Ink is embedded in your skin when you get a tattoo. The look and quality of your tattoo depend on the condition of your skin as the tattoo is applied. After a significant weight loss or gain, your skin may not be able to stretch as much as it needs to, causing the tattoo to distort. 

Remember that the skin is your largest organ. Let's take a deep dive into what happens to your tattoo when you gain or lose weight.

Tattoos and Weight Gain

You might think the best thing about weight gain is your new curves, but it can wreak havoc on your tattoos. We've all heard stories of how people lose most of their excess weight within a few months after getting a tattoo, but gaining weight can cause even more problems.

If you gain weight, your skin stretches to accommodate your newly gained weight. This causes your tattoo to shift out of its original location and look blurry, stretched and distorted. The ink will move to the surface of the skin and can create a shadow underneath the ink.

Tattoos and Weight Loss

When you lose weight, your skin becomes thin and tight. Often, your skin can take years to shrink to its normal size after losing weight. This means that your tattoo will appear to be faded and distorted, as the ink can move to the surface of the skin from the contraction of the skin.

Your tattoo will become blurry, misshapen and look like it's fading away. This means that it's even more important to get check-ups with your tattoo artist for proper tattoo care and handling.

Other Factors That Might Affect The Look of Your Tattoo

When you gain or lose weight, your tattoo will be affected. However, other factors can affect your tattoo, as well. 

1) Tattoo Location

The location of your tattoo will affect the appearance of your tattoo. The area of the body where you get your tattoo will also dictate the way your tattoo will be affected by weight gain or loss. 

2) Time Frame

The time frame after getting a tattoo can also affect the way your tattoo will appear. If you've recently gotten a new tattoo, it's important to keep it clean and protected to avoid irritation.

If you've lost or gained a significant amount of weight in the time since you got your tattoo, it's important to stay in contact with your tattoo artist and make sure your tattoo is being properly cared for.

3) Tattoo Type

Another factor that can affect your tattoo is the type of ink that was used during the tattoo manufacturing process. If the tattoo was not sprayed with a topical anesthetic solution, your tattoo will be more prone to bleeding.

Conclusion

Weight gain and weight loss can cause your tattoo to change in appearance. Now that you know what happens to your tattoo during weight gain and weight loss, you can better care for your tattoo and keep it looking as clean and beautiful as it did the day you got it.

The best way to maintain your tattoo is to get it altered. At Certified Tattoo, you can work with the best tattoo artists so that you will have the tattoo you want no matter what factors affect it. Get in touch with us today to learn more.