When you first decide to get inked, the anticipation is filled with a blend of excitement and a bit of worry.
Getting a tattoo involves more than just choosing a cool design; it’s a commitment that comes with its own set of risks and considerations.
One common concern for many is the issue of tattoo lines thicker after healing.
This phenomenon, often a result of tattoo blowout, can leave you feeling underwhelmed or even disappointed with your new body art.
The distortion of tattoo lines is frequently due to ink being injected too deeply into the skin. This error can lead to lines becoming stretched, blurred, or appearing thicker once healing is complete.
But don’t lose hope just yet! Understanding the causes and knowing how to deal with them is crucial.
Whether it’s your first tattoo or you’re a seasoned ink enthusiast, experiencing a blowout can be disheartening.
It’s important to be informed about the possibility of such occurrences and the options available to mitigate this issue.
Your initial reaction might be to rush for a laser appointment to remove or cover the affected area. However, laser therapy is not always necessary.
Sometimes, the solution can be as simple as additional tattooing to fix the distorted lines.
As someone who has navigated the complexities of healing tattoos, I’ve learned that being worried won’t save the tattoo, but being informed and understanding the reality of the situation will.
By considering these aspects, you can potentially turn a disappointing experience into a work of art that meets your expectations.
Also Read: How Long To Leave Tegaderm On Tattoos
What Causes Thick Tattoo Lines?
In the realm of tattoos, understanding what causes thick tattoo lines is essential. Often, these thick lines are not a planned part of the design but a result of various factors during the tattooing process.
It’s important to be mindful when planning and preventing such outcomes. Prevention is indeed the key to ensuring your tattoo remains as permanent and accurate as the first vision you had in mind.
If you find yourself sitting with a tattoo that has turned out with unexpected thick lines, don’t lose hope. Being informed about these causes and potential remedies can transform a less-than-ideal situation into a work of art you’re proud to wear.
Also Read: Is Dermasil Good For Tattoos
The Art (Aka Your Design)
Art and design are fundamental aspects of a tattoo’s success. A skilled artist plays a crucial role, assisting with the size and placement of your tattoo.
Their skill level and knowledge of how a design translates to skin are invaluable. It’s essential to keep in mind the ratio of your tattoo’s size to its placement on your body.
This is where a skilled artist becomes indispensable, drawing upon their experience to suggest the correct ratios needed for a design that not only looks perfect but also incorporates fine details successfully.
Choosing the correct size of your tattoo is critical. Imagine you’ve designed the perfect art piece, but it’s filled with fine lines.
Your artist will print out different sizes for you to choose from, advising on the pros and cons of various sizes. Even the smallest version of a design might not look as intended.
There is a limit to how fine a tattoo line can be. Many customers are shocked when informed that their design needs to be bigger to be tattooed successfully.
The placement of your tattoo is equally critical. The thinner the skin on certain parts of your body, the more the tattooing process might hurt, and the risk of the tattoo healing incorrectly increases.
If an artist doesn’t adequately warn you about the possible repercussions of your preferred design’s size or placement, you may end up dissatisfied with the final ink.
Therefore, understanding and communicating with your tattoo artist about these aspects is crucial to ensuring your tattoo is both aesthetically pleasing and technically sound.
Also Read: Why Is My Tattoo Shiny And What It Means For You?
The Artist (Aka Their Technique)
When it comes to tattoos, the artist and their technique play a pivotal role in the final outcome of your design. It’s important to take a good look at the portfolio of the artist.
Check how their tattoos have healed on previous clients, which can often be found on social media platforms like Instagram.
An inexperienced artist might not deliver a result that resembles what you expected, leading to issues like tattoo blowout.
This happens due to incorrect techniques or too much pressure being applied during the tattoo process, causing the ink to be injected too deeply into a layer of fat, where it then spreads and makes lines appear bigger and blurrier – akin to a sharpie that has smudged.
To prevent such outcomes, it’s essential to choose an experienced tattoo artist with a solid track record and skills that back up their work.
The right artist will know exactly how much pressure to apply and how deep to inject the ink, ensuring the tattoo does not spread or blur as it heals.
Their expertise lies in their ability to balance the amount of ink and the depth of the needle to create the perfect design on your skin.
Remember, when dealing with a tattoo, especially one with intricate details or fine lines, the artist’s technique is as crucial as the design itself.
Researching and choosing an artist who aligns with your vision and has the technical skills to execute it is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make in your tattoo journey.
It can mean the difference between a tattoo you adore and one that requires corrective options later on.
Also Read: Is Dove Soap Good For Tattoos
3 Things To Follow To Avoid Tattoo Lines Getting Thicker After Healing
Fixing tattoo thick lines is possible, yet the process is not always simple and can be limited; thus, it’s crucial to follow necessary steps when getting a tattoo to avoid this issue altogether.
1. Choosing A Professional Tattoo Artist
Choosing a professional tattoo artist is crucial to avoid issues like tattoo blowout, where lines become thicker after healing.
An inexperienced or newbie artist might not understand the right needle depth or how to properly inject ink into the dermis, leading to temporary or faded tattoos if the ink only reaches the epidermis, or overly thick lines if it goes too deep into the hypodermis.
A seasoned professional knows how to adjust their hand and force on the gun to ensure the ink is placed correctly, providing lasting and precise results.
2. Choosing The Right Needle
In the world of tattoos, choosing the right needle is key to preventing lines from becoming thicker after healing.
The ideal needle should stick out just the right length from the tattoo gun to ensure proper penetration of the skin.
If the needle is too long, it may penetrate deeper than recommended, leading to thicker lines.
Conversely, a needle that doesn’t protrude enough results in less penetration, causing the ink to fade faster.
This delicate balance is essential for the longevity and clarity of your tattoo design.
3. Proper Aftercare
Proper aftercare is crucial to prevent your tattoo from issues like blowup, where lines can become faded, distorted, or develop into thicker lines after healing.
Also Read: What Happens If You Use Scented Soap On A Tattoo
Do Tattoo Lines Get Thicker Over Time?
One common query among tattoo enthusiasts is whether tattoo lines get thicker over time. The answer is not straightforward and depends on various factors.
When tattoo lines are drawn on the skin, whether with a surgical ink pen, brush, or an airbrush device, the goal is to achieve thin and precise lines for the desired appearance and design.
These lines are meant to be permanent marks, created when the needle breaks the outer surface of the skin and injects ink.
Over time, as new areas of skin grow and tissue around the tattoo pushes against it, there might be an indentation in the fresh ink.
This is a natural part of the healing process, where layers beneath the tattoo are filled in.
At this point, the tattoo may look thicker, especially if colors are added or there is a local reaction causing the skin to swell.
This swelling is usually temporary and subsides, but it can partially contribute to the perception of thicker lines. The pigments used in the ink can also change over time.
As more pigment is injected, and as the skin absorbs some of the surrounding pigments, the saturation in the tattoo area may increase, leading to a darker appearance.
This change typically happens at a much slower pace than one might imagine.
It’s important to note that the size of your tattoo will generally remain the same through all its stages of healing, regardless of growing body type.
The thickness of a tattoo is determined by the skin’s dermis layer, approximately ten layers deep.
If you add a line or color within this ten-layer range, the tattoo should maintain its original size and appearance.
Also Read: Do Blue Ink Tattoos Hold Up Well Over Time
2 Ways To Fix Tattoo Lines Appearing Thicker After Healing
When you notice your tattoo lines appearing thicker after healing, it’s essential to know that there are effective ways to fix this issue.
In my opinion, two primary methods stand out. The first method involves getting more tattoos, essentially using additional art to creatively integrate or cover up the distorted lines.
The second method is Laser treatment, a more direct approach to reducing the appearance of thicker lines.
It’s important to choose the right method based on your specific situation and to wait until the tattoo has completely healed before attempting any corrective measures.
Remember, these changes usually appear during the healing phase, and it’s crucial to make sure the healing is complete before you go ahead with fixing the lines.
1. Correcting Thick Tattoo Lines With More Tattooing
Correcting thick tattoo lines with more tattooing has become a common approach, especially in cases of tattoo blowout.
Often, the fault isn’t with the design itself, but how the ink has settled in the skin. Opting for a cover-up is a strategic process, not just a quick fix.
It begins with a consultation with a reputable artist who can assess the existing tattoo and its specifications.
This artist will design a new or modified piece that can cover-up the thickened lines, integrating them into a fresh and intricate artwork.
Before attempting a cover-up, it’s crucial to wait until the tattoo is fully healed – which might take up to two months.
This waiting period ensures that the skin is ready for additional inking. The choice between black and white ink can significantly impact the ability to correct or remove the unwanted thickness of the healed lines.
Remember, a cover-up offers a chance to not just fix the issue but also enhance your tattoo with an original or modified design, making it an appealing option for many.
2. Correcting Your Tattoo Using A Laser
When tattoo lines become thicker after healing, one effective method for correcting them is through laser therapy.
This technique doesn’t just remove unwanted ink but can rescue the appearance of your tattoo.
However, it’s important to note that laser treatment can be expensive and often requires multiple sessions to mitigate the effect of thick lines.
Unlike traditional tattooing, laser corrections are not typically covered by insurance companies, as they’re classified as cosmetic procedures.
The effectiveness of laser removal depends on the severity of the blowout, so it’s crucial to consult with a specialist to get an idea of what is possible for your specific tattoo.
Choosing to correct a tattoo with laser therapy is a decision made when you are wholly unhappy with the current state of your ink.
Though completely removing a tattoo through laser can be more costly than covering it up, many find that it leaves them feeling better about their skin.
If desired, the area can later be redone by a more skilled tattoo artist, giving your tattoo a fresh start.
7 Things To Do After Fixing Your Thick Tattoo Lines
After you fix the thick line issue in your tattoo through a cover-up, it’s essential to follow specific steps for optimal healing and maintenance.
1. Wash The Tattoo
Post fixing the thick line issue of a tattoo, it’s vital to wash the area within a few hours. Carefully remove any plastic wrapping, use gentle soap, and avoid rubbing harshly with a washing cloth.
2. Moisturize
To aid in the healing process after addressing tattoo lines thicker after healing, apply a healing ointment or moisturizer free from harmful chemicals to fasten recovery.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight
To prevent tattoo lines thicker after healing from further complications, it’s crucial to avoid direct sunlight.
Sun exposure can break down ink pigments and cause the tattoo to fade prematurely, so use sunblock for protection.
4. Eat A Healthy Diet
To aid in recovering from tattoo lines thicker after healing, it’s vital to eat a healthy diet.
Consuming fruits, vegetables, and protein can boost the immune system, facilitating faster healing and helping to prevent infection.
5. Drink Plenty Of Water
Drinking plenty of water keeps the body hydrated, which can significantly fasten the healing process of tattoo lines thicker after healing.
6. No Swimming Or Prolonged Shower
After fixing tattoo lines thicker after healing, it’s important to avoid swimming in pools, rivers, seas, or any other water source that could introduce germs and risk infecting the area, as well as refraining from taking a long shower at home to prevent the newly tattooed area from fading.
7. Do Not Scratch Or Poke
To ensure your tattoo doesn’t distort or fade after resolving tattoo lines thicker after healing, resist the tempting urge to scratch or poke at itchy areas or scabs; instead, apply a soothing ointment for relief.
How Thick Should Tattoo Lines Be?
Thick should tattoo lines be? Ideally, tattoo lines should range between 4px-8px wide. This width ensures that the needle can properly dig into the skin at the right depth.
Too thin or small lines might not only look bad but also risk breaking the skin and causing an infection.
On the flip side, overly thick lines may lead to excessive ink spreading outwards, altering the intended color and width of the design.
The choice between thicker lines for more impact and thinner lines for subtle shading often boils down to personal preference and the specific style of tattooing.
Those who have been tattooing for a long time will understand that the width of the needle plays a crucial role in the final outcome.
There should be enough room for variations in line thickness to ensure the tattoo looks great, whether it’s achieved in a single pass or needs to be gone over several times to master the look and cover the work adequately.
For beginners just getting started in the art of tattooing, it’s essential to remember these guidelines about line thickness.
Correctly chosen line width can make a significant difference in the tattoo’s appearance, ensuring that the lines don’t become undesirably thicker after the healing process.
How Can I Make My Tattoo Lines Bold?
To achieve bolder, more defined tattoo lines, especially if you’re dealing with lines that have become thicker after healing, consider using a liner brush or a daring pen.
These tools allow for drawing your desired line with black, thick, and well-defined strokes, making your tattoo look better and stand out.
When using a liner brush, instead of the usual soap and water for cleaning, opt for alcohol to remove the ink from the brush tip.
This method is quicker and more effective, ensuring faster inking and crisp results.
For those who want an even thicker line without the extra work of drawing thicker, consider purchasing Boldline pens.
These cool pens are specifically designed to create bold lines effortlessly.
They provide a convenient and efficient way to enhance the appearance of your tattoo, giving it the boldness it needs without compromising on detail or precision.
Can Shaky Tattoo Lines Be Fixed?
The question of whether shaky tattoo lines can be fixed is one that troubles many who find their ink less than perfect.
The good news is, with proper techniques, time, patience, and commitment, even the most annoying shaky lines aren’t impossible to correct.
It requires care and dedication to transform those imperfect lines into the perfect, ideal skin design you initially envisioned.
The process involves reopening the tattoo with a new cut, executed with exact precision. This step is vital to address any errors and ensure that the fresh ink sets in correctly.
As the tattoo heals, any faint or worn-off areas, especially in dark colors or large tattoos, can be corrected.
Using an Exacto knife or similar tools, a professional can carefully carve out the lines, ensuring that the dark, raised lines align accurately with your desired design.
This meticulous process involves removing micro ink particles from the skin’s surface, allowing the fresh black ink to rise and fill in the shaky lines.
As the ink spits up, it’s crucial to ensure the cut is dry and healed before carving; otherwise, it might reopen.
If reopening occurs, it’s important to rinse the area thoroughly and wait for it to heal again before continuing any further corrective work.
In conclusion, fixing shaky tattoo lines is a process that demands professional skills and patient aftercare.
It’s a testament to the artistry and precision that goes into every tattoo, reaffirming the notion that tattoos are not just marks on the skin but a craft requiring meticulous attention to detail.
What Tattoo Needle Is Best For Thick Lines?
Choosing the right tattoo needle for thick lines is crucial, especially when dealing with tattoo lines thicker after healing. Twelve gauge needles are highly popular for creating thicker lining.
These needles are ideal for strong and defined lines, which are essential for wider line work, lettering, fonts, and thick outlines like those found in script or blackwork.
Their ability to provide deeper penetration into the skin allows for a darker black shade or color, which is vital for maintaining the intensity and definition of the design.
For those who require the thickest lines, 18 gauge or even 22 gauge needles might be more suitable. These sizes offer the deepest penetration, resulting in darker shades and enabling various effects in shading and drawing.
Despite being the thickest, these needles should be used carefully as they can be more painful due to their length and intensity of colors they produce.
When working with any gauge, it’s important to consider the ink and line coverage.
While normal cartridges might work well with thinner needles, for bold designs and intense colors, thicker needles require a compatible type of ink to achieve the desired effect.
The choice of needle gauge greatly influences the final outcome of the tattoo, especially in terms of line thickness and color saturation, making it a critical decision in the tattooing process.
Can You Use A Round Shader Needle As A Liner?
The question of whether a round shader needle can be utilized as a liner in tattooing delves into the nuances of tattoo equipment, especially relevant when addressing tattoo lines thicker after healing.
Round shader needles, known for their thickness and ability to penetrate the skin effectively, are typically designed for shading due to their larger surface area and are not ideal for creating the smooth surface necessary for liner work.
However, there are instances where a round shader needle can be modified for lining. If the diameter of the needle is around 3/8″ (10mm) with a sharp point at one end or corner, it can function as an angled liner.
In such cases, the needle should be fitted into an angle liner handle or a bevel shader handle for precise control. This versatility allows artists to adapt their tools for various effects, including correcting lines that have thickened after healing.
Despite this adaptability, it’s essential to consider the limitations of these needles. Round shader needles are not meant for dry use as they can scratch the skin.
Also, they are prone to rust, hence the plastic caps for protection. The tip of these needles is typically rounded and knurled, making them suitable for depositing ink into indentations or depressions in the skin without causing damage.
This feature, while beneficial for certain types of shading, might not provide the precision needed for very sharp and fine lines typically achieved with dedicated liner needles.
In conclusion, while a round shader needle can be used as a liner under specific conditions and modifications, it is crucial to understand its inherent characteristics and limitations.
Selecting the appropriate needle type, whether for creating bold lines or intricate details, ensures the best possible outcome for your tattoo, particularly when addressing issues like lines becoming thicker after healing.
FAQs About Tattoo Lines Thicker After Healing
1. How To Fix Thick Tattoo Lines?
To fix overly thick tattoo lines, consider laser treatment to reduce their prominence, or a cover-up to artfully incorporate them into a new design. Both methods offer effective solutions for managing thickened lines post-healing.
2. Tattoo Lines Becoming Thick Goes Away On Their Own?
Yes, often thick tattoo lines can go away or significantly diminish on their own over time as the skin heals and settles.
3. Is It Normal For Tattoo Lines To Thicken?
Yes, it is normal for tattoo lines to thicken slightly during and after the healing process due to skin healing and ink settling.
4. Is It Normal For My Tattoo To Look Blurry During Healing?
It is normal for tattoos to look blurry during the healing phase, a common effect due to skin regeneration and ink settling.
5. How Much Does It Cost To Fix Thick Tattoo Lines?
The cost to fix thick tattoo lines varies, typically ranging from $100-200 to $300-400 per session, depending on the complexity and size of the tattoo.
6. Do Tattoo Lines Get Thinner After Healing?
Tattoo lines may appear thinner after healing, as the shape and form can change slightly when fully healed. Proper aftercare can prevent blowout or leaching, maintaining the beautiful design for years.
7. Do Tattoo Lines Disappearing During Healing?
Tattoo lines disappearing during healing is natural, often within two to four weeks; as a new tattoo scabs and peels, ink may seem faded or duller but this is a normal part of the healing process.
8. Do Tattoo Lines Get Thicker After Healing?
Tattoo lines can become thicker as the body heals; this varies with placement, size, and detail. Following your artist’s suggestion can ensure a seamless and fun healing process, as I’ve learned from experience and experts like Kim.
9. Do Tattoo Lines Get Thicker When They Heal?
Tattoo lines often get thicker as they heal, influenced by factors like placement, size, and detail; following your artist’s suggestion can optimize the healing process.
10. What Causes A Tattoo To Thicken?
Tattoo thickening can result from tattoo granulomas, a hypersensitivity reaction to the foreign body of ink, especially with yellow and red inks; factors like initial placement and years since being tattooed also play a role.
11. Do Tattoo Lines Look Uneven While Healing?
During the healing process, tattoo lines can appear uneven due to skin reactions like swelling, redness, and tenderness. Additionally, temporary damages such as bleeding, oozing, bruising, or becoming dry and flakey, can make the tattoo piece look pale and blotchy, contributing to an uneven appearance until fully healed.
12. Do Tattoo Lines Expand Over Time?
Tattoo lines can expand and soften over time, as the skin changes; this spreading may make lines appear thicker and softer, potentially affecting small details.
13. Why Tattoo Lines Thicker After Healing After A Week?
As the skin heals, some areas may appear thicker or darker, which is usually temporary. The tattoo should settle into a more uniform appearance as it fully heals. It’s important to follow the proper aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist to ensure the best healing outcome.
14. Tattoo Lines Thicker After Healing How Long?
Tattoo lines may appear thicker after healing due to tissue remodeling, a natural part of the healing process. This can make the lines prominent for a couple of weeks to months. The duration varies from person to person, typically taking around 2 to 3 months for the skin to fully settle into its post-healing state. At this point, the lines may appear their thickest, making it essential to follow proper aftercare for the best long-term results.
15. Why Tattoo Shrinking While Healing?
A tattoo is an integral part of our body and changes its shape and appearance over time: it will stretch and shrink, making it look faded. As years go by, our skin becomes drier, causing tattoos to become duller and their edges undefined.
16. Why Do Tattoo Lines Spread?
You might be experiencing a tattoo blowout when the tattoo artist injects ink too deeply into the skin, beyond the top layer and into the fat layer below. Here, the ink moves beyond the lines, creating a distorted image.
17. Why Is My Tattoo Ink So Thick?
The ink used in tattoos is often a stable, pigment-based type. It is comprised of large-particle pigments, making these inks much thicker than pre-dispersed inks.
18. How Do You Keep Tattoo Lines From Spreading?
To prevent your tattoo lines from spreading, it’s crucial to clean the tattoo twice a day and keep it moist until it’s fully healed, which takes at least two weeks. Avoid scratching the area and be careful not to stretch or pull the tattooed skin.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, dealing with tattoo lines thicker after healing can be a complex challenge in the world of tattoos, which are not only permanent but also potentially costly to remove.
The possibility of encountering issues like tattoo blowout or undesirable changes during the healing process is always present.
However, before considering drastic measures, such as resorting to a cover-up or blaming the original tattoo artist, it’s crucial to discuss your options.
Consulting with a new artist or exploring corrective techniques like Laser therapy can help reduce the effects and restore the original design you envisioned.
Committing to a course of action should be a well-thought-out decision made in consultation with a therapist or tattoo expert, ensuring that you choose the best approach to address the issue of tattoo lines thicker after healing and achieve the desired results.
You May Also Like To Read:
- Unlock The Mystery: Tattoo Scab Fell Off Raw Skin Underneath Revealed!
- Elevate Your Ink Game: How To Remove Tattoo Stencil At Home Like A Pro!
- Planning Your Ink? Discover How Long After Accutane Can You Get A Tattoo
- Tattoo Troubles? Demystifying Little Bumps On Tattoo After Healed
- Can You Put Carmex On A Tattoo? Expert Answer Inside!
- Is Bactine Good For Tattoos
- Optimize Tattoo Aftercare: Is Dial Gold Good For Tattoos?
- Nighttime Tattoo Care: Can You Sleep On A New Tattoo With Saniderm