What To Do
Remove bandage after 1-2 hours. (If using an adhesive "derm" wrap, remove after 4-5 days. If excess fluids build up underneath your bandage or liquid is coming in or out, remove sooner.)
If you exercise or sweat under your Derm wrap, remove directly after.
Once your tattoo is exposed, wash it gently but thoroughly with a mild non-scented soap (Dial) and COOL water. Be sure to remove any surface blood and rinse off any remaining soap.
Lightly pat dry with a disposable paper towel and then with clean hands, apply a small amount of Lotion/Ointment. If using lotion, use a good quality, light lotion without added fragrance or color and massage it in. Try one of these: Lubriderm, Aveeno, Cerave. We recommend you wait a few days before starting lotion. Remember Use a small amount to allow the skin to breathe.
Depending on the nature or location of your work, it may be necessary to wear clothing heavy enough to protect your tattoo, particularly if you work around grease, oil, metal dust, etc. Your tattoo will develop a layer of dry skin. (It will be the same color as the tattoo.) Apply a thin layer of lotion as needed (3-5 times a day, or whenever the skin feels tight or itchy), until the layers flake off naturally. After the tattoo has healed and the dry skin has flaked off, there will be a period of adjustment for the new skin. It is advisable to continue applying the same non-fragrance lotion. You may notice redness, swelling and tenderness and this is to be expected but should not last longer than a few days.
What Not To Do!
DON’T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo.
DON’T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection).
DON’T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal).
DON’T expose your tattoo to direct sunlight, swim, sauna, steam or tub for 2 weeks. The sun, salt water, and chlorine all act as a bleaching agent; any one of them can ruin your tattoo. The healing process usually takes about 2 weeks, however, this time may vary from person to person.
Do NOT listen to friends or “tattoo experts”. If you have questions, call or visit the Studio, we tattooed you and have your best interest at heart!
If you notice fever, drainage that smells or contains pus from the procedure site go to the emergency room immediately.
All artist-approved aftercare needs are sold in-Studio
