How to Deal with a Tattoo Blowout

Many people encounter tattoo blowouts, and sometimes they’re unavoidable. Fortunately, there are ways to address them afterward.

You got a fresh tattoo a few days ago, but something seems off: the ink has spread beyond the intended lines and now the design appears fuzzy.

If you’re not familiar with tattoos, you might be unsure what’s happening. Most likely, you’re dealing with a tattoo blowout.

A tattoo blowout happens when the artist deposits ink too deeply, past the epidermis and into the fat layer beneath. In that fatty layer the pigment can spread outside the tattoo’s borders, producing a distorted look.

Fortunately, a tattoo blowout is not usually a health hazard. Unfortunately, it can seriously change how your tattoo looks.

How it appears

You’ll typically notice a tattoo blowout within days of getting inked. Some blowouts are mild, while others are much more pronounced.

In all instances, blowouts make the tattoo’s lines appear blurred, and the line ink often extends well beyond the original edges. It can resemble the ink “bleeding” outward, leaving the tattoo with a smudged or foggy quality.

What causes a blowout?

Blowouts occur when the tattooist applies too much pressure while injecting ink into the skin. The pigment ends up beneath the proper skin layers.

Under the skin, the ink disperses into the fatty tissue, which produces the blurring characteristic of a blowout. Biopsies from affected skin show pigment placed much deeper than intended.

Ways to correct it

There are three primary approaches to address a tattoo blowout:

Fix with additional tattooing

The most budget-friendly option to reduce the look of a blowout is to conceal it with more ink. A cover-up for a blowout can cost anywhere from $50 to $400, depending on the tattoo’s size and how extensive the spread is.

If you spot a blowout within a few days after getting inked, you’ll need to wait up to two months for the area to fully heal before pursuing a cover-up. Diligent aftercare is crucial to ensure proper healing.

A well-done cover-up can usually preserve the overall look of your tattoo while hiding much of the blowout.

For severe blowouts you may require a tattoo that is significantly darker or larger than the original. The result could end up quite different from what you initially expected.

Blowout cover-ups need a skilled hand and solid tattooing technique. Select an experienced artist to avoid another blowout. A talented artist will also have the creative ability to make the tattoo look its best.

Fix with laser treatment

Laser procedures can also diminish the appearance of a tattoo blowout. Q-switched lasers deliver energy pulses absorbed by the ink particles in the skin. That energy breaks up the pigment so it becomes less visible.

Laser treatment can restore the tattoo’s intended appearance with minimal sign of the blowout. After treatment, protect the area—especially from sun exposure—to prevent premature fading.

Q-switched laser treatment doesn’t work equally well for everyone, but many people see noticeable fading of blowouts. You might need five or more sessions to sufficiently reduce the blowout’s visibility. The required number depends on the blowout’s severity and how your body responds to the laser.

Laser treatment can be pricier than a cover-up. Cost varies with tattoo size, colors, and how old the tattoo is.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average price of a tattoo removal session in the U.S. is $423. Most insurers do not cover tattoo removal because it’s regarded as cosmetic.

Surgical removal

Surgical excision is the most invasive method to handle a tattoo blowout, and it removes the tattoo entirely. In excision, a surgeon cuts out the tattooed skin and stitches the surrounding skin together.

This technique is the only way to fully remove a blown-out tattoo. As with laser procedures, surgery is usually not covered by insurance.

Surgical removal also carries concerns about scarring and recovery time. Generally, the smaller the removed area, the less noticeable the scar.

How to reduce your risk

Tattoo blowouts aren’t typically classified as a tattooing complication but rather an avoidable error caused by inexperience, carelessness, or simply a bad session. Still, you can take steps to lower your chance of a blowout.

Think about placement

Some specialists suggest that tattoos on thinner skin—like the top of the foot or the inner arm—may be more prone to blowouts. These locations can also be among the most painful to tattoo.

Women may face a slightly higher risk than men because their skin is often thinner. Women might prefer areas with thicker skin, such as the legs, when getting inked.

Pick the right artist

Although any artist can make this mistake, choosing a practitioner with greater expertise and experience reduces your risk of a blowout. Ask friends and family for referrals.

Before getting tattooed, confirm that your artist is licensed and that the studio appears clean and well maintained.

When to seek professional advice

If your new tattoo starts to blur within days, it’s likely a blowout. The first step is to inform the artist who did your tattoo.

Your artist might offer to do a cover-up, but weigh all your options. You may prefer a different artist for a cover-up if you doubt the original artist’s skill. Or you might opt for laser treatment if you like the tattoo itself but want the blowout diminished.

Once you choose a plan, wait until the tattoo is fully healed before pursuing a cover-up, laser sessions, or surgery.

Contact a reputable tattooist experienced in cover-ups if you plan to conceal the blowout. If you’re considering laser or surgical removal, consult a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Final thoughts

Tattoo blowouts are an unfortunate outcome for some new tattoos. While they can’t always be prevented, you can take measures to lower your risk.

If you end up with a blowout, options exist to reduce its visibility, including selecting optimal placement and choosing a skilled artist. Allow the tattoo to heal completely before asking a professional to address the blowout. If you’re considering adjustments like a cover-up or removal, you can also explore resources about ear blowout for related guidance.