Aftercare
What to do
➢ Wash your hands with antibacterial soap (no bar soap) before touching/cleaning/or handling your tattoo.
➢ A Tegaderm bandage may be left on for the first 2-3 days. After it is removed, proceed with the normal washing and moisturizing regimen.
➢ If plastic wrap with a meat pack or puppy pad was used, leave it on overnight.
➢ Remove the bandage with warm water and wash the tattoo and dab dry with a clean paper towel. If blackwork, try and mop up all the plasma (shiny spots) and let dry out completely before starting to use ointment to avoid excessive scabbing and speed up healing time.
➢ Wash the tattoo 2 times a day with a watered-down mild antibacterial soap from a dispenser (no bar soap).
➢ After washing, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor for the first week.
➢ You may substitute Aquaphor for a thin layer of unscented lotion (Lubriderm or something similar). Make sure this lotion is NOT fast-healing.
What not to do
➢ Avoid direct sunlight. If you must go in the sun, use a high SPF sunscreen on your tattoo.
➢ Avoid heavy sweating in or around the area of your tattoo for at least two weeks. If you sweat in the area, add an extra wash directly after activity.
➢ Do not pick, itch or scratch the tattoo throughout the healing process. This can lead to scarring and and infection in some cases.
➢ Do not use a tanning bed for at least a month.
➢ Do not soak in any water or body of water (hot-tub, bathtub, pool, lake, river, ocean) for at least a month.
➢ Do not let your tattoo stick to sheets or clothing. In case of getting stuck, soak the cloth where it is stuck to the tattoo in warm water and wash your hands and tattoo.
Expect
➢ The tattoo and surrounding area to remain slightly swollen and red for a week.
➢ Ink or plasma may seep to the surface (this can be wiped off with a clean paper towel).
➢ Your tattoo should be fully healed in one month.
Email me if you have any questions or concerns.