Aftercare

What to Expect While Your Tattoo is Healing

    • You will notice redness, slight swelling and your skin a bit warm to the touch during the first couple of days after getting your tattoo. All of this normal!

    • If you have Saniderm or second skin on top of your tattoo, you will leave it for up to 3 days. This will protect your tattoo during the initial healing process.

      • You may notice “ink sacs” or oozing of body fluids in the wrap. This is also normal!

      • If you develop any redness around the Saniderm, swelling that won’t go down, or any sign of an allergic reaction to the adhesive, please remove the Saniderm immediately.

      • Sometimes, due to the placement of the tattoo, the saniderm may fall off sooner than 3 days. This is perfectly ok!

    • If you have Saran Wrap on your tattoo, please remove after 1 hour and begin the initial aftercare:

      • Wash your tattoo 3x a day with warm water and antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a paper towel, avoid cloth towels as they may contain bacteria. Gold Dial soap is my recommendation.

      • Apply a thin layer of ointment for 2-3 days. Do not over apply! This can affect the healing process. A&D Ointment or Aquaphor is recommended.

      • If you have Saniderm, remove after 3 days under warm water while peeling towards your skin. (Think opposite of a band aid). You will then begin the aftercare of washing 3x a day and applying ointment for 2 days. (Up to day 4-5 after the tattoo).

    • At this time of the healing process, you will notice scabbing, dryness, and even itching. This is all normal.

    • Remember not to pick at any scabs or scratch the tattoo at this time. Doing so will affect the outcome of the tattoo.

    • Avoid swimming, submerging the tattoo in water, saunas, tanning beds, or the beach for 2 weeks.

    • Avoid the gym for at least 1 week. Excessive sweating or friction in clothes can lead to infection or disrupt the healing.

    • Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks.

    • Be mindful of clothing rubbing on the tattoo, harsh products such as exfoliants, and exposing a fresh tattoo to the elements.

    • Avoid laser treatments, waxing, shaving, or skin treatments for at least 1+ month (depending on the size of the tattoo).

    • Continue the aftercare:

      • Keep washing the tattoo 3x a day, and switch to an unscented lotion to moisturize the tattoo days 5-14. Lubriderm is recommended.

    • A tattoo looks like it is healed on the surface of the skin within 4-6 weeks.

    • Fineline tattoos can take up to 3 months to fully heal.

      • Fineline and single needle tattoos will heal a bit lighter than true black. This is the ideal end result to make sure all details stay visible and to avoid too much spreading of ink overtime.

    • Please send me healed photos of your tattoo after 2 months. The first touch up is free (except on hands, fingers, and feet) within 6 months of your tattoo appointment.

      • Touch ups past the 6 month mark will have a set up fee.

    • Begin applying sunscreen in your tattoo at the 1 month mark!

    • It is important that you understand and follow the after care instructions to get the best result for your tattoo.

    • Neglecting your tattoo during the healing process can lead to a poorly healed design.

    • If you are experiencing any excessive redness, persistent pain, discharge, odor or itchy bumps that do not go away please seek medical care as this could mean an infection or allergic reaction.

    • Proper healing and aftercare is especially important for fineline tattoos and the tiny lines/details.

    • I have provided you all the information needed to obtain the best result, it is now in your hands!

    • Please ask me if I have any aftercare packages for sale during your appointment!

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