Aftercare is super important!
Properly caring for your new tattoo is just as important as getting it. Following instructions will help ensure your Tattoo heals as it should.
These steps do not guarantee that you will not have any issues, however, if followed correctly, they will reduce the chance of some of the avoidable issues. Everyone is different!!!! This makes each person's healing just as unique as the tattoo they receive.
Give your body permission to do its miraculous healing. Be patient with healing and diligent with your investment! It takes time!
Your tattoo will release plasma and ink from the top 2 layers of skin. If you have been given a “Hypaderm” second skin bandage(s) in your session, this can last for up to 48 hours after your session. Amounts vary. It may appear as a squishy, muddy-colored waterbed-like mixture, “Soup”. For some, it does leak. If so, gently wipe the leaks and do not lift the edges or change it. Sleep with a towel under you and don’t wear white that day.
In some cases, (especially with large pieces) you may have been given a second bandage of the same size to reapply in the event that there are any issues with the first bandage.
If there is no lifting and no ink exposure, leave the bandage on for at least 5 days. The longer the better. Then follow the step under “When it’s time to take the Hypaderm off”
If your bandage has lifted to where it exposes the ink itself, not just the surrounding skin, you will need to remove it and apply the second bandage. Do the following; Under gentle running water, gently pull the bandage back on itself in the direction of hair growth. Avoid pulling upwards. This can be done in the shower but must not be exposed to scented soaps or hair products.
Once removed wash the whole area with a completely clean, warm moistened cloth or your hands and unscented soap. If not, just water. Rinse the area well and allow it to air dry completely!
Once TOTALLY dry, apply the second “Saniderm” bandage that was provided.
It will not stick to you if you are still moist. Recruit a friend if your tattoo is in a difficult place to reach.
To Apply - Take the white film off first; align the bandage and place it on your tattoo, smoothing it from the center towards the edges. Once in place, SLOWLY peel away the clear, 2-piece film and gently smooth out the bandage to cover the tattoo.
This 2nd bandage should be left on for at least 5 days. The longer the better!
When it’s time to take the Hypaderm Bandage off; (After at least 3-5 days)
.Wash your new tattoo 2 times a day, at least, for the first week.
After you wash your tattoo, air dry or pat dry with a CLEAN towel. You can now use a non-fragrant lotion. We recommend getting Unscented Curel lotion
If your tattoo sticks to any fabric/clothing at any point during healing. Remove it very gently by getting the fabric & tattoo area wet and then separate. Once off, wash gently with a warm cloth to release any residue. Keep it clean!!!
Healing and peeling times vary from person to person. Relax and try to enjoy your new Tattoo Art through its healing process.
Tattoos often go through a second peeling layer similar to molting, like a snake's skin. It may appear shiny and can take several weeks for some tattoos to finish. This is also normal. In both layers of peeling, the dead skin will contain color. It's normal. Remember. 1st & 2nd layer leaves!
Your tattoo may feel tight, be warm/hot & or have a pink halo around it. This is normal for many and can come and go during the first week. You’re healing and your skin is angry, it’s all part of the process.
PLEASE NOTE:
During and after the healing period, your tattoo may appear dull or less vibrant than it did when you first got it. It will get brighter again when it’s done healing but do remember, all healed tattoos are less bright when healed than when they are fresh. As they are now beneath two healed layers of skin. This applies to all styles and colors of tattoos.
Swelling, tightness, warm/hot &/or can have a pink halo around it. These are all normal for many and can come and go during the first week or so. You’re healing and your skin is angry, it’s all part of the process.
Sun exposure will always contribute to the fading of ALL tattoos. Keep them bright and beautiful by using good sunscreen any time you are in the sun.
PLEASE AVOID:
Avoid, using other products during the healing that have not been recommended.
Avoid direct sun exposure to your tattoo for the first two weeks. (The sun can cause blisters on your healing tattoo. It is a real and serious risk!)
Avoid letting your pets near your new tattoo. Keep fur/dander and anything that does not belong in your skin, away from your fresh tattoo.
Avoid submerging your tattoo in any type of water for the first two weeks, including baths, hot tubs, and all swimming. A gentle shower is okay as the “Hypaderm” is waterproof. If you are not using the Hypaderm bandage, please do not soak your tattoo at all for the first 2 weeks.
* If your tattoo begins to seep yellow fluid any time after the first week, it may be an indication that you have exposed it to a post-tattoo infection that can be caused by a variety of things; i.e. including the fabric on your clothes, pet hair/dander, pets in your bed, reaction to touching your hands or possibly children's hands on it, exposure to contaminants in the air, depending on your job/activities, food particulates/kitchen prep or the adhesive in the wrap or cover. Please contact us or your Doctor if you are concerned. Your safety and happiness matter to us!
Please follow these instructions below IF YOU ARE NOT using the Hypaderm Bandage or it has come off early:
Once the wrap is removed or the Hypaderm bandage has come off (See steps 6 & 7 for proper removal if it is falling off), gently hand-wash your tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free soap. This can be done in the shower but must not be exposed to scented soaps or hair products.
After your first wash, air dry or pat dry with a CLEAN towel.
Wash your new tattoo 2-3 times a day, at least, for the first week.
If your job or activities the week of your tattoo will expose your tattoo to dirt, germs, particles, chemicals, or anything that can land or absorb into your skin, please cover your tattoo and when you are finished with that activity, clean it with care.
Protect it from getting anything in it or on it until it is finished with the first layer of peeling or it can get infected!
It is CRUCIAL that you keep your tattoo contaminate-free! Be diligent in protecting your new investment.
Your tattoo may feel tight, be warm/hot & or have a pink halo around it. This is normal for many and can come and go during the first week. You’re healing and your skin is angry, it’s all part of the process.
Your tattoo will begin to heal with a crunchy scab-like layer. This is normal. Often this stage can be very itchy and unattractive. Do NOT scratch it.
Your body is in the process of releasing the top two layers of your skin (the 1st & 2nd dermal layer) these layers WILL contain color! It IS totally NORMAL! Please be PATIENT!