Aftercare
Congratulations on your new tattoo!
A lot of effort and care have been invested into the application of your artwork.
Now it's up to you to complete the process.
Aftercare is not too difficult.
Just be sure to follow these guidelines;
If you prefer the "traditional" method of healing your tattoo;
1) Remove the bandage after a minimum of 4 hours (but not more than 24 hours). Do not rebandage.
2) Wash the tattoo gently with warm water and mild soap. Always use your hands when washing your tattoo, not a washcloth or scrub brush. And always make sure to wash your hands before and after touching your healing tattoo at any time.
3) Pat dry with a clean paper or cloth towel.
4) Apply a very small amount of Aquaphor to the tattoo and work into the skin. Do not leave a thick layer of ointment sitting on top of the tattoo.
5) Repeat the washing and ointment process 2-4 times a day for the first 2 days.
6) After 2 days, stop using the ointment and switch to a fragrance free lotion.
7) Gently wash the tattoo several times a day and apply lotion whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight.
8) After a few days the tattoo will start to peel and may develop a light scab. Itching will occur towards the end of the healing process. DO NOT pick or scratch at the flaking skin or scabs. Picking will pull out color and can cause scarring.
9) Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight, chlorinated water, lakes, oceans, etc. during the healing process (at least 2 weeks). Use a good sunblock (+30spf) after healing to keep your tattoo looking great for as long as possible.
10) Keep the tattoo away from dirt, pet hair, tight clothing, etc. while healing.
11) Any questions or concerns about your healing tattoo? Please don't hesitate to let me know.
Or you can opt to use the multi-bandage option.
This requires a bit more work on your part. But it's very effective.
1) Once your tattoo is finished, it will be thoroughly cleaned and an antibacterial ointment will be applied. Then an absorbant medicated pad will be applied over the fresh artwork. You will be given two more bandages, a roll of medical tape and several packets of antibacterial ointment.
2)Keep the initial bandage on for 24 hours.
3) After 24 hours, remove the bandage. Wash the tattoo with warm water and a mild soap. Pat dry with a clean paper or cloth towel. Make sure you wash your hands before AND after touching the healing tattoo at ANY time.
4) Evenly apply a moderate amount of ointment to your tattoo. Not too much though. Take one of the fresh bandages from your care packet and place it over your tattoo. Secure with the medical tape.
5) Keep the second bandage on for 24 hours.
6) Repeat the process for a third and final time.
7) Once the third bandage is removed, gently wash the tattoo and apply a mild, fragrance free lotion. Do not re-bandage.
8) Wash the tattoo several times a day and apply lotion whenever the tatto feels dry or tight.
9) After a few days, the tattoo will start to peel and may develop a light scab. Itching will occur towards the end of the healing process. DO NOT PICK or scratch at the flaking skin or scabs. Picking will pull out color and can cause scarring.
10) Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight, chlorinated water, lakes, oceans, etc. during the healing process (at least 2 weeks). Use a good sunblock (+30spf) after healing to keep your tattoo looking great for as long as possible.
11) Keep the tattoo away from dirt, pet hair, tight clothing, etc. while healing.
12) Any questions or concerns about your healing tattoo? Please don't hesitate to let me know.
Finally, there is the medical film or "Saniderm" aftercare
option.
I usually only recommend this aftercare method for smaller tattoos on areas
that aren't affected by excessive movement or friction from clothes.
This healing process is also effective IF DONE RIGHT.
1) Your artist will clean and prepare the area around the tattoo. Then they will
apply an adhesive plastic bandage over the tattooed area.
2) Do your best to leave this film on for a MINIMUM OF 5 DAYS. You can
leave it on for up to 7 days. But less than 5 days can damage the tattoo.
3) While the film is on, there will be some fluid buildup under the bandage.
This is mainly plasma and some blood. Your body will re-absorb most of this
fluid.
4) The fluid that is not re-absorbed by your body will get a bit crusty looking
underneath the bandage. This is normal and nothing to worry about. You can
shower regularly. But do not soak the bandaged tattoo.
5) After 5-7 days, gently peel the film off. If it feels uncomfortable or like it's
sticking to your skin too much, you can run some warm water over it as
you're peeling. This should make it easier to remove.
Wash the tattoo thoroughly with warm soapy water, using your hands.
Make sure you wash your hands before and after touching your healing
tattoo at any time. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel and apply an
unscented moisturizing lotion.
6) There may be some dry and peeling sking for a few days after. DO NOT
PICK! Picking at flaking skin or scabs will pull pigment out of the skin and
can lead to scarring.
7) Moisturize as needed and use a good sunblock (+30spf) after the tattoo is
healed to keep it looking as vibrant as possible.
8) If, during the initial bandage stage, you notice an excessive amount of
fluid buildup or rash-like red bumps under the film, gently peel the film off,
wash the tattoo and apply an unscented, moisturizing lotion. Clean and
moisturize several times a day until the tattoo is healed.
9) Any questions or concerns about your healing tattoo? Please don't
hesitate to let me know.