Immediate Aftercare (The First Night)
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If your artist has used Saniderm or Second Skin:
- Keep the bandage on for about 5-7 days for best results (keep on for a minimum of 24-48 hours unless you are experiencing an allergic reaction.)
- If the bandage falls off before the intended time frame, follow the immediate aftercare instructions for the plastic film or bandage covering listed below.
- Second skin requires the least maintenance for immediate aftercare. It can be work while you shower and does not require immediate cleaning.
-If your second skin leaks, do not remove the bandage unless it has come off of a portion of the area that has been tattooed. Use a clean paper towel to clean any leaked residue.
*** It is normal to see a build up of lymphatic fluid and blood in the bandage and is not a cause to be alarmed. ***
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If your artist has used a Bandage Covering or Plastic Film:
- Keep the bandage cover on for 6-24 hours
- Remove the bandage cover only when you are in a clean environment and able to gently wash the tattoo with clean hands using anti-bacterial soap and lukewarm water. Use a clean paper towel to dry the area once clean.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing, dirty clothing, and use clean bed sheets for the nights following the tattoo.
- Do not touch the tattoo frequently or with unclean hands.
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The following days/weeks:
- Gently wash the tattoo two - three times a day using antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Continue this for two weeks following the appointment. (If you have second skin as a bandage, do this once you've removed the bandage.)
- Wear clean and loose clothing in order to allow the tattoo to breathe for as long as you can within two weeks to avoid irritation and likelihood of infection. (Avoid new black clothes as the dye can be more agressive for the skin which could lead to infection.)
- After the tattoo begins to develop a layer of crust, begin applying a small, thin layer of unscented moisturizer one - two times a day. Make sure the lotion is well absorbed into the skin.
- Use an unscented body soap for showers. Keep showers short and a little cooler than normal.
- Avoid submerging tattoos in water for long periods of time (such as swimming and hot tubs) as the excess of moisture and bacteria can lead to infections for around 2-4 weeks.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds for the duration of your healing and be sure to wear sunscreen diligently once your tattoo is healed to avoid/slow down the diluting and lightening the tattoo over time.
- Be attentive to your healing- pay attention to signs of infection (if the area is red, hot to the touch, and/or is producing a yellow or greenish discharge). If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Once you are able, contact your artist to alert them of your healing process (this is only necessary if you are certain through medical examination that you have an infection).
- Do not use polysporin or medicated ointments unless instructed by a medical professional. Polysporin used as a lotion can promote ink to fall out during the healing process.
Do not hesitate to contact your tattoo artist with any additional questions, comments, or concerns. There will be a box below for any such requirements.