Aftercare

Taking care of your tattoo is extremely important! You paid a lot of money and sat through the pain of getting your tattoo, so please take care of it.

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With Traditional aftercare bandage

1.  Keep the bandage on for at least 2 hours or until you get home for the day.

2. Wash the tattoo before bed with a non-scented dispensing soap. I like using Dial Gold with a foam pump.

3. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean cloth or towel and let it dry out for the first night.

4. Make sure you have clean bed sheets.

5. Gently wash your tattoo with clean hands and pat dry. Let the tattoo air dry for at least 15 minutes before applying a small amount of lotion to the tattoo. I like to use non-scented Lubriderm for my tattoos because of how light the lotion is. Aquaphor works too but make sure you don’t put too much on, as it will suffocate the tattoo. 

6. Repeat step 5 when you wake up and when you go to bed for at least one week. After one week your tattoo should be mostly healed and washing can be stopped but make a good habit of lotioning your tattoos daily. 

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With Second Skin (tegaderm/saniderm)

1. Keep the Second Skin on for 4-7 days if possible. If the second skin doesn’t stay on for at least 4 days then please refer to the traditional aftercare above for steps to take care of your tattoo. 

2. While the Second Skin is on you do not need to wash or lotion it. Try to keep it out of direct sunlight and avoid excess sweating. 

3. Over time you will see the tattoo sort of blur or develop ink sacs. This is totally normal and it is just blood and plasma leaking from your tattoo but getting trapped in the wrap. Please do not poke or drain any of the bubbles.

4. When you’re ready to take off the wrap, it is best to take it off in the shower so you can gently rinse and wash the tattoo.

5. By now your tattoo should be mostly healed, moisturize your new tattoo with non-scented Lubriderm when you wake up and before going to bed. 

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Your tattoo will get itchy and flaky. Please do not scratch your tattoo or pick off any flakes or scabs.

Do not submerge your tattoo in water for at least a month. You can let the water in the shower run over your tattoo but do not swim or soak for at least a month.

Do not go tanning with a new tattoo. If you’re going to be in the sun, try to cover your tattoo with loose clothing or if if your tattoo is healed for more than a month, use sunscreen. 

Avoid excess sweating while your new tattoo heals. 

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If you have any questions or concerns about your tattoo, please send me an email and I can help assess it for you.

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These guidelines in compliance to OHA 2342F