Your guide to revitalizing an outdated tattoo

Is your tattoo beginning to fade a bit? If so then perhaps you do not want to get a cover-up because let’s face it; first, tattoos can often hold special meanings close to our heart. Not everyone desires to cover up an old tattoo completely but everyone merits another chance – which goes for you and your tattoo. If you want something different from your initial design, use this professional advice to update it and bring it back into the present.

There are many reasons why most people wish to update their tattoos. These may include disliking the way it is healing or encountering fallout (also known as quick fading), which is typical of thinner tattoo lines. Some artists can do a terrific job bringing some of the integrity and color back to its vibrant look if your skin has resisted portions of the ink or if the tattoo has faded over time. There are a few ways to brighten outdated ink or change its appearance, including:

  1. Adding some color which revives an old tattoo’s color  immediately,  makeing it appear newer and more vibrant. Today’s tattoo artists have access to a wide range of vivid and striking inks, so schedule an appointment with a reputable tattoo artist and let them add fresh colors to your existing ink.
  2. Enlarging a tattoo is an easy process that can help to update it if you are satisfied with the original design concept and position. Consider going larger if you still adore your traditional rose tattoo but find it too little and drab compared to today’s more influential body art. Keep your original tattoo design, and if it’s a rose, ask your trustworthy tattoo artist to enlarge it by adding a few additional petals to the bloom.
  3. There is also the idea for adding specifications to the design. Perhaps the allure of a snake tattoo curled up on your shoulder blade has worn off a little. However, a skilled tattoo artist knows that the details are always the most significant and appealing aspects of a tattoo. You may add shading, change the form of the snake’s eye, or even create a landscape around it. There are countless ways that a few strategically placed design alterations might enhance an old tattoo.

Do Tattoo Touch-Ups Hurt?

There is a chance it will hurt if you are incredibly sensitive or your tattoo is designed to fade. The type of touch-up you receive (consider shading vs. outlining) and the required work will determine how much. However, generally speaking, it feels the same as when you first had the tattoo. It truly varies from person to person. The time it takes to “feel the needle” is, however, shorter than for the initial design because touch-ups often do not take much of your time. It will not hurt any more or less than your typical tattoo and it will most likely be a lot simpler than the first time. 

Keep in mind that finding the appropriate tattoo artist this time is essential if you plan to update and improve your existing tattoo. Examine portfolios to determine whether they highlight recent work or conceal it. Ask them how they might improve the design of your current tattoo to change it. While concealing an older tattoo is a bit more popular, many tattoos can last a lifetime with a little extra care. So, retouch all that fading ink, add a few delicate design elements, and don’t forget to double-check everything before inking it a second time.

Furthermore, it also helps to use mild, fragrance-free soaps or cleaners explicitly designed for tattoos to keep the area sanitized. You can use the ointments your tattoo artist suggests for the first two weeks to speed up the healing process. It would be wise to avoid petroleum products because it has been reported that they cause the ink to fade. An excellent medical-grade adhesive bandage, such as Saniderm, is another option. Saniderm prevents environmental contaminants from getting into your tattoo while also enabling you to resume your normal activities more quickly and without the mess or hassle of conventional aftercare. It prevents unwanted friction while allowing the body to keep its moisture levels in check and also saves time because there is no longer a need to clean and care for a fresh tattoo daily. Therefore, the healing procedure for tattoos is better, simpler, and more efficient.

Just remember – keep it clean, drink plenty of water, and wear comfort clothes throughout the proces!