Aging Tats: How to avoid the tattoo blues as one's skin and body age
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Michael Diaz Gives Skincare Tips on How to Keep Your Tattoos Looking Fresh
October 8, 2013 - It is unavoidable that tattoos, both in color and black, will fade over time. However, with proper care, tattoo fading can be prevented by following some simple tips on tattoo care. “Like every other part of your body, tattoos age as well,” says Dr. Michael Diaz, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Florida. “Unlike injectable fillers, tattoo inks are permanent and exposed to all the elements that our skin is subjected to such as environmental conditions, sun damage and loss of elasticity. Most tattoo inks will fade over time but never fade away completely. The edges of the tattoo usually become less defined with time. Removing tattoos through lasers may lead to a discolored patch of skin that can be more visible as we age.”
Below, Dr. Diaz lists some of the best skincare tips to help you preserve that freshly inked look for years to come.
Moisturize, Moisturize & Moisturize!
Get into the habit of applying a thin layer of moisturizer on your tattoo - this will prevent your tattoo from flaking. No matter which lotion or cream you use, apply it sparingly. A thick layer of moisturizer can leach color out of your tattoo. Dr. Diaz also recommends removing anything that shouldn’t be on your skin including oil, makeup and cleaning products since they can strip color from your tattoo.
SPF is a Tattoo’s BFF
Sun is the leading cause of color fading in tattoos. If you do go out in the sun, and if your tattoo is exposed to its ultra violet rays, be sure to apply sunscreen to your skin, with careful attention on your tattoo. Prolonged sun exposure causes wrinkles, so exercise caution when going out in the sun whether you have tattoos or not. Unfortunately, wrinkles may be more apparent when they are on a tattoo than if they were on non-tattooed skin. “Never forget to apply sunblock to a tattoo of any age,” advises Dr. Diaz. “Even seasoned tattoos can be affected by the sun, and a sunburn can cause peeling and scarring, neither of which are any good for the look of your tat.”
Tattoos & Weight Gain
Depending on where your tattoos are located changes in your body such as weight gain, pregnancy, weight loss and muscle gain can affect the appearance of your tattoos. Tattoos on the hands, wrists, feet, ankles and back of the neck will be minimally affected by weight loss. Women are especially known to get droopy or saggy looking tattoos on their stomach after becoming pregnant. Dr. Diaz recommends women to wait until they are beyond childbearing years or be sure they do not plan to have any children before deciding to get a tattoo in this area. “Because the weight gain and skin stretching is so dramatic over such a short period of time – 9 months, even if you don’t get stretch marks, the tattoo probably won’t fare well and stretch marks only make it worse.”
Meet Dr. Michael Diaz
A board-certified plastic surgeon in Melbourne serving the Orlando, FL area, Dr. Michael Diaz specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breasts and body. His dedication to improving each patient's appearance and quality of life is expressed in his uncompromising level of personalized care and commitment to surgical success. Through a warm, approachable personality, Dr. Diaz puts his patients at ease and his refined surgical skills reveal their unique natural beauty. He often becomes a trusted friend and valued partner who patients recommend to their friends and family. Learn more about him and it's likely he'll be your choice too.
Professional Success through Determination
Dr. Diaz achieved his success through determination and a passion for illuminating the natural beauty of the human form. After completing his undergraduate studies, financed through the success of his own business, he was accepted into the competitive medical program at The Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. Dr. Diaz went on to his post-doctoral training in general surgery at the University of Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital.
During Dr. Diaz's fellowship, he spent an additional year studying hand, upper extremity, and microsurgical reconstructive surgery. He was then accepted into the plastic surgery training program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. As Chief Resident, Dr. Diaz gained experience alongside some of New York City's top plastic surgeons at Lennox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, New York. For more details about Dr. Diaz's training and experience, review his CV.
After completing his plastic surgery fellowship, Dr. Diaz returned to his hometown of Miami where he began his solo practice specializing in aesthetic procedures of the breasts and body. In spite of a very successful practice in South Florida that attracted patients from across the nation and around the world, in 2008 Dr. Diaz relocated to Melbourne, Florida in search of a more peaceful, higher quality of life experience.
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