Tattooed area VERY swollen!

I have a question for you all: I just reveived a new tattoo on Sat night. It is on my forearm and is quite detailed and in colour. It is now Monday and the area is very swollen and tender to the touch.If I allow my arm to rest at my side - the blood flowing down my arm makes the swollen area hurt. I am still oozing out the clear liquid and am keeping my arm wrapped in plastic wrap per my artist's reccommendation. I definately plan on heading up to see my artist after work but I am wondering if I should also make an emergency trip to see a doctor at this point. Advice? Please feel free to email me directly. Thanks.

dont panic as far as the plastic wrap i have heard of keeping it wraped to help heal faster but i have found no good basis on this and i do not pratice it i recomened to all my clients to keep bandage on for 2 to 4 hours not to exceed 24 swelling is a norm and without seeing the tattoo it is impossibile to make any kind of judgement call the clear liquid you are seeing is call subcutanieous fluid and it is common on some for it to ooze out for a day or 2 however keeping it wraped like this in the plastic will can and is inhibiting the healing factor you want the tattoo to breathe and heal i wouldnt rush to the doc right away unless you have shoothing red streaks perminating from the tattoo wash 3 times a day and very light ointment to be applied several times a day do not put on so much that it looks shiny if this happens dab it with a paper towel tenderness is a part of it also was this done in a pros shop or what people react diferently to pain and such so keep it clean and treat it well in time it will quit hurting keep us all updated on this best of luck ( don)

Thank you for the advice, Don. I will be heading out to see my tattoo artist after work. I just want him to have a look at it. I will let the tat breath tonight...I just can't do that at work...and am wearing a long sleeved sweater. I will keep you updated on my tat. Thanks again for the advice!