TATTOO AFTERCARE:
How you look after your tattoo is essential to the outcome of the artwork. A beautiful tattoo can heal faded and poor-looking due to negligence during the healing process. *** I cannot guarantee free touch-ups of your tattoo if it comes down to negligence on your behalf during the healing period so please follow the aftercare steps properly to protect your investment and to avoid extra costs in having it fixed.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED AT HOME TO HELP YOUR TATTOO HEAL:
AN UNSCENTED LOTION:
Approved lotions are:
Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment Order here: https://amzn.to/435ijsG
Lubiderm Order here: https://amzn.to/3IqapRm
Tattoo Goo Order here: https://amzn.to/48Jve51
Cocoa Butter Order here: https://amzn.to/3P8mzC4
Coconut oil Order here: https://amzn.to/49V8oYQ
*** Make sure these are NEW bottles to avoid cross-contamination.
A CLEANSER:
Approved cleansers are:
Dr. Bronner’s - Pure-Castile Liquid Soap Eucalyptus or Baby-unscented Order here: https://amzn.to/3TnTzbZ
Cetaphil soap Order here: https://amzn.to/433rSIM
CeraVe Hydrating Soap Order here: https://amzn.to/3V5Gcyf
PAPER TOWEL: - You will need a clean roll of paper towel to dry off your tattoo. Make sure you have a new roll at home.
Caring for your new tattoo:
Traditional heal
#1. Wash hands with hot water and soap.
#2. Remove bandage after 3-5 hours. (Check with the artist - times may vary depending on tattoo). If it sticks to your skin, wet bandage with warm water to aid in removal.
#3. Pump or squeeze one of the approved and listed cleansers above into clean hands. Lather. Under warm water, gently clean the tattoo until surface no longer feels slimy.
#4. Dab dry with a CLEAN sheet of paper towel. (Do not use a regular bathroom towel as they carry bacteria!)
#5. For the first 3 days of healing, remove any moisture/weeping that appears on your tattoo by washing the tattoo as instructed above. Generally aim to do this 2-3 times a day. Listen to your body. Always allow the tattoo to dry after washing and before applying the recommended fragrance-free lotion (above).
#6. After the 3rd day, your tattoo will most likely start to look flakey and may begin to itch. This is normal. Continue the cleansing and lotioning process until the tattoo is healed (approximately 14-21 days). If scabs form DO NOT PICK THEM. To ease some of the itching you can pat lightly or simply apply a thin layer of lotion to the tattoo with clean, sanitized hands.
Second skin / Tegaderm / Saniderm heal
do not touch it for 4-5 days
do not pop any fluid bubbles
do not push the fluid out the sides
if you see any fluid leaking out, remove the bandage and start the traditional heal
if you see a red rash or irritation causing issues around the bandage, remove as it could be an allergy to the adhesive.
To remove the adhesive, with sanitized hands, start at a corner and pull it in the direction it is pointing. Wash your tattoo firmly with unscented soap. If any of the adhesive stays on your skin, gently massage it with coconut oil to remove the residue. Immediately start moisturizing your tattoo with a very thin layer of the above recommended lotions. ALWAYS wash your hands and tattoo before applying lotion, and try to avoid double dipping back into your cream once you’ve touched your tattoo to avoid contamination.
Don’t plan to go out after your tattoo. You have an open wound. Treat it as such. Go home and rest!
When you leave Studio 11:11 you will have a bandage on your tattoo. Please note, once the bandage is removed by you it is advised not to re-bandage, unless you think it may be exposed to dirty environments - which is HIGHLY ADVISED TO AVOID.
Any questions or concerns please contact me as I am always happy to help.
After your tattoo is healed use sunscreen to protect it and help prolong its longevity.
UNTIL YOUR TATTOO IS COMPLETELY HEALED, DO NOT:
DO NOT drink alcohol for 24-48 hours after your tattoo as the tattoo can still bleed, especially if the blood thins.
DO NOT expose your tattoo to pools, saunas, hot tubs, bath-tubs, lake, river or ocean, long showers, direct sunlight, tanning beds, spray tans or other harsh conditions and chemicals.
DO NOT pick scabs or scratch your tattoo.
DO NOT use any old lotions/cleansers you have laying around the house, even if you had success with them before. We want to avoid any potential cross-contamination.
No constricting or abrasive clothing on the newly tattooed area to prevent rubbing and irritation until the tattoo is healed (this includes bras).
When you are in the shower avoid getting soap, hair shampoo and conditioner, or any body washes on your tattoo. Be mindful with hair dyes, and when spraying hair sprays and other hair products as well as make-up around your fresh and healing tattoo.
No itching, no picking, no vigorous activities that can rub the area or make you sweat heavily, no exposure to sand, dirt, pet hair, dust or mud.
Don’t let anyone touch your tattoo until it’s healed - INCLUDING PETS.
Small amounts of ink may leak in the initial healing stage. Be mindful with clothing and bedding in this case.
Don’t re-bandage. Oxygen is vital for healing wounds.
It is not recommended to go visit places where there may be higher then normal amounts of bacteria: hospitals, bars, gyms. Use your own discretion.
Rest, good nutrition and lots of fluids are vital for healing after a tattoo so nourish yourself well so the body can do the required healing work properly.
Be careful not to cross-contaminate your lotions and creams. Clean hands before and never touch ends of the pump on containers.
Signs of Infection or Reactions:
A fresh tattoo will be red, swollen and tender to the touch - resembling a sunburn for a day or two. Anything beyond that may be of concern.
Here are some signs to watch out for:
Rash or Redness beyond what is normal and accompanies a heated sensation that doesn’t feel quite right: Red, bumpy skin around the tattooed area is a common symptom of an infection. Keep an eye on this.
Swelling and Pain: If you notice swelling, warmth, or increasing pain, it could indicate an issue.
Pus or Drainage: The new tattoo may ooze a bit during the first few days. Anything beyond that may be of a concern. Pus coming from the tattooed area is a concerning sign. It suggests an infection.
Fever and Chills: Experiencing fever, chills, or waves of heat and cold after getting a tattoo might indicate an infection.
Lesions and Hard Tissue: Look out for red lesions, areas of hard, raised tissue, or red streaking from the tattoo site.
Remember, if you experience any of these symptoms, consult your tattoo artist or a doctor. Infections can sometimes be challenging to treat, so early intervention is crucial. Stay informed and take care of your yourself and your ink!
For additional information please go to Healthlink BC’s information page on tattoos problems:
Tattoo Problems | HealthLink BC
Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for Medical care. If you have concerns about your tattoo, or notice signs of an infection or an allergic reaction, seek Medical advice.