Aftercare for your new tattoo
First 2-3 hours
Leave bandage on for 2-3 hours and until you are in a safe and clean environment to remove and clean the tattoo.
Before cleaning or touching the tattooed area, WASH HANDS thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Carefully remove the bandage without force. DO NOT pull bandage upwards. Sometimes excess color will come off on the bandage (this is normal).
If it sticks, wet the applied bandage and gently pull off so as not to damage any scabs or dry areas.
After removing the bandage, cleanse the area with mild soap and water. Gently rub with fingertips to remove plasma. Do not scrub the tattoo. Pat dry with a clean and dry paper towel.
Let the tattoo air dry completely for at least 10 minutes.
Apply a thin layer of ointment. We have aftercare available (Aquaphor is also acceptable). Pat any excess ointment with a dry paper towel. Applying too much ointment can cause breakouts.
Do not apply a new bandage to the tattoo after the first is removed.
3-5 days
Continue to cleanse the tattoo for 3-5 days. Apply ointment 3-4x a day.
Do not allow tattoo to become dry. If a scab does form, DO NOT pick it, let it heal on its own.
Your tattoo will start to peel about 3-5 days later. At this point, switch to a fragrance free lotion or gentle moisturizer such as Lubriderm, as needed until completely healed.
Itching is expected. NEVER pick, scratch or peel it. This may result in loss of color.
General
Tattoos take 3-4 weeks to fully heal.
Once healed, regularly moisturize to keep skin soft and color bright
Avoid swimming and sun exposure for at least 2 weeks.
Sun exposure can damage a tattoo, always use a sun block with strong SPF when outdoors.
DO NOT USE
Vaseline or petroleum jellies
Soap with fragrance, moisture beads or scrubs
Medicated ointment such as Neosporin
Iodine, peroxide, or alchohol-based solutions
Things to look out for
You may experience some slight swelling, redness and discomfort around the site. If any of the following symptoms appear, promptly consult a health care provider:
Unusual draining
Excessive bleeding
Excessive pain or discomfort
Excessive swelling, redness, or skin that is hot to touch
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your artist or the tattoo shop:
732.305.6210