Aftercare

CONGRATULATIONS on your new tattoo! Thank you for choosing me for your tattoo. The first few days and weeks for a new tattoo are probably the most important. Make sure you care for it properly. Below is the healing procedure including do’s and don’ts we recommend. Because each individual is different, this may not always be the best recommendation for each person. We recommend you follow the advice given in addition to what you see here. 

1. If you’ve been given a Derm Shield bandage (if not skip to step 4), leave the bandage that you received after the tattoo on for 3 to 4 days. Tattoos will ooze, this is a normal part of the healing process. The bandage is there to keep airborne bacteria and any other contaminants in the environment from invading your wound. So in turn, sometimes it may look messy under the bandage and give the illusion that your tattoo is smeared. This is completely normal. DO NOT PANIC.
    

2. Make sure your hands have been washed thoroughly before you remove the bandage when that time comes. Use antibacterial soap.
    

3. Run the area under lukewarm water and peel the bandage off, going against itself. To do so, grab one corner and peel it to the corner that is opposite of it. 
    

4. After removing the bandage, cleanse the tattooed area with antibacterial soap and water. Be extremely gentle. Do not scrub the tattoo with a brush or towel (this should not be done until the tattoo has healed). The idea behind the washing is to eliminate any dead cells have been allowed to accumulate on the surface.
    

5. Dry the tattooed area by gently patting the area with a clean, one use paper towel.
    

6. Let the tattoo dry completely (approximately 5 to 10 minutes).
    

7. Lightly rub on lotion/ointment such as Aquaphor or A&D in a very thin layer.
    

8. You do not need to apply a new bandage.
    

9. Repeat steps that apply from above for three-four days, approximately 2 to 3 times a day. The idea behind this part of the process is to not let the tattoo completely dry out.