Here are the most common tattoo side effects

It is common to experience some sort of redness and swelling for the first few days (this should gradually reduce within 3-5 days), itching and peeling is very common during the healing process, similar to what you would experience with a sunburn (dead skin flakes off), avoid scratching and peeling at your tattoo, if you need to use a fragrance free lotion. You can also experience light scabbing (if thick/heavy scabs you will want to bring up to us immediately as it could mean infection), let those fall off naturally. You may also experience excess ink leakage or weeping (Ink, blood, and plasma might seep from the tattoo for the first 24–48 hours), just wash gently and pat dry if this occurs.

Lastly its worth mentioning that if you get a larger tattoo (especially if its your first), its pretty common to get some sort of a fever or even flu like symptoms after your first session.

Less common tattoo side effects

These are less common but worth mentioning in general…

• Allergic Reactions- some people react to certain ink colors (red and yellow for example), symptoms would include rash, bumps and swelling around the tattoo, if this lasts more then a few days then consult a doctor, please let us know after that first day.
• Infections- This can happen from poor aftercare or if artists are using unsterile tools (at Primitive Tattoo for example we use all new needles every single time, sterilize and wrap all surfaces in tattoo prep, ensuring a sterile environment)
• Tattoo Blowout- This is when ink spreads beneath the skin, causing a blurry or smudged look and this is caused by the needle going too deep (not dangerous but usually permanent (can be corrected with touchup or laser)
• Raised Scars or Keloids- People who are already prone to keloids may form raised, thick scars which may occur during the healing (after tattoo) or after trauma to the area.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us immediately.