will be dry and flakey as it heals, so some level of itchiness is to be expected;
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Some clients may also have a slight allergic reaction to some inks, which may cause an itchy feeling. Although it may take every ounce of willpower, do not scratch your new tattoo. Not only could this affect how it looks, but you can also cause infection or irritation.

  1. Eventually, the itch should subside;
  2. Days 15-30: Slightly Dry and Dull Most tattoos will finish flaking and essentially be healed around the 2-week mark;
  3. But it still may take a couple of weeks for your tattoo to fully settle in;

During this time, your tattoo may look a little dull or faded. This is normal and once the tattoo is fully healed and settled in, its brightness will return. You may also feel slightly raised portions of your tattoo during this stage, but this should eventually disappear.

How much do you tip on a $1000 tattoo?

How much do you tip a tattoo artist for a half sleeve? – The average cost of a half-sleeve tattoo is $500 – $1,500. So for a $1,000 half-sleeve tattoo, you’d tip $200 – $300. The final price you’d expect to pay for the artwork is $1,200 – $1,300.

How much does chest tattoo cost?

A chest tattoo can cost from $500 to $2,000, depending on whether it’s a medium-sized tattoo covering part of the chest or a design that spans the entire chest.

How do you prep for a chest tattoo?

What should you not do after a tattoo?

How can I make my tattoo heal faster?

Should I wrap my tattoo at night?

This info should guide you through the care of healing your tattoo, but if you have any other questions while it is healing, do not hesitate to contact your artist directly or call the shop for immediate reply. There are no stupid questions about healing.

  • – After your tattoo is completed, your artist will bandage your tattoo for your trip home;
  • Leave the bandage on for one to three hours;
  • When you take the bandage off, wash it with very warm water (as hot as is comfortable) and mild liquid hand soap (like Dr;

Bronner’s, Dial or Softsoap, just no perfumed or exfoliating body washes). Pat it dry gently with a paper towel, and let it air dry the rest of the way (never scrub the tattoo with a towel or sponge). Then you will apply a very small amount of Aquaphor Ointment or plain, unscented skin lotion (we recommend Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel, or any of their generics) to the tattoo, just enough to lightly moisturize.

  • Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
  • Every day from then on, you will wash the tattoo in the morning and at night, and apply lotion 3 times a day or so, or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight.
  • Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
  • DO NOT apply Vaseline, Neosporin, Bacitracin or any other medicated or perfumed product to your tattoo.
  • After a few days, the tattoo will form a thin scab over it, and in about a week the scab will begin to flake off in the shower. DO NOT pick or scratch at the scab, just keep it clean and moist and the scabs will all fall off by themselves in about two weeks. Picking any of the scabs off will cause faded color and damage to the skin.

During healing do NOT:

  • Wrap the tattoo after the first night (wearing breathable clothes over it is fine as long as they are not causing friction. (Keeping tattoos wrapped in plastic or bandages will stop air from getting to the tattoo, slow healing, and make gross stuff grow in there. )
  • Submerge the tattoo in water. This means baths, pools and oceans. Regular showering is fine.
  • Expose it to strong sunlight (Like outdoor activities or beach days. Walking to your car is fine)
  • Shave over the tattoo (ouch!)

When all the scabs fall off and the skin feels smooth again to the touch, it is all healed and you can shave over it again, and swim and everything else. Sometimes after the scab falls off there is a secondary shiny, raised or waxy coat over the tattoo. This is just another healing layer of skin. Continue to moisturize it and it will smooth out by itself over time. If you have any questions about your tattoo while its healing you are always welcome to come by the shop and have us check it out, or email the artist who did the tattoo with “AFTERCARE” in the subject line for an immediate response.

Do not slather a big, thick coat of product over it; just enough for it to stay moist and flexible. If you are using Aquaphor, you can switch to a plain lotion after the first few days. Lotion is generally fine for everyone, your artist will recommend if you would benefit from ointment.

If something doesn’t look perfect After your tattoo is finished healing, we’ll do our best to make it right. Sometimes with excessive scabbing, or other unpredictable reactions during healing, your skin can reject some ink, leaving a “light spot” that is closer to your skin color in the tattoo (or a line might get thinner or lighter in one spot).

  • This is common as its unlikely your body will accept every spot of pigment uniformly, so just contact your artist via email after your tattoo is finished healing with a photo to see if a small touch up is in order;

Unless you were negligent during the care of your tattoo, touch-ups are very minor and quick, and guaranteed by our artists if you contact them about it within 3 months of getting the tattoo. Because older tattoos that have settled in fully and aged require more work to make uniform, we suggest coming in as soon as possible when it’s healed, as touch ups are performed for a fee at the artist’s discretion after 3 months.

Can I wear a shirt over a fresh chest tattoo?

So, What Kind Of Clothes Should I Wear Over a New Tattoo? – After getting a tattoo, and during the healing process, which can last between 2 weeks and a month in its initial and most important stage, you should be wearing loose-fitting clothes. That is of course if the tattoo is placed on your body apart from the neck, head, and feet.

  • For those areas, you need to pay special attention, especially in the case of feet tattoo (the issues of wearing socks and shoes);
  • Loose clothes will cover the tattoo so much so that it stays protected;
  • There is a lower chance the fabric will stick to the tattoo and introduce contaminants as well;

There will be minimal or rubbing of the fabrics against the tattoo, which will significantly minimize healing issues or the chance of an infection. Note: After getting a new tattoo, it will be wrapped and well protected. You can wear loose clothes over the wrap and not really worry about it.

Can I wear a shirt after getting a chest tattoo?

What to Wear at The Studio – As with all tattoos, we recommend that you wear loose clothing when getting your tattoo, and this is the same for a chest tattoo. A man can remove their t-shirt or sweatshirt in the tattoo studio with no issues. However, for a woman, it’s slightly more difficult to find clothing to wear when getting a chest tattoo.

A tube top may be ideal for this or a low-cut top with spaghetti straps. It all depends on how low your tattoo will go. Speak to your tattoo artist to understand if there’s a private room you can use for your tattoo.

This will save any embarrassment if you need to remove your top.

Do tattoos hurt more if you’re skinny?

How To PERFECTLY Heal A Chest Tattoo! (Fresh To Fully Healed!)

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Tattoos are among the most common body decorations globally. According to a 2010 study , a whopping 38 percent of people 18 to 29 years old have been inked at least once in their lives.

A natural question to ask is, “Does getting a tattoo hurt?” While most people will say yes, in reality this is a complex question to answer. Tattooing involves repeatedly piercing your skin’s top layer with a sharp needle covered with pigment.

So getting a tattoo is generally always painful, though people may experience different levels of pain. People who are biologically male tend to experience and cope with pain differently from those who are biologically female. In addition, the various parts of the body experience different levels of pain when tattooed.

While there is no scientific evidence that says which areas of the body will feel the most and least pain when getting inked, we gathered anecdotal information from sites run by people in the tattoo industry.

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Here’s the general consensus: The least painful places to get tattooed are those with the most fat, fewest nerve endings, and thickest skin. The most painful places to get tattooed are those with the least fat, most nerve endings, and thinnest skin. Bony areas usually hurt a lot.

Can a tattoo heal in a week?

A tattoo may look healed within a few days. However, it’s important to stay consistent with aftercare : The healing process can actually take as long as 6 months. We’ll go over the healing stages of a tattoo, what types of tattoos take longer to heal, and the best aftercare practices to keep it clean.

How long does a half chest tattoo take?

If it’s multiple sessions, we’re going to take 4 hours on the outline of the design one day, 4 hours on shading half of the chest one day and 4 hours another for the other half, you’re looking at 12 hours worth of tattooing, at a minimum of $100 an hour,’ notes Flame.

How can I speed up my tattoo healing?

How Long Does A Chest Tattoo Take To Heal Mar 26, 2021 | brookline agency Do you want to know how to speed up tattoo healing ? We’ve got some bad news and some good news. The bad news for anyone looking for a ‘magic bullet’ is that there is no way around the inevitable healing period you’ll go through after you get a tattoo. No matter what steps you take, you’ll likely have a few weeks with potential irritation, itching, redness, and scabbing.

  • But here’s the good news : you can take some steps that may make this healing period shorter and more comfortable;
  • There are ways to reduce redness, cut down on itching, manage scabs, and fight irritation before it starts;

Having the right plan for how to speed up tattoo healing can mean a big difference in how you feel those few weeks. This may be especially important for those people getting many tattoos, or for those getting large tattoos that require multiple sessions. Here are our top tips for how to speed up tattoo healing:

  1. Start before you get your tattoo. Before the first drop of ink touches your skin, you have the ability to help control how well your tattoo healing process goes. There are products available that you can use during your tattoo session, with the power to reduce redness, irritation, and itchiness.
  2. Follow directions. Although it’s tempting to take your bandage off the minute you walk out of your tattoo artist’s studio, remember that the best way to speed up tattoo healing is to follow the experts’ advice. If your tattoo artist tells you to leave the bandage on for 3 hours – do that.

    Not only that, but the right product can numb your skin so that you significantly reduce the discomfort associated with getting a tattoo. True tattoo professionals know more than how to ink a great tattoo.

    They are experts in how to manage the healing process as well.

  3. Keep the tattoo clean. A dirty tattoo will only slow down and possibly derail your tattoo healing process. If you allow dirt or germs to get into the open wounds created by the thousands of tiny needle pricks, you’re increasing your chances of infection. It’s important to be gentle with your tattoo when you wash, but at the same time, you want to ensure you’re washing the area well.
  4. Know the “no-no’s”. There are certain things to avoid when you’re looking for how to speed up tattoo healing.
    • he first thing to avoid is the sun. Although your instinct may be to slather sunscreen on your tattoo, this is one of the few times you’ll hear professionals say NO sunscreen. You’ll want to wait until your tattoo is fully healed before applying sunscreen. Instead, keep your tattoo out of the sun by staying indoors, in the shade, or by wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers your tattoo.
    • The second no-no on our list when you want to speed up tattoo healing is water. Short showers are fine, but do not take baths, go swimming, or otherwise immerse your tattoo in water during the healing process.
    • The third one we’ll warn you about is picking your scabs. If you’re dealing with an itchy tattoo, and annoying scabs are forming, it is a very natural instinct to pick at it. But it’s so important not to touch your tattoo at this stage. Picking at scabs can make them fall off before they’re ready. This not only prolongs the healing process, but can also cause permanent damage to your tattoo.

How Long Does A Chest Tattoo Take To Heal The few weeks it takes your tattoo to heal can seem like an eternity while you’re itching (pun intended!) to show off your ink and get past any healing or irritation. While you can’t skip this phase completely, there are ways you can be proactive in speeding up tattoo healing. If you’re interested in learning more about products that can help with the tattoo healing process, as well as those that can numb the skin for a significantly more comfortable tattoo experience, visit our store here. How Long Does A Chest Tattoo Take To Heal.

Why do tattoos burn after 3 days?

Stages of the tattoo healing process  – One of the biggest decisions in getting a tattoo is settling on a design and the right artist to bring your vision to reality. But the time you spend in the tattoo parlor is just a small part of the entire process.

Once you leave the shop with your new tattoo, it’s important to turn your focus to the tattoo healing phase. So, how long does it take a tattoo to heal? As you might expect, the answer is ‘it depends. ‘ Depending on how the inking process went and where your tattoo is located, it can take anywhere from four weeks to a couple of months for it to fully heal.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how you can speed up this healing process, let’s first take a look at the various stages of it: 1. Week 1: open wound  Immediately after the tattooist is done with the art piece, your body begins the process of healing.

Though it might not look like it, your tattoo is actually an open wound on your skin. Your body begins to repair the damage right there and then. In this stage, your body mobilizes its first responders to injury, and you might notice a slight stinging or burning sensation resulting from inflammation at the site of the tattoo.

That sensation, which lasts a week, on average, is your body working hard to patch things up and prevent infection. It’s therefore recommended that you treat your fresh tattoo as an open wound. By doing this, you can avoid infections and other complications that can occur when you leave an open wound unattended.

  1. Your tattoo artist will go over the things you need to do to keep your new tattoo clean, and it can feel overwhelming at first;
  2. Add to this some stinging pain, and it’s not hard to see how your stress levels might increase a bit during this time;

A good tattooist can recommend some ways to alleviate this stress so that your skin can heal properly. Week 2: itching and peeling In the second week of the tattoo healing stages, the inflammation around your tattoo will subside a little. As you might have experienced with other healing wounds, an itching feeling — which replaces the burning and stinging sensation from stage one — is normal during this part of the healing process.

A new top layer of skin has formed over the tattoo, which means the old skin will form scabs and flake off. The dryness is what causes you to feel the itchy sensation on and around the wound — the tattooed area.

The incessant itching might make you wonder, “How long do tattoos take to heal?”  In such a situation, try to resist the urge to scratch the skin or peel off the flakes. Your tattooist can likely recommend some lotion to keep your skin moisturized, which can reduce the itchy feeling.

  1. Weeks 3 and 4: drying out When the topical healing is done, you will stop feeling itchy at the site of the tattoo;
  2. At this point, the skin dries out;
  3. In many instances, there’s a layer of dry skin that covers the tattoo after the scabs fall off;

While this often causes the tattoo to appear slightly duller in color, it will naturally slough off to reveal the vibrant piece of art you went in to get. Weeks 5 and 6: completely healed This is the last part in the four stages of tattoo healing. You’ll know you’re in this phase — and that your tattoo is fully healed — because all the dry skin and scabs have sloughed off to reveal new, smooth skin with a vibrant tattoo and you no longer feel the burning and itchiness because the body has repaired itself. Take a quiz. Find out what you can do with our Health Assistant.