Aftercare
How you care for you tattoo after the session is the most important part of the process.
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Please follow these instructions and tips to ensure you have the best heal possible!
THINGS TO EXPECT IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS:
You are sent home with a Saniderm bandage over your fresh tattoo.
Even though you may be excited to show off your new tattoo, it is important to keep the Saniderm on for at least a week. You can leave it on for up to a week.
HOWEVER, if the Saniderm starts to peel off to the point where the tattoo is exposed, please remove it immediately, as you do not want any outside bacteria getting trapped under the bandage.
If you start to see redness around the Saniderm, you may be allergic to the adhesive. If this happens, take it off immediately.
It is normal for there to be ink and blood trapped under the Saniderm. They call this an ”ink sac“ and it helps the healing process with your own plasma.
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THINGS TO EXPECT IN THE NEXT WEEK:
It is normal for your tattoo to itch while it is healing.
It is normal for your tattoo to start to peel a little bit while it is healing.
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It varies per person, but generally a tattoo heals in 2-4 weeks.
Factors that may effect the healing time include how much you hydrate and how strong your immune system is. The healthier you are, the faster it will heal. This is includes limiting alcohol intake for the next two weeks.
When it is time to take the Saniderm off, peel it off slowly under running water, rinse it gently with an unscented soap (Dial soap for example) and pat it dry.
For the next 3 weeks, apply unscented lotion, Lubriderm or cocoa butter lotion is best.
It is important to make sure you keep the tattoo not too dry, but not too moist.
When you apply lotion, it should not look wet, if it does, you are using too much.
THINGS NOT TO DO:
Do not go to the beach, into a pool, sauna, hot tub, bath, or lake for at least 3 weeks.
Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo.
Do not scrub the tattoo in the shower.
Do not use Vaseline, Neosporin, Aquaphor, A&D, alcohol based, or petroleum based products.
Do not do any strenuous workouts while it is healing, especially if your tattoo is on an area that stretches or flexes when you workout. This can cause the skin to have microtears and can cause scabs and poor healing. Avoid light workouts for 48 hours.
Do not have pets or pet hair around or on your healing tattoo.
Do not suntan or expose the tattoo to the sun.
Do not shave over the tattoo until it is fully healed.
Do not wrap your tattoo in anything or have compression sleeves or clothing on it.
Do not wear any clothing that will chaff, rub, or pull at the tattoo.
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THINGS TO DO TO EXTEND YOUR TATTOO QUALITY
ALWAYS wear sunscreen while out in the sun and avoid sun exposure if you can. This will cause the tattoo to fade over time and dull it.
Continue to moisturize you skin! This will keep it vivid and your skin healthy.
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If you have any other questions or issues about the healing process, please reach out to me via email.