JANUARY 27, 2023

Laser removal treatment for tattoo blowout.
Laser removal treatment for tattoo blowout.

What is a blown out tattoo & how can you fix it, fast?

If you're a tattoo enthusiast, you've probably heard of the dreaded phenomenon "tattoo blowout." This frustrating problem occurs when a tattoo is not applied properly, resulting in the ink spreading out underneath the skin and ruining the design. In this blog, we'll take a deep dive into the world of tattoo blow outs, exploring what causes them and how to prevent them from happening to you.

For those of you seeking a quick fix to tattoo blowout, discover how NAAMA's levelled-up LightSense™ laser works wonders on tattoo blowout.

So, without further asides, grab your tattoo aftercare lotion and let's get started.

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Tattoo showing the signs of tattoo blowout.
Tattoo showing the signs of tattoo blowout.

What is a tattoo blowout?

Tattoo blowouts occur when the artist accidentally injects the tattoo ink too deep into the skin, causing the design to blur or spread out beyond its intended borders. This can result in an uneven, distorted tattoo that looks very different from the original design, and can be a major source of frustration for tattoo enthusiasts who have been looking forward to their new tattoo for a long time.

So much so that many of our clients dash straight from the tattoo shop to our Great Portland Street studio to remove a brand new tattoo with the LightSense™ laser.

There are several factors that can contribute to the occurrence of a tattoo blowout:

- One of the most common causes is the use of a tattoo machine with too much power, which can cause the ink to be injected too deeply into the skin.

- Inexperienced tattoo artists may also be more likely to cause a tattoo blowout, as they may not have the necessary skill and control to avoid over-injecting the ink.

- Certain tattoo designs are more susceptible to blowouts than others, especially those with fine details or sharp edges.

Blowout on a finger tattoo.

Image credit: Tattooing 101 

Image showing woman researching tattoo blowouts.

How does tattoo blowout happen?

Tattoo blowout occurs when your tattoo artist's mistake means they accidentally inject the ink too deep into your skin, causing the design to spread out and become distorted. It's basically the tattoo equivalent of getting a really bad haircut - you were so excited for your new ink, and now you're stuck with a blurry mess.

Do tattoo blowouts go away?

Tattoo blowouts are the bane of every tattoo enthusiast's existence. But don't worry, it's not the end of the world! In some cases, a tattoo blowout may resolve itself as the tattoo heals. But if, after your new tattoo healing, it is still looking funky, you may need to have it removed by a specialist. It's often the best way to get rid of a tattoo blowout.

If you're going down this road, hand in hand with our expert consultants, you probably want to read about how NAAMA's laser originated from Princeton University to safely treat black ink on all Fitzpatrick skin types. You know, if you want the facts.

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Tattoo artist at work.
Tattoo artist at work.

How common are tattoo blowouts?

It is difficult to say exactly how common tattoo blowouts are, as there is no comprehensive data on the subject. However, tattoo blowouts happen, and many people who get tattoos will experience one at some point in their lives.

The best way to prevent tattoo blowout is to choose an experienced professional tattoo artist, and to carefully research the design and placement of your tattoo to minimise the risk of a blowout.

How do you know if your tattoo is blown out?

You'll know something's up if that piece you were so looking forward to has become blurred, indistinct, or hazy. Tattoo blowout is not hard to spot.

How long does it take for tattoo blowout to appear?

A few days after getting your new ink the signs of tattoo blowout can show up.

What should I do if I have tattoo blowout?

While it can be frustrating and disappointing to have a tattoo blowout, there are steps you can take to try to fix the issue. Here is a guide on what to do if you have a tattoo blowout:

1. Don't panic.

It's important to stay calm and not panic if you have a tattoo blowout. While it may not look as you had hoped, it can usually be fixed with proper care and treatment.

2. Keep the tattoo clean and moisturised.

To prevent infection and promote healing, it's important to keep the tattoo clean and moisturised. Gently wash the tattoo with soap and water and apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or ointment to keep the tattoo hydrated.

3. Avoid picking at the tattoo.

Picking at the tattoo or trying to remove the excess ink can lead to further damage and scarring. It's important to be patient and allow the tattoo to heal properly.

4. If you feel comfortable, you can speak to your tattoo artist.

If the tattoo blowout is severe or you're not satisfied with the results, it's a good idea to consult with your tattoo artist. They may be able to suggest ways to fix the issue or offer to touch up the tattoo at a discounted rate.

5. Try a tattoo blowout cover up.

Once your tattoo has healed, it’s possible to cover it up with another tattoo to hide the blowout. The downside is, even with a highly experienced artist, you’re likely going to need to get a completely different design to your original tattoo as they aren't working with a clear canvas. Cover ups will need to be designed to suit the existing tattoo. Consider laser tattoo removal.

6. If you want it gone, try tattoo removal.

If the tattoo blowout cannot be fixed or you're unhappy with the results, you may want to consider laser tattoo removal. This process uses lasers to break down the ink particles in the tattoo, allowing the body to naturally remove them. It's the only effective method that clears ink safely.

CAN TATTOO BLOWOUTS BE FIXED? 

Why is laser tattoo removal the best way to get rid of tattoo blowout?

Tattoo removal is often the best way to get rid of tattoo blowout because it is the most effective at clearing the ink from the tattooed skin. The best laser treatment available to remove a blowout is the LightSense™ laser.

The LightSense™ laser uses advanced technology to selectively target the ink particles in the tattoo and break them down, allowing the body to naturally remove them through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. The laser’s ultra precise spot size pinpoints the ink only, leaving the skin tissue intact and healthy, helping to speed up the healing process. It can also safely remove ink on all skin tones, without causing pigmentation. Clients see results in mere months, instead of years.

Here’s why laser tattoo removal is the best option:

1. Improved appearance.

If a tattoo blowout has resulted in a blurry or distorted image, tattoo removal can help restore the appearance of the tattoo. Laser tattoo removal can break down the ink particles in the tattoo, allowing the body to naturally remove them and reveal clear, unblemished skin.

2. Greater control.

With tattoo removal, you have greater control over the outcome of the treatment. Laser tattoo removal can be customised to the specific ink colours and depths in the tattoo, allowing for more precise and targeted removal.

3. No scarring.

Unlike other tattoo removal methods, such as dermabrasion or surgical tattoo removal, laser tattoo removal does not typically result in scarring. This is because the lasers are able to selectively target the ink particles in the tattoo without damaging the surrounding skin.

4. Non-invasive.

Laser tattoo removal is a non-invasive procedure that does not require any chemicals, incisions or stitches.

5. Safe and effective.

Laser tattoo removal has been extensively studied and is considered a safe and effective method of tattoo removal. It has a high success rate and can be used on most skin types and tattoo colours.

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Tattoo removal treatment for blown out tattoo.
Tattoo removal treatment for blown out tattoo.

Talk to one of our experts to start your removal journey

I want to get more tattoos, how do I avoid tattoo blowout in the future?

If you plan on getting more tattoos, If you are concerned about the possibility of a tattoo blowout, it is important to talk to your tattoo artist about it before getting your tattoo. A good tattoo artist will be happy to discuss your concerns and answer any questions you may have.

When talking to your tattoo artist about tattoo blowouts, here are a few key points to keep in mind:

- Ask about the tattoo artist's experience and expertise. A skilled and experienced tattoo artist is less likely to cause a tattoo blowout than an inexperienced one.

- Discuss the design and placement of your tattoo. Some tattoo designs are more susceptible to blowouts than others, and the placement of the tattoo on your body can also affect the risk of a blowout. Your tattoo artist can help you choose a design and placement that minimises the risk of a blowout.

- Ask about the tattoo machine and ink that will be used. The quality and type of tattoo machine and ink can also affect the likelihood of a tattoo blowout. A good tattoo artist will use high-quality equipment and ink to reduce the risk of a tattoo blowout.

- Talk about the tattoo aftercare process. Proper aftercare is crucial for preventing tattoo blowouts, as it can help the tattoo heal properly and reduce the risk of infection. Your tattoo artist can provide you with instructions on how to care for your tattoo to minimise the risk of a tattoo blowout.

Overall, the key is to have an open and honest conversation with your tattoo artist about your concerns and questions. A good tattoo artist will be happy to address your concerns and help you minimise the risk of a tattoo blowout.

Are tattoo blowouts rare?

Sadly, tattoo blowouts are more common than you might think, with r/tattoo Reddit full of accounts of ink gone blurry.

The bottom line (if you've made it this far)

It’s nearly impossible to 100% guarantee you won’t have a tattoo blowout after getting inked, but luckily if you do tattoo removal is the most effective way to get rid of it, fast. The LightSense™ tattoo removal laser is a safe and effective choice that can help remove the tattoo, restore the appearance of your skin and get you ready for whatever’s next.

For trends in breakthrough laser tattoo removal technology, here are NAAMA's top laser FAQs.

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