Ever Seen a Tattoo Blowout?
A tattoo blowout is an irritating, albeit familiar, problem that can affect even those who are expert and experienced tattoo enthusiasts. If you want to know why your freshly inked design looks old, blurred, or sometimes stained. These are all because of the blowout.
This is formed when ink is deposited so profoundly in the skin that it expands in the tattoo’s intended lines. This makes the tattoo look fuzzy or blurry, and its appearance is smeared.
This type of tattoo is not dangerous for your health because it always affects the look and quality of the tattoo. As a tattoo artist and someone who recently got a new tattoo, you need to understand that blowouts can help you avoid them and tell you how to fix them.
How Does a Tattoo Blowout Happen?
These tattoos are formed when the needle penetrates the skin very deeply. There are the main layers of the skin;
- Epidermis: This is the outermost layer of the skin. If a tattoo is made on this layer, it fades quickly.
- Dermis: This is the middle layer of the skin. It is where tattoos sit, and it is the ideal depth of the ink for sitting.
- Subcutaneous tissue (fat layer): The deepest layer where ink spreads and becomes a blowout.
When a tattoo needle goes too deeply, the ink migrates toward the skin’s fatty tissues, which look blurry and have an ink distribution. This most disturbing of ink creates a bleeding effect, which makes the tattoo less difficult to do.
What Does Tattoo Blowout Look Like?
This type of tattoo can easily be spotted. If you see that the recent tattoo you designed becomes blurry and the design is spread out, you must have experienced a blowout. Common signs of this blowout include;
- Blurry Lines: The tattoo looks blurred; its edges are not neat lines like those of some tattoos, but there are no sharp lines.
- Faded Ink: The ink looks like it is spreading or bleeding through the tattoo area, which makes it messy and rough in appearance.
- Raised Skin: You must notice a swelling area around the tattoo, which is definitely a sign of ink pooling in the deepest layer of the skin.
Can a Tattoo Blowout Be Fixed?
If I say yes, the tattoo blowout will be fixed. It can’t be wrong. If you notice a blowout, don’t panic and stress yourself out. It is not difficult to remove the damage. Here are ways to fix it or hide it.
1. Cover-Up Tattoo
One of the most common solutions is to cover up the tattoo. An experienced tattoo artist can design a new tattoo that not only helps to hide the blowout but also enhances the design of your tattoo. This will create a larger or darker tattoo to hide or cover the blurry lines on the edges.
Pro Tip: If you want to cover up the tattoo, make sure that you have to choose an artist who is an expert in cover-ups. The success of this cover-up tattoo depends on the artist’s skill in helping you blend the old design with the new one.
2. Laser Removal
The second solution is laser therapy. Lasers like the Q-switched lasers break the ink particles and make the blowout less noticeable. The one-time laser does not remove it. You have to experience it multiple times to fade it properly.
Pro Tip: Laser therapy is quite expensive. Keep in mind that one-time therapy doesn’t adequately remove the blowout. Be sure to make a budget for multiple treatments if necessary.
3. Surgical Tattoo Removal
For those people who want permanent removal, a stitching tattoo is applied to cut down the tattooed skin and stitch the skin back together, making it look like there was no tattoo in the past. It is the most effective method of removing this tattoo, and the blowout is completely removed through this process.
How to Prevent a Tattoo Blowout
You have to know that not every type of blowout is ignorable. There are the steps you have to take to reduce your chances:
1. Research Your Artist
It can be challenging to choose the right artist to remove your tattoo. Look for an artist with a complete portfolio showcasing his experiences of healing and cleaning tattoos with sharp lines.Be sure to ask about their experience, which is especially good for the new designs.
Pro Tip: Talk with your artist about your tattoo placement. Some areas, like hands, feet, and fingers, are more open to blowout than others.
2. Choose the Right Placement
Some areas of the skin are soft, such as the tops of the feet or around the wrist. There is thinner skin and more open areas for tattoo blowouts. So consider making a tattoo on thicker parts of the body, like the upper arm or thigh, to reduce the risk of this type of tattoo.
3. Proper Aftercare
Take proper care during the healing process because it is so important. Try to avoid excessive sun exposure or scratching. Keep the tattoo clean and moisturize the skin appropriately for healing, which can help to reduce or prevent you from blowouts.
Common Myths About Tattoo Blowouts You Need to Know
There are many misunderstandings surrounding tattoo blowouts. Here are a few myths about the blowout;
- Blowouts Only Happen with New Artists: While it is noticeable that new tattoo artists make these mistakes, sometimes experienced artists also make this type of blowout. The key is maintaining the needle at the right angle throughout the whole process of tattoo formation.
- Blowouts Are Always Permanent: While tattoo blowouts are long-lasting and removed slightly over time, the ink doesn’t disappear properly, and the tattoo appearance remains over the lifetime.
How Long Does a Tattoo Blowout Last?
A tattoo can always last forever if you don’t treat it on time. If the ink spreads so deeply in the body’s skin, it will likely be impossible to remove completely. But the good thing is that it can be removed with laser therapy, cover-ups, or surgical removal.
When Should You Contact a Professional?
If your tattoo starts to blur and spread just after a few days of inking, it is essential to consult with the artist as early as possible. Many artists will offer to fix a blowout, but often, you say that it is the result of their own work.
If you want surgical or laser tattoo removal, a dermatologist and tattoo removal clinics can guide you on the best course of action.
Can Tattoo Blowouts Happen After Healing?
Yes, this type of blowout can appear again after the starting phase of healing. Your tattoo will look like a fine line for a few weeks, and the ink will again spread out in the skin where the healing process has occurred.
It is leading to the cause of the blowout. If you notice, immediately consult with your artist to fix it properly.
Takeaway: Is Tattoo Blowout a Big Deal?
Tattoo blowouts always cause frustration, but they do not cause health issues. They only affect the neatness and design of your tattoo, and they can be corrected in a number of ways by consulting with tattoo artists. If you have experienced a blowout, don’t get stressed or panic.
Explore the options you feel comfortable with, then go for them. The possibilities are laser removal, surgical removal, and cover-ups. Please choose one of them and start your treatment.
The best way to save yourself from the blowout is by selecting an experienced artist who knows about his work and knows the importance of the needle depth and technique of using this needle.
Proper care after the tattoo can prevent blowouts, which look very bad. Visit experienced tattoo artists and take proper care after getting a tattoo.
Have You Experienced a Tattoo Blowout?
We would love to hear about your experiences with blowouts. If you have experienced blowouts, what did you do to fix them?
Share your thoughts about this in the comment section below. And if you want to get a tattoo, don’t forget you must find an experienced artist who knows the placement to ensure that it is clean and makes a design with sharp edges that lasts forever and doesn’t spread out.
Frequently Asked Questions by the People
What is a Tattoo Blowout, and How Can You Prevent It?
A tattoo blowout happens when the ink is spread under the skin, resulting in blurred lines. We can prevent it by choosing experienced artists and by taking proper care after getting a tattoo.
Why Do Tattoo Blowouts Happen?
Tattoo blowouts usually occur due to improper handling of needle depth and applying too much pressure. This causes the ink to spread outside the tattooed area.
Can Tattoo Blowouts Be Fixed or Repaired?
The blowouts can be fixed with cover-ups, surgical removal or laser therapy.
How Long Does It Take for a Tattoo Blowout to Heal?
Blowouts often heal within 2-4 weeks, depending on the severity and care you take after getting a tattoo.
Are Tattoo Blowouts Permanent, or Can They Be Fixed?
No, the blowouts are not permanent because they can be fixed with cover-ups, surgical removal or laser therapy.
What Should You Do If You Notice a Tattoo Blowout After Your Session?
If you notice a blowout, immediately contact your artist for advice. They can recommend the appropriate care and treatments.
Also Checkout: Hair Loss After Surgery: Causes, Treatments & Recovery
