I think I ruined my FIRST tattoo.

Okay, so I got a fairly large colour piece done on my upper arm about 5 days ago. It's on the inside of my arm, so it is constantly touching my body. I did what my artist said, I kept my showers quick, used ointment only to where it was a little shiny- not goopy, I did my best to make sure not to have anything too abrasive rubbing on it, etc. I understand that peeling is a natural part of healing, but as my tattoo peels, it looks like all the vibrancy of the tattoo is going with it. The lines are still there, it's just like they are terribly faded. Also- it looks like some of the colour is leaking out into the surrounding skin (picture, if you will, having a simple shape filled in with colour and outlined in black, and then the colour leaking out past the black outline.) I am in panic mode, seriously. Any advice?

go back to the artist that did the work and show him/her that would be the first step.

I had hoped to do that, but I got the tattoo out of state, and because of my work schedule I will be unable to get back out to my tattoo artist until somewhere around June!

I had hoped to do that, but I got the tattoo out of state, and because of my work schedule I will be unable to get back out to my tattoo artist until somewhere around June!

I had hoped to do that, but I got the tattoo out of state, and because of my work schedule I will be unable to get back out to my tattoo artist until somewhere around June!

Sounds to me like maybe a bad tattoo? I dunno...I would at least call the person and ask.

"it sounds normal. it will be fine. you can get a touch up in june if you need it." as talented as my artist is, she isn't so helpful. i understand that i can get a touch up, i'd just like to avoid it if possible.

You can always call another shop in your area... if the artists there are kind and experienced enough, they could be willing to take a look at it for you and let you know if it's okay or not... as an artist I can honestly say I would do my very best to answer you if you came to me with that issue... after all this is your body that we're talking about!

hi Every tattoo looks it's best before you leave the shop. It is a natural process for it to scab and peel. When this happens it looses that shine. You can put cream on it when you go out to brighten it but that's gay As for the ink bleeding out which is when the coulour starts to spread that's a broblem caused from using to much ink and wrong pressure. Let it fully heel first which should be 10 to 14 days then go back to the artist and see how he feels. He might have to redue some parts or add shading where the ink has bleed