Tattoo Aftercare

NO swimming, NO soaking, NO tanning

Keep it clean, Keep it dry, Email with any concerns

 

Ideally you want to leave the second skin on for UP TO 7 days.

While second skin is water proof, it is vital you NEVER soak the area. Minimize water spray on the second skin when you are showering and NEVER soak the area in a bathtub, pool or hot tub.

 

• Fluid may accumulate under the second skin bandage. This is normal. There may be a little, there may be a lot or none at all. Do not be concerned if you see fluid, this is your own blood plasma and perhaps a bit of tattoo pigment, but it is working hard to rebuild your skin so - leave it alone! The only time you want to remove second skin early IS:
• If the bandage rolls down and the tattoo is exposed to air 
•  Rash or sensitivity occurs
• The fluid in the bandage looks similar to a ketchup packet/ blister

When it is time to remove the Second skin

The easiest way to remove the second skin is in the shower, by allowing it to soak in warm water before attempting to peel it off. Rub the edge of the bandage until you can get ahold of it,and GENTLY peel the bandage off pulling towards you, not away. Support the skin behind the bandage with other hand. DO NOT rip the second skin off.

Removingthe bandage may feel uncomfortable, but should not be painful.

Once the Second skin is removed

• Wash the area with mild soap and water
• Avoid heavy soaps with fragrance & NEVER use exfoliating soaps
• Wash gently & pat dry with a clean towel

After removing the Second skin

• ONLY MOISTURIZE the area with a mild moisturizer 1 or 2 times a day
• DO NOT OVER MOISTURIZE 
• use a mild unscented moisturizer such as Lubriderm
• Keep it light! Your tattoo should NEVER look shiny or feel greasy 

If you experience any swelling try to treat the area like a sprained ankle.

Ice, Elevation, and Advil can help alleviate.

Lower extremities are particularly  vulnerable to swelling.

For fast and proper healing, here are some suggestions for caring for your tattoo 

 

Approximately 1-4 hours after your tattoo is complete, (depending on size) take the bandage off & wash the area with mild unscented soap and lukewarm water. You want to clean the Vaseline off the tattoo.

Use your hand, not a cloth, gently pat dry with a clean towel.

DO NOT BANDAGE AGAIN

After a couple days your tattoo will start to dry, scab, flake and heal. This is normal.

It may feel DRY, TIGHT, or ITCHY, this is the only time you want to moisturize. DO NOT OVER MOISTURIZE YOUR TATTOO.This is the same as soaking your  tattoo & can ruin it.

Your tattoo is considered an open wound until the scab comes off, so keep it clean! Keep it out of the direct stream of the shower and never scrub the area.

IMPORTANT

DO NOT tan for 4 weeks after being tattooed

DO NOT go into saltwater or chlorinated water for 2 weeks or until the scab is off

DO NOT go into a steam room, sauna or do extensive exercise for 2 weeks

DO NOT soak your tattoo in water for 2 weeks or until the scab is off.

IF it gets wet, pat the area dry as soon as possible with a clean towel.

When water soaks a new tattoo, it may form scabs that could swell and come off early- pulling the ink out with it. You want to keeps the scab on until it comes off naturally. 

NEVER PICK OR SCRATCH your new tattoo! Ink can be pulled out 

 

JUST BECAUSE YOUR TATTOO LOOKS HEALED DOES NOT MEAN IT IS

your tattoo will take a minimum of 2-4weeks to heal

 

After you are healed

Always use SPF 30 sunblock or higher to protect your tattoos when in the sun or tanning

Sunlight and UV rays will quickly fade an unprotected tattoo and burn the new layers of skin faster.