Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne has changed the beauty industry for brows, eyeliner and lips. But not all cosmetic tattoos heal perfectly and issues like poor healing, uneven pigment retention or even unwanted tattoos can occur. If you have a badly healed cosmetic tattoo you’re not alone and the good news is there are correction options available.
In this article we will go over the reasons for poor healing, the correction process and how to heal and get long lasting results.
Why Do Cosmetic Tattoos Heal Poorly?
Healing time for cosmetic tattoos varies depending on skin type, technique used and aftercare. Here are some reasons why tattoos may not heal as expected:
1. Poor Aftercare
Not following aftercare advice can cause poor healing. Not applying aftercare cream or exposing the tattoo to sun, airborne debris or water during the healing phase can cause pigment loss and infection.
Everyone’s skin is different and skin types like oily skin or dry skin can affect pigment retention. Oily skin for example expels pigment faster and can cause premature fading while dry skin can scab more and affect colour retention.
3. Allergic Reactions and Skin Conditions
Allergic reaction to the type of ink used or underlying skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can disrupt the natural skin regeneration process and cause poor healing.
4. Subpar Cosmetic Tattoo Artist Skills
An unskilled artist with no portfolio can use improper techniques and get pigment migration, uneven lines or excess pigment in certain areas.
5. Medical and Lifestyle Factors
Blood thinners, chemotherapy or medical conditions that affect blood flow and skin health can interfere with the healing stages. Using Retin-A skin creams or having facial treatments too soon after the tattoo appointment can cause skin damage.
Badly Healed Cosmetic Tattoo Signs
It’s important to catch poor healing early to determine the best correction options. Signs include:
- Uneven Pigmentation: Patchy areas or inconsistent colour retention, especially in brow tattoos and lip tattoos.
- Ashy or Unwanted Colours: Cosmetic tattoo pigments can heal into unwanted tones and need colour correction.
- Scarring or Skin Damage: Raised scar tissue if the tattooing process was too painful and caused too much trauma to the skin layer.
- Residual Swelling and Bruising: Minor swelling and bruising is normal but prolonged symptoms means wound healing issues.
Can a Badly Healed Cosmetic Tattoo Be Fixed?
Yes, with advancements in cosmetic tattoo removal and correction, a poorly healed tattoo can be improved or fixed. Here are the options:
1. Touch-Up and Perfecting Sessions
Most cosmetic tattoo procedures include a perfecting session 4-6 weeks after the initial treatment. This session addresses pigment retention, uneven colour or excess pigment.
2. Laser Removal Treatments
Laser tattoo removal is the solution for stubborn skin issues and complete removal of pigmented tattoos. The process breaks down Cosmetic Tattoo Pigments, allowing the body to remove them over weeks of healing.
3. Saline Tattoo Removal Process
For a less invasive option, Li-FT saline solution can be used to fade tattoos. This is great for semi-permanent makeup corrections like Ombré brows and powder brows.
4. Camouflage and Colour Correction
Corrective pigments can neutralise ashy tones or enhance natural brows. Professionals will assess the existing micro-bladed scars and skin undertones before performing this treatment.
5. Scar Revision and Skin Health Treatments
If scar tissue or skin damage has occurred, treatments like microneedling, chemical peels or acid peels can improve skin texture before further tattooing.
How to Prevent Poor Healing
Proper aftercare and planning is key. Here’s how to avoid complications:
- Follow Aftercare Instructions: Apply aftercare lotion, don’t expose to direct sun, keep the area clean with a clean tissue.
- Avoid Harsh Products: Don’t use skin care products with acids or Retin-A skin creams during the healing phase.
- Choose a Skilled Cosmetic Tattoo Artist: Research their work, check their portfolio and make sure they follow safety standards like using sterile packaging and an onsite autoclave.
- Monitor Healing Stages: Healing happens in stages over 4-8 weeks. A bit of swelling, colour changes and scabbing is normal.
What to Expect During the Correction Process
Fixing a poorly healed cosmetic tattoo takes time, patience and an experienced professional. Here’s what’s involved:
- Initial Consultation: The cosmetic tattoo specialist will assess the tattooed area and discuss correction options like saline or laser removal treatments.
- Correction Sessions: Depending on the issue, multiple sessions may be required to address colour retention, pigment loss or scarring.
- Downtime: Each correction session has its own downtime, 2-3 weeks to months between sessions.
- Maintenance: Colour top ups and refresh treatments may be required.
Common Cosmetic Tattoo Mistakes
Uneven tattooed eyebrows, lip blush tattoo or permanent eyeliner smudging can be fixed with advanced tattooing techniques and correction treatments. Wound healing, improper aftercare and poor healing can be prevented with proper care and guidance of a cosmetic tattoo artist.
Conclusion
A badly healed cosmetic tattoo doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. With correction options like laser removal, saline solutions and skilled professionals you can get your confidence back and get the look you want. Remember the key to successful cosmetic tattooing is choosing an experienced artist, following aftercare instructions and understanding your skin type and healing process.
FAQ
Can oily skin affect the healing?
Yes, oily skin can cause pigment loss or premature fading. Proper aftercare and right pigment colour can improve results.
Is laser removal painful?
Laser treatments can be uncomfortable but most clients find them tolerable especially when done by an experienced tattoo removal doctor.
How long is the healing phase after correction?
Healing time varies but usually 4-8 weeks depending on method and skin health.
Can colour correction fix ashy eyebrow tattoos?
Yes, colour correction with the right pigments can fix ashy or unwanted tones in eyebrow tattoos.
How much does it cost to fix a cosmetic tattoo?
Prices vary depending on treatment, initial treatment and number of tattoos.
