Aftercare
AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
Once your session has ended, your Tattoo Artist will apply a bandage over your new tattoo. It is advised to leave this bandage on at minimum 2 hours – but no more than 7 days – depending on the bandage method used.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!
lotion method
You may remove your bandage after 2 hours, but it is recommended to keep bandage on overnight up to 24 hours will allow your tattoo to remain protected and from sticking to clothing and sheets.
BANDAGE REMOVAL: Any easy method of removal is in the shower. Allow shower water to fully soak the bandage and fall off. Wash your tattoo with warm water and liquid soap (NO EXFOLIATING BEADS, ETC.). Fragrance-Free antibacterial liquid hand soap works great. You do not need scold your tattoo with hot water – just water temperature that is comfortable. After thoroughly rinsing soap, air dry and gently pat dry tattoo with a clean/unused towel. Do not re-bandage.
LOTION APPLICATION: Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free plain lotion like Curél, Lubriderm or Aquaphor, 2-3 times per day. Lotion should absorb within a few minutes, however, if any lotion remains, gently blot excess lotion with a clean paper towel.
TEGADERM
SANIDERM
Recovery DERM
METHOD
Depending on the location of the tattoo, your tattoo artist may place a TEGADERM bandage on your new tattoo. TEGADERM is a clear, sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier. Not everyone has the patience to keep this type of bandage on long term and body areas that experience a lot manipulation also have difficulty staying put. If you have any sensitivity or allergies to adhesives, we recommend not using this method.
TEGADERM BANDAGE TERM: You can leave this bandage on up to 7 days – at minimum of 2-3 days.
What to Expect: After the first hour, expect to see a build up of fluid and a distorted look of your tattoo. This is totally normal! Nothing has changed with the tattoo itself, the fluid is actually plasma and other bodily as well as leftover ink. Plasma is beneficial for healing. As long as the fluid does not leak outside of the bandage - all is well - however - if you experience leaking, the seal has been compromised and you should follow the removal instructions , no need to re-bandage, and switch to the “Lotion Method” above.
TEGADERM BANDAGE REMOVAL: It is best to remove TEGADERM while taking a shower or under running water. Do your shower routine and once you are clean and the bandage has received a liberal amount of water. Think of this like a command strip where you will pull up and as tension builds, the bandage will slowly release. As this releases, you can slowly peel it off and set aside to discard. While still in the shower, gently wash your tattoo with warm water and liquid (NO EXFOLIATING BEADS, ETC.) soap. Fragrance-Free antibacterial liquid hand soap works great. After thorough rinse, gently pat dry with a clean/unused towel.
HEALING EXPECTATIONS
& CAUTIONS
Generally, 2-3 days after bandage removal, you will begin to see flaking of the tattooed area or scabbing and may feel itchy as a result. This is a normal part of healing. DO NOT pick at flaking or scabbed over skin. Doing so will delay healing and may result in infection, damage to your tattoo requiring further touch-up sessions. Applying a thin layer of fragrance-free plain lotion like Lubriderm or Aquaphor with clean hands should help provide relief and support healing.
NO MATTER WHICH BANDAGE METHOD IS USED – PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND OUR DO & DO NOT section to help promote healing and prevent SERIOUS INFECTION!!!
DO:
· Use fresh, clean towels and washcloths for each shower while healing to prevent SERIOUS INFECTION.
· Keep your new tattoo clean. Do this by showering (not baths) daily and wash your hands before and after touching your new tattoo.
· Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free plain lotion like Lubriderm or Aquaphor with clean hands.
· Drink plenty of Water! Staying hydrated will help support healing.
· Wear clothing to block the sun from causing sunburns and damage. Once your tattoo has fully healed (usually 2-3 weeks) use sunblock to protect your skin and tattoo if exposed. Sun damage will cause fading and distortion.
DO NOT:
· DO NOT - Take baths, go swimming anywhere or use hot tubs. Doing so before you have completely healed can lead to SERIOUS INFECTION. Even chemically treated bodies of water pose risk for infection as your tattoo should be considered an open wound until fully healed.
· DO NOT pick flaking or scabbing on your tattoo. This may delay healing and can cause damage to your tattoo requiring additional touch-up sessions.
· DO NOT scratch your tattoo – this may cause damage or infection.
· DO NOT expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds.
· DO NOT apply perfumes or colognes directly on tattoo while healing. Fragrances can cause additional discomfort and irritation.
Following these Aftercare instructions should provide the best outcome and your tattoo should be fully healed within 2-3 weeks. Please feel free to contact us or stop in if you have any questions.
TATTOOS ARE PERMANENT AND MAY ONLY BE REMOVED WITH SURGICAL OR LASER PROCEDURE. SKIN WILL NOT RETURN TO ORIGINAL STATE AND SCARRING MAY OCCUR.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDE:
· Scarring
· Allergic Reactions (rash, hives, shortness of breath, etc.)
· Sun damage and fluctuations in weight can alter your tattoo
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF TATTOO INFECTION:
You should expect some pain or tenderness and a small amount of swelling with any tattoo procedure. Infection is possible as this procedure creates an open wound making you more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.
Provided is a list of some signs & symptoms that may indicate infection. Should you experience any of these, please seek advice from a physician immediately.
· A Rash, redness or bumps in the tattoo area – especially if spreading outside of the tattoo area.
· A Fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
· Worsening swelling
· Pus or purulent drainage
· Increasing pain
· Shaking, chills and sweats