Swelling after a tattoo
The many shallow puncture wounds that are needed to create a tattoo may break small blood vessels under the skin and cause swelling. Gradual swelling that develops over 6 to 12 hours or longer usually indicates a less severe problem. This type of swelling will often improve with home treatment.
If swelling improves with home treatment and does not involve a joint area, a visit to a health professional is usually not needed.
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: November 9, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
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