AFTERCARE
Proper precautionary steps, along with the right aftercare procedures will ensure your tattoo heals as best as possible and stands the test of time.
Check out my recommended instructions and tips below.
Preparing for your appointment:
Aftercare Instructions:
1) Leave the second-skin adhesive bandage on for 3 days. *If regular plastic wrap is used, remove the wrap after 2 hours, and skip to step 3*
- Only remove the bandage before 3 days if: The bandage peels up where the tattooed skin is exposed, if any fluid is leaking out, or if your skin becomes more red and irritated than normal.
- Do not pop any bubbles or try to remove any fluids. This is normal, and the excess fluid (ink, blood, plasma) will wash off when the bandage is taken off.
- You can shower as normal with the bandage on.
2) When removing the bandage, first wash your hands well.
- Remove the bandage under running water.
- Do not yank it off like a band-aid, slowly pull it off.
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3) When the bandage is off, gently massage the tattoo with your hands under running water. The tattoo will feel slimy, massage the tattoo with water until this is gone.
- The only soap I recommend using during this process, and any other time when washing your healing tattoo, is Dial Antibacterial soap.
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4) Pat dry with a paper towel. Do not be abrasive or rub your healing tattoo.
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5) Apply a thin layer of fragrance free, general body moisturizing lotion. I recommend the brands Cetaphil and Lubriderm.
- Do not smother it in lotion, a thin layer is all that is needed.
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6) Continue to clean and moisturize your tattoo every 3-4 hours for the next 4 weeks.
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* Always make sure your hands are clean before washing, applying lotion, or touching your healing tattoo.
* Keep your tattoo out of the sun.
* Do not go swimming or submerge your healing tattoo in water.
* Do not scratch or pick at any scabs, let them fall off naturally.
* Avoid any activities that may cause you to sweat for the next 7-14 days.
* After the bandage had been removed, do not use any body wash or shampoo to clean your tattoo, only Dial Antibacterial soap. Do not use a wash cloth or a loofa sponge, only your hands.
* Do not apply anything other than non-scented lotion to your healing tattoo. Do not use sunscreen or tanning oil until your tattoo is healed.
* Do not re-bandage or re-wrap your tattoo, it needs oxygen to heal.
* Do not directly scratch your healing tattoo, when it feels itchy, gently scratch the area surrounding the tattoo.​​
* Avoid alcohol 48 hours prior to your tattoo appointment. Do not show up to your appointment under drugs or alcohol. If you do, you deposit will be forfeited and you will have to reschedule.
* Get a good nights rest the night before.
* Eat a healthy meal before your appointment.
* Be well hydrated, the more water your drink leading up to your appointment, the healthier your skin will be.
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* Wear loose fitting clothes that make the area of your body getting tattooed easily accessible.
* Bring headphones, and a source of entertainment such as your phone, a tablet, or a book.
* Bring a bottle of water or something to drink.
* If your tattoo session is going to be long, bring some snacks.
Recommended Healing Products:
