AFTERCARE
Standard Aftercare
Leave the wrap on the tattoo for at least 2 hours, up to overnight.
Wash your hands with soap before removing the wrap.
Washing your hands beforehand will help prevent your tattoo from getting infected when you go to touch it. Now carefully pull the cellophane wrap so you don’t damage your new tattoo.
Wash your tattoo with warm water and soap.
Wash your tattoo gently with warm, soapy water. Use a non-scented antibacterial soap to rub the tattoo gently with your fingers. Just make sure to remove all traces of blood, plasma or leaked ink.
For the first 48 hours, wash your tattoo as instructed above 3 times daily.
Once your tattoo is starting to feel dry (typically 48 hours after your appointment), sparingly apply either Aquaphor or unscented Lubriderm. Make sure to apply a very thin layer and massage it gently until it’s absorbed into your skin. Continue to wash your tattoo daily until it is healed.
Second Skin (saniderm, tegaderm, etc.)
Please leave the original dressing on for at least 24 hours. If after 24 hours a small amount of fluid has accumulated under the dressing it will dry out naturally, and the original dressing can be worn for up to 4 days. However, if an ‘ink sack’ has developed, or if the bandage is no longer well adhered to the skin - remove the dressing, wash your tattoo with warm water and unscented antibacterial soap. At this point you can use standard aftercare, described above, or you can apply a new second skin bandage.
To apply a new bandage after washing, pat the tattoo dry and apply a new second skin dressing. Leave this on for 4 days. After 4 days, remove the bandage and apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer to your tattoo as needed.
Second skin products are shower safe, just make sure water does not get inside of the bandage or it will have to be removed. These dressings are not appropriate for swimming, bathing, or hot tubs.
If at any time the bandage peels back, exposing the tattoo or excess fluid begins to leak from the bandage it must be removed, cleaned, and either replaced, or standard aftercare can be followed.
If at any time you suspect you may be having an allergic reaction to the bandage it should be removed, and standard aftercare should be followed.
Avoid scratching your tattoo or picking at any flaking skin.
Do not use Polysporin, Vaseline, or products with fragrances to heal your tattoo.
Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Once your tattoo is healed apply SPF 30 or higher to keep it looking it’s best.
Wear clean loose-fitting clothes while your tattoo heals.
If your clothing does stick to your healing tattoo, do not pull! Wet the area with water first. This should loosen the clothing where it can be removed without damaging the tattoo.
No pools, beaches, bathtubs or hot tubs until your tattoo is healed.
Avoid exercising the newly tattooed area.
If you work in a job that involves physical activity, you may want to consider taking a few days off so it has time to heal before you return to work.