Why do the lines of my tattoo elevate?

Question

I have a tattoo of a rabbit on my wrist and sometimes the black lines elevate. Usually it just feels like skin, but every once and a while the lines ... swell I guess you could say. If any one knows why it does that pleas let me know. Thank you.

Answer 1

a tattoo gun punctures your skin in order to insert pigment below the surface, which, as a result, leaves you scarred. you'll notice that scars and tattoos are very much alike that respect; you might find raised, prominent lines or even thick, patchy skin in areas where your skin was cut, scratch, torn, etc. deep with a great, consistent pressure. this is perfectly normal. personally, my tattoo's outline did seem a little raised and swollen at first but, through its 'healing process, i kept it clean, applied fragrance free moisturizer often as well as a high SPF sunscreen when needed and these lines smoothed out over time and became barely visible.

Answer 2

Sounds to me like inflammation.

Answer 3

The lines on some of my tattoos, particularly the ones on my rump, elevate sometimes, often after, um, action. I think a lot of it has to do with blood rushing to certain areas, although that's just a hypothesis.

Answer 4

Some swelling shortly after a tattoo is done is normal; your skin has essentially been pierced thousands of times and is wounded and trying to heal. If your tattoo is new but not very, very new, your skin could simply be adjusting to the deadened nerve tissue that can occur as the result of some minor scar tissue. If you scratch the tattooed area, this will cause swelling as well. You might have a mild allergy to the ink. On all of my tattoos, the lines (as opposed to the "filled-in" parts) all feel a bit more raised than the rest of the tattoo. This may have something to do with the manner in which the tattoo artist has to move the needle in order to create a proper outline.

I know I've just listed numerous possibilities, but really, it could be any number of things. Talk to the artist who gave you the tattoo and give him some more information. Good luck!

Answer 5

Mine does that as well from time to time.  Something that's come into contact with it has probably irritated it.  Sometimes it happens when I've used a fragrance or lotion, so I stop using it and go back to ones I know don't bother it and it goes away.  It can be anything really though.  As long as it isn't constant and isn't discolored or sore, then it's probably nothing to worry about.