If you got a tattoo recently or a while ago, you might have noticed that the skin around it is still raised up, even after a year. This can happen for a few reasons, like changes in the weather, how your body works, or an allergic reaction. But don’t worry, it’s pretty normal for tattoos to be raised while they’re healing.
Most of the time, having a raised tattoo is no big deal. But it’s good to know what to look for just in case something seems off. So keep reading to find out more about why your tattoo might still be raised after all this time.
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Is it Normal for a Tattoo to Be Raised?
If you’re wondering whether it’s normal for your tattoo to be raised up, the answer is usually yes. It’s actually pretty common for the tattoo to be raised for a few days after you get it done. However, if the skin around the tattoo is puffy or swollen, that’s not normal and might mean something’s wrong.
Reasons Behind Raised Tattoos
Sometimes tattoos can become raised up, which might make you wonder why. There are actually a few reasons why this can happen:
- Raised tattoo during healing: New tattoos can be raised up while they heal, which is normal. Your skin is healing from being poked with tiny needles during the tattoo process. The raised skin should go away on its own as your skin heals over time.
- Infection: Sometimes a raised tattoo can mean an infection, which is rare but serious. If the skin around your tattoo is red, painful, or oozing, see a doctor right away. But infections can usually be avoided by taking good care of your tattoo. See our tattoo aftercare instructions for more details.
- Allergic reaction: If the skin around the tattoo is raised, it could mean you’re having an allergic reaction to the ink. This is pretty rare, but it happens more often with tattoos that use colored ink, especially red or yellow.
- Weather: Changes in weather can affect your skin, so if your tattoo suddenly becomes raised, it might be because it’s really humid or really dry outside.
- Body chemistry: Everyone’s body is different, so some people might have more raised skin than others after getting a tattoo.
How Long Does a Tattoo Stay Raised?
A new tattoo can stay raised and swollen for a few days to a week due to the healing process. But if it stays raised for weeks or years, it may indicate an allergic reaction, infection or other health issues.
There is no fixed timeline for how long a tattoo stays raised. If you notice other symptoms or patterns associated with the raised tattoo, seek medical attention.
How Do You Fix a Raised Tattoo?
Whether you can fix a raised tattoo or not depends on what’s causing it.
- If your tattoo is raised because your skin is healing, you’ll need to wait for it to settle down on its own. It’s not something you can fix immediately.
- If the weather is causing your tattoo to be raised and uncomfortable, you may need to wait for the weather to change before you can feel better.
- In some cases, raised tattoos may be caused by scarring, and in these cases, you may be able to improve their appearance with laser treatments, dermabrasion, or excision. However, these options can be expensive and require multiple sessions, so it’s important to consult with a qualified medical professional to explore your options.
Why is My Tattoo Raised and Itchy Years Later – Raised Tattoo After Healing
If you notice that your tattoo is raised and itchy years after getting it, that could be concerning. While it’s normal for tattoos to be raised for a few days after they’re done, if it’s happening years later, it’s unusual.
As stated above, raised tattoos can be caused by things like weather changes or body chemistry, but once a tattoo has fully healed, there’s usually no clear reason why it would randomly become raised.
If you’re also experiencing symptoms like skin tissue damage, infection, or an allergic reaction, that could be a cause for concern. While it’s rare for these things to happen a year after getting the tattoo, it’s still best to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Bottom Line
Getting a tattoo is often surrounded by myths and exaggerated stories of danger. While serious side effects are rare, it’s important to watch out for any abnormal symptoms. Raised skin, itchiness, and mild swelling are common in the days following a tattoo session.
If your tattoo is raised but shows no other symptoms, it’s likely harmless. Remember to care for your tattoo with caution and common sense.
FAQ
Is it normal for a tattoo to stay raised?
No, it’s not normal for a tattoo to stay raised for a long period of time. It’s common for a tattoo to be raised and slightly swollen immediately after getting it, but if the raised area persists, it could be a sign of an allergic reaction or an infection.
What are raised tattoos called?
Raised tattoos can be called hypertrophic scars or keloid scars, depending on the type of raised tissue. Hypertrophic scars are raised scars that are limited to the area of the original injury or incision. Keloid scars, on the other hand, extend beyond the area of the original injury or incision.
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