The many shallow puncture wounds that are needed to create a tattoo may break small blood vessels under the skin and cause swelling. Gradual swelling that develops over 6 to 12 hours or longer usually indicates a less severe problem. This type of swelling will often improve with home treatment.
If swelling improves with home treatment and does not involve a joint area, a visit to a health professional is usually not needed.
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
| Last Updated | September 4, 2008 |
Author:Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Last Updated: 09/04/2008
