After the procedure, patients may experience a tingling sensation, irritation at the tattooing site, swelling and pinkness. Patients who have had tattoos applied around the eyes may find that their eyes will produce excess tears and remain swollen for approximately five days. Antibiotic ointment will help prevent crusts from forming on the lids. Ice compresses used on the eyes for 24 hours after the procedure will reduce swelling. To avoid further skin irritation during healing, patients are usually advised not to wear makeup near the tattooing site for the first few days following the procedure.
Most patients feel better after about three days and are able to return to work within one week.
By choosing a plastic surgeon who is certified by the ABPS, a patient can be assured that the physician has graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional residency training, usually three years in general surgery and two years of plastic surgery. To be certified by the ABPS, a physician must also practice plastic surgery for two years and pass comprehensive written and oral examinations. This document is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered as of the date of publication and is subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advances and as practice patterns evolve. The views expressed herein represent the collective, but not necessarily the individual, views of the members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.