Tattoo Aftercare
General Tips:
Avoid sunlight and swimming while healing! Sunscreen helps preserve the longevity of your tattoo and is recommended for everyone!
Swelling, redness, and oozing is normal for the first few hours after a tattoo. Minor bruising can occur in sensitive areas, but is rare. If you notice a red streak(s) on the surrounding skin, this could indicate a sign of infection and should be brought to the attention of a doctor.
DO NOT pick scabs! Let flaking happen naturally. Do not over moisturize your tattoo while healing and avoid scented lotions or ones that contain essential oils. Once healed, regular moisturizing is great!
Removing a black, soaker pad:
1. Keep wrapped for 4-24 hours (depending on how large and dense the design is). Do not re-wrap.
2. After removing: with clean hands, gently rinse with warm, running water and lather with a liquid, antibacterial hand soap or castille soap (Dial, Softsoap, Dr. Bronner's). Pat dry with a clean towel.
3. Repeat washing step 1-2 times a day for about 3 days. Use a small amount of unscented, water-based (ex. Eucerin, Jergen's, Cetaphil etc.) to help with flaking & peeling. If the area comes into contact with an unsanitary surface and/or pets within the first few days, wash immediately.
4. Avoid baths, swimming, saunas/steam rooms, and sun exposure for at least 2 weeks while healing.
Removing an adhesive bandage:
1. Keep on for up to 3-4 days. The bandage will collect fluid (plasma and ink)- this is normal. Avoid exercise for 24 hours.
If liquid begins to seep out, remove the bandage (see below). If you experience irritation or inflammation around the bandage, remove it (this may indicate a temporary skin sensitivity). Any inflammation should calm down in a few days. If you have any concerns about a reaction please let me know and/or contact your doctor.
2. The bandage is water resistant not waterproof. Showering is fine but avoid soaking.
3. To remove: run the area under warm water. With clean hands, lather over the bandage with liquid, antibacterial hand soap or castille soap (ex. Dial, Softsoap, Dr. Bronner's). Find a loose edge and work the soap into the area as you stretch the bandage off. Gently wash the tattoo and dry with a clean towel. Do not re-wrap.
Use a small amount of unscented, water-based (ex. Eucerin, Jergen's, Cetaphil etc.) to help with flaking & peeling.