Tattoo Aftercare 

Your tattoo is an open wound on your body, so following the recommended aftercare instructions closely is incredibly important to avoid infections and complications throughout healing. Until skin is fully and completely healed the tattoo can become infected. Please avoid any dusty/ dirty conditions. Do not allow pet hair/ dander saliva etc. to come in contact with your new tattoo. Do not touch the tattoo. Do not let anyone else touch or poke your new tattoo.

 

TRADITIONAL TATTOO AFTERCARE METHOD

CLEANING

When you arrive home, remove bandage. (do not leave on longer than 4 hours) After removing the bandage, clean tattoo gently with unscented Antibacterial soap and warm water. Rinse well and pat dry with paper towel. Do not re-bandage.

MAINTENANCE

Wash the tattoo 2x a day with Fragrance free antibacterial soap and pat dry with a paper towel. Do this step until your tattoo is completely healed. When the skin starts to look shiny and may be a bit itchy, hang on your almost done!

Using a paper towel apply a VERY THIN layer of ointment 2-3 times a day for 3 days. I recommend A&D ointment Aquaphor is ok too. On the 4th day switch to a small amount of unscented hand lotion. I like Aveeno but any unscented lotion should be fine, avoid lotions that are very greasy or heavy. Use daily until tattoo is healed. It will take 2-4 weeks until fully healed.

HEALING

During the first day or 2 it is normal for some ink to leak out. Avoid your tattoo getting stuck to bed sheets and clothing. Always make sure everything is as clean as possible.

During the healing process your tattoo will peel and flake, this is normal. It will also become very itchy. DO NOT scratch it! Allow it to flake off naturally.

 

Adhesive Bandage Aftercare

 

Remove the film after 24 hours. Wash the tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a paper towel. At this point you can continue with the tradition tattoo aftercare method or if you choose to you can apply a new adhesive bandage. 3m Tega-derm products can be purchased at most pharmacies. You can keep this on for 3 days.  It is normal to have fluid built up under the film. If fluid leaks from your film, patch it with a small piece of film or remove the film entirely and proceed with traditional care. After the three days are done, wash the tattoo 2x daily with the antibacterial soap, pat dry with a paper towel and apply fragrance free lotion.

  • DO NOT wear film for longer than 3 days.

  • Gently peel Film from one corner, pulling parallel to the plane of your body. Do not pull upwards. Warm water lathered with antibacterial soap will aid in the removal of a strong adhesive bond.

 

WARNING!

NO sun, Swimming, SCRATCHING or SOAKING for at least 2 weeks. Always use sunblock on healed tattoos!

 

Consult a medical professional if any signs or symptoms continue to develop, such as redness at the site, green/yellow discharge accompanied by a bad smell, and/or fever.