Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential to protecting your new tattoo and prevents infection and ensures your tattoo heals smoothly. The healing process is about 4 weeks and following these guidelines will help you get the best results.
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Aftercare Instructions
1. Keep the bandage on for the directed amount of time depending on what method was used
• Leave the protective wrap on for the full amount of time recommended at your appointment.
• Do not peel, poke or trim edges during this period.
• It’s normal to see ink, plasma, or moisture accumulate under the wrapping
2. bandage Removal
• Remove the bandage slowly and gently under lukewarm running water.
• When removing the second skin pull downward on the edge instead of upward.
3. Washing
After removing the bandage:
• Wash the tattoo with Orange Dial antibacterial soap (pump only).
• Wash three times a day (morning, midday and night).
• Use only freshly washed hands, never wash with dirty hands or a washcloth.
• Rinse gently and allow the area to air dry completely or dab with a clean paper towel before applying lotion.
4. Moisturizing
• Once dry, apply a very thin layer of a fragrance free lotion.
• Recommended options: Aveeno, Cetaphil, Nivea (unscented).
• Too much lotion can suffocate the tattoo a little goes a long way.
• Wash your tattoo three times a day with clean freshly washed hands.
• Allow it to fully air dry.
• Apply a very thin layer of your chosen unscented lotion 2–3 times a day.
Hygiene & Safety Guidelines
Keep Your Hands Clean
• Only touch your tattoo with freshly washed hands.
• Avoid scratching, rubbing, or picking at you new tattoo. This causes damage to your skin and fresh tattoo.
Protect Your Sleeping Environment
• Use fresh, clean sheets the first week (especially if you have pets).
• Do not let pets come in contact with your tattoo! Even brief contact can introduce bacteria.
Clothing
• Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo.
• Avoid tight elastic, waistbands, socks or anything that can cause friction to the area.
What to Avoid for Four Weeks
No soaking or submerging
Do not expose your healing tattoo to:
• Pools
• Beaches
• Baths
• Hot tubs
• Saunas
• Steam rooms
Avoid working out for the first 48 hours or the duration you're wearing a bandage over your tattoo
• Avoid intense workouts that lead to sweating for the duration your tattoo is wrapped. This way sweat does not get trapped in your bandage causing irritation and risking infection.
No sun exposure
• Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight and tanning beds.
No scratching or picking
• Let flakes fall naturally. Picking will cause patchiness and permanent damage.
Healing Expectations
Weeks 1–2
• Light redness, swelling and soreness are normal.
• Your Skin will begin to flake and peel like a sunburn. do not pick at it. this will cause damage to your new tattoo as well as the skin barrier.
Weeks 3–4
• your Skin may look slightly dull as it heals in the dermis. this is normal and will only last through the healing process.
• your tattoo may look like it has a shiny layer over it. this will subside when your tattoo is fully healed.
• Your tattoo is still vulnerable. continue all precautions until the full four weeks are complete or until