What to Do If You Have a Problem With Your Tattoo

An experienced artist uses high-quality inks and sterile equipment to produce high-quality tattoos, and the risks associated with tattooing are minimal in a professional environment. After you leave the studio, how you care for your tattoo will also greatly affect the way it heals.

Redness, swelling, and tenderness are normal for the first few days after you receive your tattoo, especially on parts of the body that are sensitive (such as the ribs) or are subject to a lot of motion (such as the legs). Infections are rare and are most often caused by the client touching the tattoo with dirty hands or allowing others to touch it. Allergic reactions are possible but rare; please inform your artist if you are allergic to any chemicals or other materials. Tattoo inks used in professional studios do not contain heavy metals, minimizing allergic reactions that could cause scarring.

If you think you are getting an infection, or have any concerns about how your tattoo is healing, please return to your artist. She/he will almost always be able to identify the problem by examining your tattoo. For your safety we will not attempt to identify or diagnose problems it the phone.

If you get a fever within 24 hours of receiving a tattoo, or see a red line forming beneath the skin in the tattooed area, see a health-care professional IMMEDIATELY, as these can be symptoms of a serious problem. After you have received medical treatment, please report the problem to your tattoo artist.

Problems with professionally performed tattoos are uncommon, but you are always welcome to discuss any concerns you may have with your artist.

- Ryen Welker