Aftercare Instructions
aftercare is essential to proper healing after your tattoo session. this is essentially a fresh wound on your body, keep it clean and wash the area as needed. please be very mindful during the healing process.
after your session : when your session is complete, i will put a bandage over the tattoo that you can keep on for 2-3 hours after your session. this bandage will keep the skin covered while the tattoo starts to heal. take it easy after your session. make sure to eat a healthy meal, drink lots of water, maybe a little treat, and get good rest.
2-3 hours after your session : first wash your hands. next, gently remove the bandage under warm running water. it is normal for the tattoo to have a blurry gooey layer on it. this is from plasma build up, and a small amount of ink. thoroughly clean the tattooed area with antibacterial soap and hot water, ensuring all soap is washed off. do not scrub the tattoo until your tattoo has fully healed. dry the tattooed area by gently patting with a clean, sterile paper towel, or let air dry. do not reapply a new bandage or cover.
the next few weeks are critical to your healing. i recommend wearing loose, breathable clothes that keep the tattooed area covered for the first few days - cotton recommended. nothing tight should be worn over the tattoo. please consider your tattoo “open skin” for the first month, and be very careful with what you come in contact with.
clean your tattoo 2-3 times a day, or as needed for the first two weeks.
after 2 days, apply a light coating of moisturizer with clean hands until skin returns its pre-tattoo condition. be sure not to apply too much lotion on the area because it could hinder the healing process. do not ‘scoop’ lotion out of a tub as it can have bacterial contamination and can infect the tattoo. you will want to avoid double dipping’ by using single use popsicle sticks or a squeeze / pump lotion instead. use enough lotion to just lightly cover the area. (the moisturizer needs to be unscented & without fragrance)
• stay out of direct sunlight and tanning booths for the month after you receive your tattoo.
• do not go swimming or soak in a tub or jacuzzi until tattoo is completely healed. showers are fine. it is also important not to submerge the area in water for a prolonged amount of time. this can potentially cause life-threatening infections.
• do not participate in activities that will make you sweat until your tattoo heals. you should avoid exercise for about two weeks after receiving the tattoo to avoid having contact with any unsanitary surfaces, tight clothing, or sweat. this could risk scarring, infection, and inflammation.
• if any minor irritation occurs, you may clean the tattoo with rubbing alcohol and a light layer of cortizone cream.
• your tattoo should form a light dry scab that will fall off in 7-10 days. do not touch or pick at scab. you may lightly pat it to reduce any discomfort or itching.
• once healed, apply sunscreen of at least SPF30 to protect it from the damaging uv rays.
CONTACT A PHYSICIAN IF ANY SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS DEVELOP SUCH AS THE FOLLOWING: FEVER, REDNESS AT THE SITE, SWELLING, TENDERNESS OF THE PROCEDURE SITE, ELEVATED BODY TEMPERATURE, RED STREAKS GOING FROM THE PROCEDURE SITE TOWARDS THE HEART, AND/OR ANY GREEN/YELLOW DISCHARGE THAT IS FOUL IN ODOR.