.: Tattoo Aftercare

1. For small to medium tattoos, leave the saran wrap bandage on for two hours. For larger tattoos, leave the saran warp bandage on overnight.



2. When you take the bandage off, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and soap(I.e. Dial or Dove). Make sure all soap is completely rinsed from the tattoo and gently pat dry.



3. After washing, apply a thin layer of ointment to the tattoo(I.e. Bacitracin, A&D Ointment, Generic Triple Antibiotic Ointment). Always be sure to massage the ointment into the tattoo. Never glob it on. Applying too much ointment can oversaturate a tattoo and cause it to heal poorly. Depending on the size of the tattoo, you will want to continue use of the ointment for the first 4-7 days.



4. It is recommended that you wash your tattoo at least twice daily(when you wake up and when you go to bed). You may wash it more if needed such as when your tattoo has a heavy build up of plasma(the clear or slightly color tinted goop that builds up on your tattoo) or if your tattoo becomes dirty. Always apply thin layers of ointment after washing and throughout the day. It is inportant that you not let the tattoo dry out and become scabby.



5. After you are done using the ointment, you may switch to fragrance-free lotion(I.e. Lubriderm, Aveeno, Ink Fix). A good indicator of when to switch to the lotion is when you notice a layer of skin peeling off of your tattoo in colors of the tattoo. You should use the lotion for the next 7-10 days. If your tattoo forms any scabs, DO NOT PICK THEM as this may cause the ink to come out with them. Normally tattoos heal in about two weeks but in some cases, depending on your body's healing process and your care of the tattoo, it may take up to one month to heal.



6. Covering your tattoo is only recommended if you work in an environment where the tattoo may become dirty. In these instances, we ask that you only cover the tattoo when it is necessary and if it is being covered for an extended period of time, we recommend that you wash and change the bandage every few hours. You may alos cover the tatto up for the first 4 nights if your tattoo is in a position where you will sleep on it. We DO NOT recommend that you have the tattoo covered for a full 24 hours at a time. Allowing the tattoo to breathe will allow it to heal properly. It is also recommended that you use ointment and saran wrap to bandage the tattoo.



There are certain things that you cannot do during the healing process of your tattoo such as:


• Using anything with fragrance such as lotions, perfumes, colognes, etc.


• Submerge the tattoo in water whether it be a bath, the ocean, or a pool.


• Having any kind of sun exposure to the tattoo. This INCLUDES tanning beds.


• Applying any strenuous pressure to the area of the tattoo such as working out.


• Allowing the tattoo to become dirty or touching it with unwashed hands.


Doing any of these things during the healing process of your tattoo could result in infection, scarring, and/or rejection of the ink in your tattoo.


7. Minor irritation, swelling, and redness are normal in the early stages of the healing process of your tattoo and can be minimized by proper care of your tattoo. Certain medicines, such as Ibuprofen, can be taken to reduce swelling and Vitamin E capsules can be popped open and used on tattoos to help with rough healing. If you are experiencing what seems to be an abnormal healing, please contact your tattoo artist immediately and they may farther instruct you on care of the tattoo. Although rare, infection is possible. If you think your tattoo may be infected, please consult your physician.