It’s Totally Normal at First

It’s completely normal for a new tattoo to feel a little raised or bumpy during the initial healing process. Right after getting inked, your skin is traumatized and responds by creating inflammation and swelling around the tattooed area. This makes the tattoo feel almost like scar tissue temporarily. It may even look a bit shiny. But don’t worry – with proper aftercare, the inflammation will subside within a couple of weeks, and your art will start feeling smooth again soon. Be patient and let the healing magic happen!

Unless It’s an Allergic Reaction…Yikes!

Sometimes a raised tattoo can indicate something more serious – an allergic reaction. If your skin is sensitive or reactive, you may experience itching, redness, and significant irritation around your ink. This can cause more severe inflammation and fluid-filled bumps. Definitely not what you want marring your fabulous new body art! If you suspect it’s an allergic reaction, stop using whatever ointments you are using and consult your artist or doctor immediately. You’ll likely need a treatment plan to soothe your angry skin and keep the reaction under control. Learn more about tattoo healing time here.

Scarring is Another Culprit

If your tattoo has felt noticeably raised for longer than a month after getting it, scarring may be the reason. Getting inked requires needles puncturing deep into your skin dozens of times per minute. For some unlucky folks, this causes internal scar tissue to build up. Excessive scars under your tattoo can make it feel bumpy or uneven long after healing. Using high-quality ink and equipment reduces scarring risks. But if you still end up with a raised tattoo for months on end, your only remedy is laser removal or a cover-up tattoo.

Not Taking Proper Care of It

Another reason your fresh tattoo might stay swollen and raised weeks later – not taking proper care of it! Failing to keep the area clean, moisturized, and protected can all cause poor healing and irreversible skin damage. Skipping aftercare skips vital steps that reduce inflammation and irritation. Don’t let all of your exciting plans for showing off your new ink sabotage the healing process. Be vigilant with aftercare, even though it’s zero fun compared to debuting your new bod mod to the world. Learn more about proper tattoo aftercare here.

When in Doubt, Ask Your Artist

If your new tattoo continues feeling excessively raised or swollen for over a month, it’s definitely time to consult your tattoo artist. Describe what’s going on and ask if it seems normal. They’ll be able to assess if you need intervention or if more healing time is all that’s required. Some amount of scabbing, peeling, irritation, and raisedness is expected during a normal healing period. But tattoo pros know the difference between standard healing and troublesome symptoms needing attention. Trust their expert judgment and follow any advice for additional care. With their help, you’ll get the smooth, vibrant ink masterpiece you deserve!