However, the WBCs cannot get rid of all the ink. Some ink particles are too large for the macrophages, so the ink gets soaked up by the dermal cells known as fibroblasts. As a result, the ink remains suspended by the dermal cells and stays in the dermis of the skin. The ink that ends up in the epidermis of the skin gets removed by the white blood cells in the following 7 to 14 days.

Now, the initial macrophages, that were engulfing the ink, eventually die. So, new macrophages form and travel to the ‘wounded area’. However, instead of the ink, the new macrophages have to ‘clean up’ the dead macrophages. This cycle continues, so the ink stays intact and remains in place as a permanent tattoo.

Tattoo Side Effects and Tattoo Aftercare

Many disregard tattoo aftercare as playing an important role in the permanence of the tattoo, but it is probably the most important aspect of tattoo permanence. Proper tattoo healing allows the body to deal with the ‘wound’ and help it heal quickly and healthily.

Without proper tattoo aftercare, the tattoo can get inflamed and infected. This can result in tattoo damage, ink displacement, or even leaking. In some cases, the tattoo infection gets so serious that people develop high fevers and have to seek immediate medical attention and medication treatment. Also, in such cases, the tattoo is completely damaged and inkless.

Other tattoo side effects can also mess up the ink placement and the tattoo healing process. For example, ink allergy, tattoo irritation, tattoo raising, blowout, or ink leaking can all mess up the tattoo or even have the ink leak out. That is why it is essential to get tattooed by a professional, experienced tattoo artist, and actually take care of the tattoo while it heals.

But, What Happens With Tattoos As We Age?

Well, as you can see, the permanence of the tattoo depends on numerous factors; the execution of the tattooing process, the proper ink placement into the dermis, the proper tattoo healing, and the natural immune response from the body. All of this contributes to the ink staying in place for years to come. But, what happens to the tattoo as we age?