Taking care of your new tattoo
It is normal to experience a little redness, tenderness, swelling, scabbing, bruising and/or peeling after you get a tattoo. However, if you notice any abnormal or persistent redness or bumps, swelling, or a greenish discharge and odor, please immediately contact
your physician.
Wash your hands with a mild liquid soap (Dial or Softsoap) before ever touching your tattoo.
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If wrapped in plastic and/or bandage pads, leave tattoo bandaged for at least 4-5 hours (or over night if it was an evening appointment).
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Immediately shower/wash the tattoo after removing bandage. After you wash your hands, gently wash your tattoo (under warm-hot running water) using only your fingertips and a mild liquid soap. Keep washing it gently until all ointment, excess ink, and dried blood/plasma are completely removed from the tattoo. Rinse your tattoo with cold water.
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Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel, then let it air dry. Do not wipe it.
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Continue to clean your tattoo 2 times daily for the next three weeks (or until it's completely healed).
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Do not excessively/over wash it.
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In between washings it is recommended you apply a cold compress or ice pack for a few minutes 2-3 times daily for the first few days.
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After 2-3 days you may begin to apply a small amount of very mild, unscented lotion or a non-petroleum based ointment. We suggest Aquaphore, Hustle Butter, Cetaphil, Aveeno, or natural coconut oil. With clean hands, apply a very small amount of lotion to your tattoo. Gently massage it in with your finger tips then blot off any excess with a clean, dry paper towel. Continue this process twice daily (or just enough to keep your tattoo from drying out) until your tattoo is completely healed.
If covered in adhesive Tagaderm leave bandaged for 1-3 days. Carefully remove it under running water, slowly pulling or rolling it toward itself starting from a corner. If liquids are leaking out of the adhesive bandage, or if it becomes uncomfortable or irritated remove and wash it, otherwise leave it on for the duration of a full 3 days. Afterwards, wash it with warm water and soap as in the steps above, cold rinse, then allow it to dry for a few hours before beginning the moisturizing process described above (allow a few days before moisturizing if it was taken off early just as if the plastic or pads were used).
Aftercare
DON'T
If you have any questions regarding your aftercare, please feel free to give us a call:
Do not re-bandage your tattoo.
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Do not wear tight, restrictive, or abrasive clothing over the tattooed area. Try to wear a comfortable, loose fitting, and soft material such as cotton.
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Do not scratch your tattoo if it itches. Gently pat, or apply lotion.
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Do not ever pick at your tattoo.
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Do not soak in water. No swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, or baths until it is completely healed.
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Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning booths for at least three weeks. After your tattoo is completely healed, use a 30 SPF (or greater) sunblock anytime your tattoo is exposed to direct sunlight. This will keep your tattoo from fading.