Regular Bandage

Closely following these instructions will help aid you in the healing of your new tattoo.  Improper aftercare can seriously affect the appearance of a tattoo after it has completely healed. IMPROPERLY HEALED TATTOOS THAT REQUIRE TOUCH-UPS WILL BE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE CLIENT.

 Tattoo Aftercare:
- Leave bandage on for a minimum of two hours.  After removing the bandage, expect to see Lymphorrhea (lymph, plasma, excess ink, red and white blood cells).  Wipe your tattoo clean with a dry paper  towel and gently wash tattoo with warm water and a mild, unscented anti-bacterial soap and pat dry.

- Using a VERY SMALL amount, apply a thin coat of Aquaphor (during the first 3-4 days of healing) . Do not re-bandage. Once the wound is dry and sealed by the scab (2 days afterward approximately) use non scented lotion.  Tattoos require air exposure to heal.

- It is important to keep your tattoo clean as it heals. Wash tattoo 1-2 times daily with a mild soap and apply ointment as needed, or when the tattoo feels dry. DO NOT  over moisturize.  Over moisturizing can clog the pores and cause pimples to appear around your tattoo. If this occurs simply stop moisturizing. 

-  Use only alcohol-free and unscented lotions after 3-4 days(Lubriderm would be recommended) apply lotion when the tattoo feels dry for at least a month.  

 - Expect your tattoo to scab, sometimes excessively.  This is normal. Everyone heals differently and over different periods of time. Expect a healing time of two to four weeks. It may take up to eight weeks but this is uncommon.

 -  ORAL TATTOO CARE: Lip tattoos cannot be guaranteed due the environment of the mouth. Simply avoid smoking, oral sex, kissing, and alcohol( Including alcohol based mouthwash), chewing tobacco, or any object that could infect a still healing tattoo.  Also while the tattoo is still "fresh" and healing, avoid aspirin and caffeine . Use non-alcohol based mouthwash( Biotene) to clean a new healing oral tattoo.

In any circumstance, DO NOT: Pick, scratch, rub, or expose tattoo to sun, tanning beds or submerge in water for extended periods of time, including pools and hot tubs.

Never use a wash cloth or any abrasive materials.

It is important to know that a healing tattoo can look and feel irritated. 

If any ABNORMAL irritation, swelling or fever should appear, please contact a physician immediately.  These could be signs of a potentially serious medical condition that should be addressed.

Tegaderm/Secound Skin Products

-This bandage is a clear film with an adhesive on one side. It will act like a fake scab and keep your tattoo protected for the next 2-4 days. This is what hospitals use for burn victims and to secure IVs. If you opt out of this bandage please refer to the second half of these instructions.

You may notice some fluid build up under your bandage. This fluid is a mix of blood, ink and plasma. If you notice it really start to build up and form a bubble underneath your bandage I would recommend taking it off and continuing with the care instructions below. If you don’t see any fluid or there’s just a thin gloss, I would recommend leaving it on for the full duration.

There is a very small possibility that the bandage could irritate your skin. If this happens you will notice your skin turn red around the edges. It will not be underneath the bandage, but around it. If you see this, do not panic. It’s not dangerous and will not harm your tattoo. Just take it off and continue with the aftercare as normal.

Your tattoo will feel like a bruise the next 2-4 days. If it hurts past that please let me know.

Once you take the bandage off wash it with warm water and mild soap. Mild soap means no bar soap and no body wash. Preferably a hand pump soap, something that sits by the sink. If you have sensitive skin or you’re allergic to fragrances get something that’s unscented. Otherwise you’re good to use what you have.

Pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel. Never use a cloth towel. Cloth towels have bacteria in them and there’s nothing you can do to get it out.

Once your tattoo is dry apply a thin layer of lotion to your tattoo. I recommend Aquaphor, Lubriderm or Aveeno. As long as the lotion is unscented and water-based it can be used for aftercare. Make sure the lotion comes from a pump or squeeze bottle. Do not buy the jar, jars of lotion can become contaminated very easily.

You should apply the lotion 2-3 times a day everyday until your tattoo is completely healed.

In about a week you will notice that your tattoo is starting to flake. It may come off in large patches, especially if there’s any color involved in the tattoo. Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo. If you pull off the scabs prematurely you will risk pulling the ink out of your skin and damaging the tattoo.

Your tattoo will also get very itchy. Do not touch it!

In about two weeks your tattoo should be completely healed. In the meantime no bathtubs, hot tubs or swimming pools. You can take a shower but no soaking of any kind.

Do not workout for 3-4 days after getting your tattoo. Working out raises your blood pressure and can potentially push the ink out of your skin, or cause a blowout.