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Coming to accept the tattoo(s) you have is one of the best lessons I've learned from getting tattooed. There's so much trust involved in being tattooed, because no matter how much research you've done on artist, how many portfolios you've looked at, how excruciatingly you studied the stencil before having it put on your skin, when it comes down to it, you're basically trusting a complete stranger to permanently alter your body and appearance. As someone who generally likes to be in control of everything, getting tattooed allows me to practice letting go, being present in the moment, and accepting things I can't change in a way that few other things in my life can. I only have three tattoos, but I have one that I had a harder time accepting than the others because the lines aren't as bold, the colors not as saturated, and stylistically is just a bit off from the bolder style I've learned that I prefer. I don't regret the tattoo, and I certainly don't hate the tattoo, but the point is, even if I did, it's there now! Nothing I can really do to change it so it's not worth worrying over. I think your tattoo looks lovely and well done. I agree that it would be prudent to hold off on completing the sleeve until you feel more certain that's what you want. I think it looks fine as a stand alone piece.

I have both my hands tattooed and my hands swell a lot ! the pain level in my hands was not bad at all,but they puff up pretty good.so don't worry about the swelling, pretty normal IMO and it will go away,just try and keep your feet elevated as much as possible and take some OTC anti-inflammatory. and IMO up the entire leg would look pretty fuckin' nice.

Hey @purplelace, it's healing. The scab is gone but there's a 1/2" section that's still raised and settling in. I bet it will be another two weeks before that area is completely healed. Thankfully, I work mostly from home so I can wear shorts and keep my leg elevated. :) Thank you for asking!

Looks great. Very pretty. :-)

Day 2 still quite swollen and hot but no real redness. Do you all think I should add a few more flowers? Should I stop here or bring it up the entire leg? Your ideas are welcome! Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Thank you! Today it's really hot but not too much swelling. My foot swelled a lot but I'm hoping this won't be too bad! Thanks for your support!♡ Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

I think it's a beautiful tattoo,it fits your leg just right,very nice ! from my experience the skin on that part of your leg will heal nicely,it's an easy heal area IMO. and welcome to the forum AND the addiction !

Hi everyone just got this part up my leg today. Hope it heals as easily as my foot did! What do you all think of it? It's a cherry blossom. Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

I think that your tattoo is very nice, very well done, Congratulations! @NearFantastica - I can't speak from personal experience since I'm still in the planning stages for a large tattoo, but based on some reading that I've done, people often have to get used to the change that a large tattoo makes to their body. Some people have said that they loved their tattoo, but it took a long time to get used to the fact that it was actually there. I saw a youtube video where a person with a new sleeve said that it took a while to accept that their arm was totally colored. When you are planning, it is all wonderful, but abstract. After it is complete, it may still be wonderful, but it is now real. It's there, every day. If it is any consolation, people often say that once they adjusted to this big change, they were very happy with their tattoo.

Crappy picture but my Ariel is finally done. This is 2 days after and I’m pretty bruised and swollen (my skin is super sensitive). I’m going to be working on a full sleeve with King Tritons castle, an octopus and possibly Flounder. I love Mermaids!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lance outdid me, but Jill did my back, too.