Does not matter if a tattoo is old or new it requires proper care. Even if you take proper aftercare or stay alert so that your tattoo does not get damaged, there is always a possibility of an accident. Accidents such as getting cut on your tattoo, getting a burned tattoo, grazes or scratches on the tattoo, etc. So what happens if you get a cut on a tattoo?
Getting cut on a tattoo is not unusual. Many people especially those who work outdoors may get a cut or two on their tattoo. I see people getting upset that their permanent tattoo is ruined for life! But getting a cut on a tattoo does not mean the end of the world. There are steps that you can follow to not only take care of the cut but also fix if your tattoo is distorted.
Key Takeaways
- A cut on a tattoo can cause infection, tattoo distortion, complicated scabbing, and delayed healing.
- Factors such as deepness of a cut, and the strength of your immune system may determine the volume of damage a cut can do to a tattoo.
- An old tattoo has a lower chance of distortion because of a cut.
- Proper aftercare and touch up can fix the damage a cut can do.
Getting Cut On New Tattoo Vs Old Tattoo
Getting cut on a tattoo can get anyone panicked. After all, it is a permanent bodily art. But getting cut on a new tattoo and an old tattoo may not be the same. I will elaborate in detail.
New Tattoo
A new tattoo requires proper aftercare. A tattoo can be considered new till it is 2-3 months old. Getting cut on a new tattoo could be more problematic than getting cut on an old tattoo. Such as:
- Delayed healing: Your tattoo is similar to an injury or wound that requires healing. If you get a cut on the tattooed area naturally it will prolong the time to heal. As your immune system will have to work to heal the cut and your tattoo.
- Distortion of the tattoo: Distortion of a new tattoo can happen if you get a cut on it. We all love our tattoos no matter if it is our first or 20th. So a simple cut destroying the design of our tattoo is really sad. Depending on the size of the cut and distortion it can be fixed if you consult with your tattoo artist.
- Immoderate Scabbing: We all love tattoos but none of us love scabbing. Unfortunately scabbing is a natural process that we all have to go through after getting a new tattoo. It is a part of the healing process. Now if you get a cut on the tattoo it will make the scabbing process more complicated. It May
- Slow down the healing.
- May peel the scab and tattoo ink with it.
- Scabs may not heal properly and leave scar tissue that will ruin the tattoo.
- Create pus and complicate the healing process.
- Infection: Infection is never a good thing to have. You are already prone to infection after getting a new tattoo. Now if you get a cut right after getting a new tattoo it increases the chance of getting an infection greatly. Bacteria and germs are more likely to affect that wound if you get cut on a new tattoo and have a poor immune system.
Old Tattoo
The good thing is a cut will not do much damage to your old tattoo. Still, depending on the cut it can do some damage, such as:
- Distortion: Even your old tattoo may get distorted if the cut is big enough and reach the dermis layer of your skin. If your old tattoo got distorted because of some big injury or cut, consult with your tattoo artist to either fix it or do something unique with it. If the cut is small there should be no distortion.
- Infection: If you have a really weak immune system or are just in a weak physical state because of some other issue, then there is a chance you will get infected after getting a cut. Now if this infection is mild there is nothing to worry about. Visit your doctor, take your meds and your tattoo should be fine. But if the infection becomes serious there is a chance it may blemish your tattoo permanently.
✨ You May like: Is Vitamin E Oil Good For Tattoos Aftercare?
Cut on a Tattoo: 5 Factors for How Much Damage
There are many factors that determine how much damage a cut can do to your tattoo. Depending on the factors you can predict the damage and take necessary precautions.
Deepness of the cut
A small cut cannot damage your old tattoo, it may affect your new tattoo a little. As long as the cut reaches only the epidermis layer of your skin you should not worry about it. But if you get a deep cut that reached the dermis layer of your skin, then regardless of whether your tattoo is new or old you should expect some serious damage. A deep cut will blemish or ruin your tattoo design. It has a higher chance of leading injury to get infected.
Way to determine:
You can determine by observing the cut closely. If the cut appears big, and deep and causes a lot of bleeding then it is most likely a deep cut.
Age of the tattoo
After the deepness of the tattoo, the second most crucial factor is the age of the tattoo.
If you get a cut on a new tattoo that is around 10 days old, then your scabbing process may get complicated. A complicated scabbing will not only increase the healing time but also has a chance to peel off with your tattoo ink.
If a scab peels off with the ink your tattoo will be ruined. If you get a cut on a tattoo that has passed the scabbing phase but is still new then you are at risk of getting an infection.
A tattoo that is older than 3-6 months is considered an old tattoo. Old tattoos are less likely to get damaged by a simple cut.
Way to determine:
If your tattoo is 2-3 months old then it will be considered a new tattoo. It takes around 10 days to complete the scabbing process.
Condition of the infection
A cut is most likely to cause an infection. The damage it does depends on how bad the infection is.
A small infection will little to no pus is a positive sign that you won’t face any big damage. If the infection is serious then there is a chance your tattoo will get distorted.
Way to determine:
If the infected area is swollen, red, has blisters, and has a huge amount of pus then it is most likely a serious infection.
Strength of the immune system
Our immune system is responsible for healing wounds. So if your body has a strong immune system you can hope for a speedy recovery and hope to avoid complications regarding the cut.
But if you have a weak immune system or some illness or meds has made your immune system weak before you get cut then the healing process will be delayed. A weak immune system and a delayed healing process increase the chance of getting an infection.
Way to determine:
Frequent digestive problems, colds, and fever are some symptoms of a weak immune system. If you see your injury is not healing naturally and it is taking more time then consult your doctor.
Aftercare
How you take care of the cut after it happens is crucial. Proper aftercare speeds up healing, prevents infection, and lowers the chance of any damage to the tattoo. Not taking proper aftercare or consulting a doctor after getting a deep cut can lead to serious damage.
Way to determine:
Not washing the wound right after it happens, visiting a doctor, taking meds, and cleaning the wound routinely are a few ways to tell proper aftercare has not been taken.
Taking Care of a Cut on a Tattoo: 4 Steps
If you accidentally got a cut on your tattoo there are a few steps that you can take to prevent any further damage or fix the injury.
Clean the wound immediately
You must clean the wound immediately to avoid any infection. Use soap such as an antimicrobial to clean it and be sure not to rub the area too much.
Consult with your doctor
If it is a small cut that got to only the epidermis layer of your skin then you can take care of it by yourself. But a deep cut that reached the dermis layer of your skin is a serious injury and you should consult with your doctor.
Apply healing ointment
Applying healing ointment will not only speed up the healing process but also keep the area moisturized. You can also apply Vaseline or aloe vera gel instead.
Don’t stress your body
Your body is already under stress trying to heal the cut, do not put any more stress on it. Eat healthy food, sleep properly, and do not drink an excessive amount of alcohol. The less stress you put on your body the speedy the healing process will be.
Things Not to Do for Tattoo Aftercare
Don’t go do something in the name of care or aftercare that will cause you more harm than good.
Here are those things:
- Do not put too much pressure over the wound if the tattoo is less than 1 month old.
- Do not use a bandage to cover the injury as it will affect the tattoo. Consult with your tattoo artist and doctor before doing so.
- Do not use something abrasive to clean the wound as it will affect the tattooed area.
- Do not try to poke or peel the wound.
Getting A Tattoo On A Cut or Scar
Getting a tattoo on a scar or cut is not something unusual. Talented tattoo artists can turn cut or scars into totally awesome art! But if you have a fresh cut or a cut that is not healed yet it is highly recommended not to get a tattoo until it is fully healed. Because tattooing on open wound increase the chance of infection. Not to mention the tattoo may lose its original design after the cut heals.
No professional tattoo artist will agree to do a tattoo over a fresh cut. Even if you somehow manage to get a tattoo artist to do a tattoo over your fresh cut, you must take a few precautions to avoid complications. Such as:
- First, clean the wound.
- Sterilize the tattoo needle.
- Take proper measurements to avoid tattoo distortion.
FAQs
Can I get a tattoo over my scars?
Yes, you can. I have seen many tattoo artists turning scars into beautiful magnificent bodily art.
Can I fix my tattoo if it gets distorted because of a scar?
You can fix it with a simple touch-up or consult with your tattoo artist to get a more interesting design over the scar.
Can I get a tattoo over a fresh razor cut?
No, you should wait until the cut is completely healed.
Final Thoughts
Getting cut on your precious tattoo is never nice. Many go into depression as they think this cut will ruin their tattoo design which they will have to carry for life! Fortunately, that is not the case. A simple cut will not ruin your bodily art. A deeper cut may cause infection or distort your tattoo but with proper aftercare and a touch up your tattoo will be good as new with no sign of damage.
Don’t go overboard with aftercare which can make things worse. I have explained what to do in your aftercare routine and what not to do. So follow them and your tattoo should be fine.
✨ Next Attraction: Is Dove Soap Good For Tattoos – Ultimate Guide & Caution