How long to wait before diving after tattoo?

[brianstclair]

Thinking about getting a small tattoo over the holidays. Any tattoo artists on this board? How long should I stay out of the water? Does it make any difference if it's salt water versus fresh water? I've heard that you need to keep a new tattoo out of the sun for a few weeks, and that's no problem, but I haven't heard anything about water, wetsuit/gear rub, etc. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Brian

 

[El Orans]

AFAIK, no swimming/diving for 4 weeks.

 

[brianstclair]

Four weeks??! My wetsuit might dry out! Do I hear one week? Anyone? One week?

Brian

(Thanks for the response El)

 

[El Orans]

Four weeks??! My wetsuit might dry out!

Wimp!
I have just suffered through a 10-week dry spell... :11:

After some additional Googling, the recommended period varies from 1 to 4 weeks. I'd recommend 4 weeks (just to give you time to do some greeting in the I&G forum )

Laurens

 

[cinder4320]

http://www.californiatattoocompany.com/faq/FAQ5.htm

They say its okay in a few days. I do know though that my sister wanted a tattoo and was told no pool for four months. Who knows though??

Miranda

 

[thisisandrea]

I got told to stay out of the pool and the sea for two weeks.

 

[MichaelBaranows]

I am not planning on getting a tatoo anytime soon but why aren't you suppose to get in the water.

 

[matts1w]

I went water skiing in a lake six days after a new tattoo.

The result?

A nasty infection requiring antibiotics
Lost a bunch of ink as the scab fell out
Paid for the tattoo again as the scar left over was REALLY ugly

The tattoo guy told me next time to listen and stay out of the lake, ocean, and pool for AT LEAST three weeks.

A tattoo is an open wound- pools, oceans, and lakes are full of bacteria.

 

[jeckyll]

Interesting. I guess as long as you have a non-leaking drysuit it should be fine

 

[KingViper]

I have quite a few tats. 4 weeks minimum!