Just a couple of days before your appointment, you get a bruise right where you wanted to get inked, and now you are wondering if you can get a tattoo over a bruise or if you’d have to reschedule your appointment.
If this is you, this post is just for you. I will break down everything you need to know about tattooing over a bruise.
Before we get into the details, can you tattoo over a bruise? Maybe, but it’s not recommended and most reputable tattoo artists will refuse tattooing over a bruise.
Let’s get into the details.
Why Won’t Most Tattoo Artists Tattoo Over Bruises?
The only reason why a tattoo artist would refuse to tattoo over a bruise is because it’s super difficult to tattoo.
A bruise is a type of injury that results in damage to the blood vessels under the skin. This results in bleeding under the skin, which can cause the area to appear black and blue.
Related: Can you tattoo over a scratch?
Now because of this, it will be difficult for the artist to get the shading correctly. But if the tattoo is not colored and a black and gray, it might still be possible but it’s still going to be hard.
Moreover, if the tattoo you are getting is colored, it would be nearly impossible to get the shadings/colors right because a bruise will change in tone and color every day until it’s fully healed.
In addition, the ink from the tattoo may not be evenly distributed under the skin if it’s raised and swollen. This can cause the tattoo to look blurry or fade later.
If the artist cares or takes pride in their work, they will 9/10 refuse to tattoo over the bruise and will ask you to wait till it heals.
A large bruise may take up to 2 weeks to go away while a small bruise may take only a few days to fade. You can help the bruise heal and fade more quickly by using a cold compress and elevation.
What Happens If You Tattoo Over A Bruise?
It’s generally not recommended to tattoo over a bruise. Apart from the design issues, there are a couple of more things you should be aware of:
Related: Can you tattoo over moles?
More Painful
It’s also going to be more painful than tattooing over healthy skin. This is because the skin is more sensitive when there is a bruise.
When you get a bruise, it’s because blood has pooled under your skin. This can cause the skin to be raised and swollen. If you get a tattoo over a bruise, the needle will have to penetrate this raised and swollen skin, which can be quite painful.
You would then be more likely to experience pain and discomfort during the tattooing process.
Takes Longer To Heal
Aside from the pain, a tattoo over a bruise will take longer to heal.
Your body is already trying to heal from the bruise and when you tattoo (also an injury) over it, your body has to heal both, and would take more time.
Normally a tattoo would heal in 3 -5 weeks, if you do it over a bruise, it might take longer.
Tips To Heal Your Bruise Faster
The most common way to heal bruises is the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, & elevation. RICE will heal your bruise faster, maybe just in time for your tattoo session.
- Resting the bruised area will help reduce swelling and pain
- Icing the bruise can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Compressing the bruise with a bandage also reduces swelling and minimizes the severity.
- Elevating the bruised area can help reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.
There are also a variety of home remedies that you can use to help heal a bruise faster.
Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain, as can taking a warm bath or shower.
FAQs
Is It Normal to Bruise After a Tattoo?
Yes, it is relatively normal to experience some bruising after getting a tattoo. During the tattooing process, the needles penetrate the skin repeatedly, causing trauma to the underlying tissues.
This can result in bruising, especially in areas where the skin is thin or sensitive.
Can You Tattoo Over a Small Bruise?
It is generally not advisable to tattoo over a small bruise. A bruise indicates that the skin and surrounding tissues are healing from an injury, and tattooing over it can disrupt this healing process.
Moreover, the ink may not settle properly in the damaged tissue, potentially leading to uneven coloration. It’s best to wait for the bruise to heal completely before getting a tattoo.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, it is not recommended to tattoo over a bruise. And a lot of artists will refuse to tattoo over them.
The color and shading can be difficult to get right and the tattoo process can be painful over a bruise. Plus, the healing process can take longer than usual.
It is best to wait until the bruise is completely healed before getting a tattoo.