If the needle being used on your tattoo doesn't go deep enough into the dermis layer of your skin, that means the ink has been deposited in the epidermis layer. As we mentioned before, ink deposited here will quickly leave the skin when epidermal cells renew themselves, making for a not-so-permanent tattoo.
When a tattooer doesn't go deep enough with their needles, the tattoo won't stick and will be more prone to rapid fading. Blowouts occur when a tattooer inks too deep and they're the result of tattoo ink spilling throughout the layers of skin.
A Tattoo needle penetrates 5 layers of the epidermis
That may sound like a lot of skin, but in reality it is only 1/16th of an inch, about 1-2mm. That's pretty tiny. It goes through five layers of the epidermis, through the dermal layer, and into the topmost layer of the dermis.
A patchy tattoo could be the result of bad technique; if the artist hasn't made sure the ink is deep enough to stay put. It could also be due to them not 'packing' the ink enough; certain ink colours, or areas of concentrated black, often need to be packed in quite a lot in order to create a solid area of colour.
Rash or bumps. Flaking. Scaly appearance. Purple or red nodules around the tattoo.
Your tattoo is going through the normal healing process.
A lack of ink isn't a problem if your tattoo is still peeling and healing. Chances are, your skin won't all heal at exactly the same rate, which may leave you with a patchy, inconsistent-looking tattoo.
Your new tattoo is an open wound, and the impact of the tattooing process will usually result in some swelling. After a month or so, your tattoo should begin to settle in, and you shouldn't be able to feel such a difference between your new ink and the rest of your skin.
Signs of an Overworked Tattoo
A Change in Appearance - If the tattoo looks faded, pale, cloudy, blurry, or heavily distorted, this could be a sign of overworked skin. This may also appear as ink distortion and blurring. During a tattoo, ink needs to be deposited in your dermis so the pigment stays put.
Small Circles: Involves filling color into the tattoo using small concentric circles. The Push: Shoving the pigment into the skin in a single, fluid line with back and forth movements. The Pull: You'll pull the tattoo machine away from the tube tip to allow for a reduced amount of color into the skin.
Most tattoo machines should run anywhere from 7.5 to 8.5 volts when you're designing on the skin, although you can go to nine volts when you're lining the tattoo. Adjust this depending on where you are in the process.
If the needle being used on your tattoo doesn't go deep enough into the dermis layer of your skin, that means the ink has been deposited in the epidermis layer. As we mentioned before, ink deposited here will quickly leave the skin when epidermal cells renew themselves, making for a not-so-permanent tattoo.
Ink naturally spreads in the body over time, so a tattoo that's too small will likely blur together as the skin ages. Your artist should suggest the best size for the integrity of the tattoo. In general, you should take into account your artist's suggestions, but always speak up if you have any questions or concerns.
While not likely, there is a possibility that a tattoo needle could go too far and puncture the hypodermis and rupture a vein. Tattoos typically do not puncture regular veins, but there is a higher risk of encountering more problems with spider veins.
Blown Vein: Signs and Symptoms
A blown vein, or a ruptured vein, is a vein that a needle has damaged. This causes blood to leak from the puncture into the surrounding tissues. Symptoms of a blown vein include discolored skin around the injection site, bruising, swelling, localized pain, and a stinging sensation.
The tattoo needle punctures your skin around 100 times per second, with the aim of depositing the ink in a region of 1.5 to 2 millimeters below the surface of the skin. The reason for this depth of penetration is to bypass the outer layer of the skin, or the epidermis. This part of the skin constantly renews itself.
Days 2 to 3
Over the next couple of days, you may notice that your tattoo looks dull and cloudy. No need to panic or start thinking about a touch-up. This happens as your skin heals and new skin starts to form. Excess ink and plasma may still ooze from your skin during this time.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
How Much are Touch-Ups? Many reputable artists will guarantee their work and throw in a touch-up free of charge. However, doing without proper aftercare can void your “warranty.” If you're neglecting your tattoo against your artist's recommendation, you'll likely have to shoulder the price of a touch-up yourself.
Tattoo cream: how many days you need to apply it for optimal skin healing. After getting a tattoo, you should moisturize it daily for at least 10 to 14 days. Respecting these timeframes is absolutely crucial because, if your skin dries out, you are likely to get very disappointing results.