Aftercare Instructions
Initial Bandage
After your tattoo is finished you will be given either, second skin (a transparent medical grade adhesive) or cling film, to help protect and heal your tattoo.
If you receive second skin leave it on for 3-6 days. If you notice redness around the edges of the bandage remove it sooner, as this may indicate an allergic reaction to the adhesive. Once removed follow cleaning guide below.
Removal-Make sure your hands are washed and clean. Gently pull the bandage away from the tattoo from top to bottom(like a command strip not a piece of tape). It can be easier to remove it in the shower with warm water running over it to help loosen the adhesive.
If you receive cling film remove it after 3-5 hours, gently wash it with unscented soap and follow the cleaning guide below
Note: no matter the bandage type, avoids re-wrapping the tattoo, allow the tattoo to breathe with minimal obstruction.
Cleaning Guide
Once the bandage is removed, wash your tattoo gently with unscented soap and pat dry with paper towels. Avoid shower or hand towels as they can introduce unwanted bacteria that can lead to an infection.
For the first 2 weeks wash the tattoo twice a day(morning and night), with mild unscented soap (dove/neutrogena or anything similar is good). Avoid soaps with alcohol as a main ingredient as this can irritate the skin
Avoid excess force and over washing. Keep it clean but don’t overdue it.
Moisturizing
I usually recommend not adding lotions or ointments until scabs have begun healing as it is very easy to add too much and suffocate your tattoo, causing complications to the healing process.
Once the scabs have lifted and flaking has begun, start moisturizing very lightly. Apply a thin layer over the tattoo gently. If you add too much blot the excess with a paper towel. Apply moisturizer twice a day (don’t overdue it).
Choosing the right moisturizer-keep it unscented formulated for sensitive skin(lubriderm, hustle butter, tattoo goo, aveeno)
Peeling and Itching
Your tattoo will flake and peel much like a sunburn as your body heals and sheds dead skin. DO NOT pick or peel scabs, as this can damage the tattoo and pull ink out before it fully heals and sets.
Itching is normal part of the healing process. It may be mildly uncomfortable but DO NOT scratch your tattoo. Apply lotion or ointment to help soothe the area instead.
Things to Avoid
tight or abrasive clothing. Wear clean, soft clothing that allows your tattoo to breathe
SUN! Avoid direct sunlight for 3-4 weeks as it can be harmful and affect healing and vibrance of your tattoo. Also do not apply sunscreen until the tattoo is fully healed. Once it’s fully healed, sunscreen is a must to keep your tattoo from fading over time
Submerging or swimming. For first 3-4 weeks, do not submerge your tattoo in water(NO baths, hot tubs, or swimming). Showering is fine but try to minimize direct exposure to shower steam
Excess moisture or sweat. During the time your bandage is on avoid vigorous exercise. Once the bandage is off, wash your tattoo after a workout. Sweat trapped under the bandage can effect the healing process and increase the risk of infection
Stages of Healing
Stage 1 (week 1-2)
May experience oozing, swelling and bleeding over the first 36-48 hours. As well as redness around the tattoo. These will gradually improve over the course of each day. Scabbing will begin as process progresses
Stage 2 (week 2-3)
May experience itching and flaking as you start to shed dead skin
Stage 3 (weeks 4-5)
Your tattoo may start to appear healed but with a slight cloudy or shiny look to it. This is due to deeper skin layers still healing. Continue care on the tattoo during this stage to support complete healing and keep it looking fresh for years to come.
**Medical Attention**
In the very rare case a tattoo becomes infected, it is best to seek medical attention right away just to be safe.
Feel free to reach out to me for any questions or concerns regarding the healing process.
Sincerely Yours