Tattoo Aftercare
Day 1
Saniderm
If I bandaged your tattoo with a clear adhesive film you can leave it on for up to three days. There may be a lot of fluid that builds up in the film which is fine, as long as nothing leaks in or out. The film is shower proof, but make sure that no water gets inside. If fluid leaks out or water leaks in, you must remove the bandage immediately and instead follow STANDARD AFTERCARE instructions below. If no leaking occurs, remove the film on day 3, and wash the tattoo thoroughly then apply a coat of unscented lotion. Skip below to DAYS 3-14 instructions for the next step!
Plastic Wrap/Bandages
If I bandaged your tattoo with ointment, plastic wrap, and tape, REMOVE THE BANDAGE AFTER ONE TO TWO HOURS, and be sure to take it off before bed!
Wash the tattoo after removing the wrap. Use a mild, non scented antibacterial soap (Such as Dial or Provon) and warm water. Reduce scabbing by carefully removing all traces of blood and plasma while washing. DO NOT SCRUB THE TATTOO with a washcloth or other abrasive material during the healing period. Pat down lightly with a clean soft cloth or paper towel and let it air dry for 10-20 minutes. This allows for excess moisture to evaporate out. It is very important to let the tattoo “breathe”.
Once dry, APPLY A VERY THIN COAT OF OINTMENT to the tattoo. I usually recommend using Vitamin A and D or Aquaphor. Apply only enough ointment to give your tattoo a matte photo finish, not a glossy shine. A little goes a long way. Gently dab off excess with a clean paper towel. There should be just enough ointment to keep it moist to prevent scabbing; applying to much ointment may trap germs which cause breakouts, rashes, or lead to infection.
Days 2-3
REPEAT the cycle of washing, drying and applying a thin layer of ointment to the tattoo about 1-3 times per day for the first 2-3 days
It is always important to keep your healing tattoo clean, but keep in mind that the first few days are when your tattoo is the most vulnerable.
During these first few days, it is normal for your tattoo to feel sore and tender, You may also see redness, swelling, and some mild bleeding.
Days 3-14
After the first 2-3 days, your tattoo should begin to feel dry and tight. At this point discontinue applying ointment and switch to regular fragrance free lotion, such as eucerin, lubriderm, or curel. Do not use lotions that contain color or fragrance at all until healing is complete.
Apply lotion twice a day or whenever the tattoo is feeling stiff or dry. But DO NOT OVER MOISTURIZE!
During this phase of the healing process it is normal to experience dryness, itchiness, scabbing, peeling (like a sunburn) and flaking, it is very important to NEVER SCRATCH OR PICK at a healing tattoo.
Do’s and Don’t’s
KEEP YOUR TATTOO CLEAN and only touch your tattoo with clean hands. Only touch your tattoo if you are cleaning it or applying ointment/lotion. DO NOT LET ANYONE ELSE TOUCH YOUR TATTOO. Do not let your tattoo come into contact with any public surface (like gym equipment, keyboards, countertops, etc)
PLEASE REFRAIN FROM SCRATCHING OR PICKING at the tattoo. It is normal for your tattoo to become very itchy during the tattoo, but you must avoid scratching or picking at scabs if they form. Scratching, scrubbing, or picking will irritate the tattoo and can prolong the healing process causing scarring and loss of ink.
WEAR SOFT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING that will not rub against your tattoo. Plan your wardrobe accordingly!
NO SWIMMING IN POOLS, THE OCEAN, HOT TUBS, BATH TUBS , OR SAUNAS until your tattoo is fully healed. Short showers and gentle washing should be your only water activity during the healing process.
THE SUN IS BAD FOR YOUR TATTOO! Excess sun exposure on a healing tattoo can cause burning, scabbing, loss of color, prolonged healing, and scarring. Once fully healed apply a high quality sunblock to your tattoo whenever you are in the sun or tanning bad. DO NOT APPLY SUNSCREEN TO A TATTOO BEFORE ITS FULLY HEALED and always WAIT UNTIL THE TATTOO IS FULLY HEALED BEFORE GOING INTO THE SUN.
And lastly, ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR ARTIST’S AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS.. Do not listen to any other healing advice and do not consult your friends or the internet. If you have any questions, please reach out to me and I will be more than happy to assist.