Tattoo Blowout or Bruising: How to Tell the Difference

As someone who has gotten many tattoos, I know that the healing process can be just as important as the actual tattooing experience. One issue that can arise during the healing process is tattoo blowout or bruising. These are both common concerns for anyone who has recently gotten a new tattoo, but they are often misunderstood. So how can you tell the difference between a tattoo blowout or bruising?

Telling the difference between a tattoo blowout and bruising can be tricky. Bruising after a tattoo can improve within days, but a tattoo blowout may spread and worsen over time. Bruising will fade to yellow but a blowout will remain ink color. A blow-out will follow the shape of the tattoo.

Tattoo blowout occurs when the ink spreads beyond the intended area of the tattoo, creating a blurred or smudged effect.

This can happen for a variety of reasons, including using too much pressure, going into the wrong skin layer, working at the wrong angle to the skin or going over the same area too many times.

Bruised skin, on the other hand, is a natural part of the healing process and can cause the tattoo to look discolored.

While both of these issues can be worrying for someone who has just gotten a new tattoo, it’s important to understand the difference between the two and how to address them properly.

If you’re experiencing tattoo blowout or bruising, it’s important to talk to your tattoo artist and do your own research to understand what’s happening and how to address it.

This might involve seeking professional advice, or even considering tattoo removal or cover-up options.

By taking the time to understand these issues and how to address them, you can ensure that your new tattoo looks its best and remains a source of pride for years to come.

If you aren’t sure what a blowout looks like this post will help – What Is a Tattoo Blowout? Can It Be Fixed?

How to Tell the Difference Between a Tattoo Blowout or Bruising

Getting a tattoo can be a painful process, and it’s not uncommon for the skin to look swollen, red, and bruised after getting a tattoo done.

A tattoo blowout occurs when a tattoo artist presses too hard when applying ink to the skin, causing the ink to spread beneath the top layers of skin where tattoos belong.

Tattoo bruising, on the other hand, is a result of trauma to the skin that causes blood vessels to break, leading to blood flow under the skin and discoloration. This may happen from the artist gripping the skin to stretch it.

Bruising wont have any long lasting negative effects on your tattoo. However excessive bruising can be painful for a few days.

However, it’s essential to differentiate between a tattoo blowout and a bruise to avoid any confusion and ensure proper treatment.

So how can you tell the difference between a tattoo blowout or bruising?

1 – Look at the shape and size

One way to tell the difference between a tattoo blowout and a bruise is by observing the affected area’s shape and size.

A tattoo blowout usually appears as a blurry, smudged area around the tattoo, while a bruise is usually confined to a specific area and has a defined shape.

It may even be in the shape of the artist’s fingers where they gripped the skin.

2 – Look at the color

Another way to differentiate between the two is by observing the color of the affected area. A tattoo blowout often appears as a lighter shade of the tattoo ink, while a bruise appears as a dark blue or purple yellow color.

3 – Check if it’s fading

A bruise will probably start to fade to a yellow color within a few days. However, if its a blowout the ink will stay the same color and start to get worse and spread.

4 – Does it hurt?

Traumatized skin from a bruise will often be tender to the touch, {touch with clean hands only}. It will feel bruised. Whereas a blowout isn’t necessarily sore.

45 – Speak to your tattooist

If you’re still unsure about whether you’re experiencing a tattoo blowout or a bruise, it’s always best to consult your tattoo artist. They can help you identify the issue and provide you with the appropriate treatment.

In conclusion, it’s essential to know the difference between a tattoo blowout or bruising to ensure proper treatment and avoid any confusion and worry.

By observing the affected area’s shape, size, and color, you can easily differentiate between the two. And if you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

If you are worried about if you have a blowout you may also find this article helpful – My tattoo looks smudged under saniderm

What is Tattoo Blowout?

Firstly its important to understand what a tattoo blowout actually is.

Tattoo blowouts occur when the ink spreads out in the fat layer beneath the skin surface. This layer of fat is not as stable as the dermis where the ink should be deposited so the ink can migrate.

It can be caused when a tattoo artist presses too aggressively into the skin, deposits ink at an improper angle or wrong depth, or overworks the skin

This is more likely to occur with a less-experienced tattoo artist but can happen with any artist.

When a tattoo artist inserts the needle too deeply into the skin, the ink can spread beyond the lines of the tattoo and create a blurry, smudged appearance. This can be especially problematic for tattoos with fine lines or intricate details.

Tattoo blowouts can also occur when the artist uses too much pressure or runs the machine too fast for their hand speed, causing the ink to penetrate deeper into the skin than it should.

Thin skin is more susceptible to tattoo blowouts than thicker skin.

When the needle penetrates the skin, it passes through the epidermis and into the dermis. The dermis is where the ink is deposited, and it’s also where the blood vessels and nerves are located.

In thinner skin, the needle can easily puncture through and beyond the dermis and into the fat layer below, causing the ink to spread out and create a blowout.

Tattoo blowouts can be identified by the blurring effect on the surface of the tattoo.

It’s important to note that tattoo blowouts don’t mean your ink is infected, but they can cause the design to look less perfect than it should do and can result in a disappointing tattoo.

Overall, tattoo blowouts can be a frustrating and disappointing experience for both the client and the artist. However, with proper technique and care, they can be minimized or avoided altogether.

What does a Tattoo Blowout look like?

When a tattoo blowout occurs, it can be quite noticeable. The ink in the tattoo may appear to be spreading under the skin, giving the tattoo a smudged appearance.

A tattoo blowout can also result in a green-blue blurring or halo effect around the edges of the tattoo.

The edges of the tattoo may appear fuzzy or undefined, and the lines may appear to be blurred or streaky.

In some cases, a tattoo blowout can cause bruising or swelling around the tattooed area. The skin may appear red or purple, and there may be some oozing or bleeding from the site. However, it is important to note that not all bruises are blowouts.

Fresh tattoos often look blurred and foggy, and the skin may be swollen and bruised for a few days after the procedure.

It is important to remember that a tattoo blowout is not necessarily an indication of a poorly done tattoo. It can happen to anyone, regardless of the skill level of the artist, especially if you have thin and pale skin.

However, it is important to choose an experienced and reputable tattoo artist who uses proper techniques to minimize the risk of blowouts and other complications.

Preventing a Blowout

A blowout can ruin the overall appearance of your tattoo and can be difficult to fix. Fortunately, there are some preventive measures you can take to avoid a blowout.

1 – Go to an experienced artist

The first step in preventing a blowout is to choose an experienced artist. An experienced artist knows how to apply the right amount of pressure to the needle and can avoid going too deep into the skin.

They will also use the right type of needle for the area being tattooed. For example, thinner skin areas like the fingers and toes require a different type of needle than thicker skin areas like the back or arms.

2 – Avoid taking blood thinning medicines

Taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications before getting a tattoo can also increase the risk of a blowout.

These medications can cause tattoo ink bleeding and make it harder for the artist.

It’s best to avoid these medications for at least 24 hours before getting a tattoo.

If you are on a strong medical blood thinner or anticoagulant such as Warfarin it may not be possible to get a tattoo. You need to speak to your artist and Doctor too.

This is what the NHS says about getting a tattoo while on anticoagulant drugs such as rivaroxaban.

However, I have successfully tattooed people on blood thinners and anti coagulants but it does restrict which kind of tattoos you can get. Heavy black out and tribal is not a good idea.

How Can You Fix a Tattoo Blowout?

If you have a blown out tattoo, don’t panic. There are several ways to fix it, depending on the severity of the blowout.

1 – Covering Up the Blown Out Areas

One option is to cover up the blowout with more ink. This is the least expensive way to minimize the appearance of a tattoo blowout.

You can camouflage the blowout by tattooing white or flesh coloured ink around the design and over the blown out area. This can disguise the blown out areas.

If the tattoo is really ruined by the blowouts you may need more extensive reworking or a cover up to fix it.

Make sure you find an artist who is experienced in cover-ups. They can re-work the tattoo to make it look great.

If the blowout is really bad, you may need to go for a fairly dark cover up to hide it.

2 – Laser to remove the blowout

Laser therapy is a popular option for fixing blow-outs. It works by breaking up the ink particles in the skin, which are then absorbed by the body. The laser can be used to target the area of the blowout, which can help to reduce its appearance.

A skilled laser technician can laser around the design to remove only the blown out areas.

Laser therapy is effective, but it can be painful and expensive. It may take several treatments to remove the problem area completely, and there is a risk of scarring.

3 – Surgery to Remove the Tattoo

If the blowout is severe and covers a large area, you may need surgery to remove the tattoo. This is a more invasive option, but it can be effective. The surgeon will remove the tattoo and close the wound with stitches.

Surgery can be expensive and will leave a scar. It is important to find a qualified surgeon who has experience in tattoo removal.

In conclusion, there are several ways to fix a tattoo blowout, depending on the severity of the blowout. You can cover it up with more tattoos, remove it with laser therapy, or have surgery to remove the tattoo.

It is important to find a qualified professional who can help you choose the best option for your situation.

Is the tattoo blown-out or healing?

It can sometimes be hard to tell whether a tattoo is blown-out or healing.

The following pointers can help you figure out what is going on.

Tattoo blowout or infection – How to tell the difference

Tattoo blowout and infection can look similar, but they are two different conditions. It is important to know the signs, so you can seek appropriate treatment if necessary.

A tattoo infection is caused by bacteria entering the skin.

It can cause redness, swelling, itching, and pus.

Symptoms may become more severe if left untreated. If an infection occurs, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately.

To identify a tattoo blowout versus an infection, look to see if the area is red, swollen, or painful.

If there is redness tracking around the edge of the tattoo design it is most likely an infection.

If you feel feverish and there are signs of skin cracking and oozing pus that is definitely an infection.

It’s important to note that you can have a blowout and infection at the same time. In fact it is more likely due to poor technique being used.

With any of these warning signs you should contact your doctor immediately. They can help to diagnose the issue and provide the appropriate treatment.

An untreated tattoo infection can result in death so this is serious!

Tattoo blowout or ink under the dressing – How to tell the difference

Ink spreading under the tattoo dressing can make the design look blurry and spark a panic.

However, once you remove the dressing and wash the tattoo all will be fine.

Its normal for a tattoo to ooze some ink and fluid for a few days and this is not a problem.

Tattoo Healing and Aftercare

After getting a tattoo, the healing process is crucial to ensure that your tattoo looks its best.

Proper aftercare is essential to keep your tattoo healthy and prevent any complications.

Its important to note that the aftercare won’t have much influence on fixing or causing a blowout. That horse has already bolted when the tattoo was created.

Here are some basics for the healing process:

Follow your own tattooists aftercare instructions.

Keep it clean

Avoid using abrasive or scented soaps as they can irritate the skin. Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel and avoid rubbing it.

Avoid picking or scratching

It is normal for the tattoo to scab and peel a little during the healing process.

However, avoid picking or scratching at the scabs as it can cause scarring and damage the tattoo. Avoid exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight or soaking it in water for extended periods.

Be patient

The healing process can take several weeks, and it is essential to be patient and allow the tattoo to heal naturally. Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing that can rub against the tattoo and irritate the skin.

If you experience any unusual pain, redness, or swelling, consult your tattoo artist or a medical professional.

By following these aftercare tips, you can ensure that the tattoo heals correctly and looks its best.

The Importance of Choosing an Experienced Tattoo Artist to prevent a blowout.

When it comes to getting a tattoo, choosing the right artist is crucial to prevent blowout or bruising.

I cannot stress enough the importance of selecting an experienced tattoo artist for your ink.

An experienced tattoo artist has the necessary skills and knowledge to avoid mistakes that can lead to blowout or bruising.

They are well-versed in the techniques and tools needed to create a beautiful and long-lasting tattoo.

On the other hand, an inexperienced tattoo artist may lack the expertise to perform the tattooing process correctly, which can lead to complications.

Remember – Cheap tattoos ain’t good and good tattoos ain’t cheap

ResearCh Your Tattoo artist

Before getting a tattoo, it is essential to conduct thorough research on the tattoo artist you plan to work with.

Check their portfolio, read reviews from previous clients, and ask for recommendations from friends and family. By doing so, you can ensure that the artist you choose is confident and knowledgeable in their craft.

Choose your placement carefully

Additionally, it is always a good idea to seek advice from your tattoo artist on the best placement for your tattoo.

Certain areas of the body { ie fingers, under the bicep} are more prone to blowouts than others, and a skilled artist can help you avoid these areas.

In summary, when it comes to getting a tattoo, the importance of choosing an experienced tattoo artist cannot be overstated.

By doing so, you can prevent blowout or bruising and ensure that your tattoo is a beautiful and lasting piece of art you are proud of.

FAQ – Tattoo blowout or bruising

Is bruising around a tattoo normal?

Bruising around a tattoo is normal and won’t cause any harm to the tattoo. However, it is a sign the artists was a little heavy handed gripping or stretching your skin. It’s more likely to occur on thin skin, for example under the arm. Most tattoos won’t be bruised.

Can touching a tattoo cause a blowout?

No. touching a tattoo can’t cause a blowout. The damage is already done during the tattooing session. It may just start to come more apparent over time. However, touching the tattoo can cause an infection so avoid touching as much as possible.

Conclusion: Tattoo Blowout or Bruising

In my experience, tattoo blowouts or bruising can be a frustrating and sometimes painful experience.

It can be especially discouraging when you have put so much thought and effort into choosing the perfect design and finding the right artist.

However, it’s important to remember that these things can happen and are not always within your control.

Within a few days you will hopefully discover that what you have is bruising and not a blow-out. A regular bruise will fade in a week or so.

When it comes to tattoos, it’s important to choose an experienced artist who has a steady hand and a good eye for detail. This can help prevent blowouts or uneven lines.

In terms of body placement, it’s important to consider the thickness of your skin and how it may affect the final outcome of your tattoo. Thin skin is more prone to blowouts, so it may be best to avoid getting tattoos in areas with thin skin such as the hands or feet.

Finally, it’s important not to panic if you do experience a blowout. While it may not be ideal, there are ways to fix or minimize the appearance of a blowout. Your artist may be able to touch up the affected area or recommend a course of action to help minimize the visual effect.

Read more in this post Tattoo Blowout Removal – How To Fix Your Botched Ink

Overall, my advice would be to do your research and choose an experienced artist who you feel comfortable communicating with. While blowouts and bruising can be frustrating, they are not the end of the world and can often be fixed with the right approach.

The information on the site is for entertainment only. Anything you do is at your own risk. Consult with your own Tattooist, Piercer or Doctor for advice.