submersion of a new tattoo

Well I just got a tattoo about two weeks ago (my first) and on the care instructions they said not to completely submerge the tattoo (even in bath water) for 6 weeks after application as a precaution. I just wanted to know if anyone knew why and if this is completely necessary. Like I said, it's been two weeks, and my tattoo is completely healed (as far as I can tell), so I am wondering if this still applies.

i would say its pretty safe to submerge your tattoo now.the reason for not soaking is due to the healing process some people get scabs and soaking them makes them come off too soon wich will pull the color out of that area and leave you with scar tissue because your body has to close the area again ,but if you had no scabs and it pealed properly you should be good too go.just because it says no soaking doesnt mean no washing by all means wash your tattoo you want to keep the area clean.remember healing your tattoo properly can determine how nice it looks in the end.so if your artist tells you that standing on your head will make it heal better then hay give it a shot!its worth it in the end now go out and live your life.

My general rule of thumb would be if there are any "rough spots" on the new tattoo then dont soak it. Once I tried a hot bath with the fresh skin just after the healing (around 2-2.5 weeks) and it hurt like hell so I wouldnt recomend that. So, if its healed off all nice, and no skin will come off after soaking, then by all means, soak at your own discression. I would recommend skin lotion on your tattoo after drying off if you are going into water that will dry your skin (like pool water).