Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
It is not uncommon to see blood and/or drainage collect under the transparent bandage. Do not be alarmed, this is normal. Do not puncture the bandage to release the fluid.
If you see any sign that the bandage has begun to release from the skin or any new air bubbles have formed underneath, please remove the bandage and follow the standard care below. Typically we recommend that any bandage stay in place for at least 3 hours.
If for any reason you have chosen to use a different type of bandage, an enclosed gauze pad for example, please note that the aftercare is the same once that bandage has been removed.
Remove the breathable membrane bandage after 48 hours. We recommend removing the bandage while showering, using warm water and a mild soap.
Wash the tattoo using soap and warm water. Make sure that your hands are clean anytime you make contact with your healing tattoo. Do not scrub the tattoo during the two week healing period, but take care to gently remove all traces of blood as this will prevent scabbing. Pat it dry with a paper towel and allow it to fully air dry for about 10 minutes.
Do not re-bandage the tattoo.
After the bandage is removed and the tattoo is dry you may use a regular *unscented* moisturizer like Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel, or Jergens. Your artist may have other special aftercare product recommendations for you as well. Apply your chosen moisturizer or aftercare product twice a day for approximately two weeks.
Do not use petroleum based products or lotions that contain color or fragrance at all until the healing is complete. (Usually anywhere from ten days to two weeks; possibly longer for slower healers.)
No long showers, baths, swimming, hot tubs, or saunas for the first two weeks.
Do not scratch or pick at the tattoo. It is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy due to dryness during the healing phase. Scratching or rubbing can be very irritating to a tattoo and may cause it to heal poorly. Disrupting the tattoo while it's healing can also potentially cause scar tissue to form.
Whether the tattoo is new or old, keep it out of the sun. Wait until it is fully healed to go back in the sun or a tanning bed and make sure you put on a high quality sunblock. Never put sunblock on a tattoo that is still healing. Wait until it is fully healed before applying sunblock.
Avoid contact with anything that could introduce harmful bacteria to your tattoo. Examples: clothing, bedding, children, pets, fitness equipment…
If your tattoo is located on a flexion point (like the elbow or knee, etc) it is best to avoid repeated movement of the area for a few days to allow the tissue to heal with as little stress as possible. Once any scabbing or flaking has passed you may resume normal behavior.
Be kind to your tattoo and yourself during the healing phase. Most problems arise from stress and irritation. Please do not touch the tattoo any more than necessary and wear nonrestrictive clothing as much as possible.
If for any reason you suspect you have an infection in your tattoo, please contact us and seek medical care right away.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or feedback.