Aftercare
Once I’ve completed your tattoo, I will place a medical- grade, waterproof bandage over your tattoo. This breathable, transparent film dressing is hypoallergenic and acts as a “second skin” to heal your tattoo.
Your new tattoo is essentially considered an open wound and should be treated as such to ensure the best possible healing. During this time you are at the greatest risk of infection so the correct aftercare for your tattoo is extremely important!
Aftercare Instructions:
- Please leave your bandage on for at least 3 days, or up to a week if your bandage has not lifted at all. The corner of the bandage may start to roll up, in this case you can trim the edge off.
- Excess blood, ink or plasma may accumulate under the bandage and is completely normal.
- To remove your bandage I recommend taking it off in the shower. Gently pull the edge of the bandage at any corner, once removed wash your tattoo with antibacterial or unscented soap and water. Do not use a cloth to wash your tattoo and do not exfoliate! Continue to wash your tattoo this way daily for at least 2-3 weeks.
- For one week after each wash, let your tattoo air dry and place a thin layer of Aquaphor or A&D ointment over your tattoo. Do not use Neosporin. After the first week you may use a non-scented lotion to moisturize your tattoo daily.
- Your tattoo may begin to peel and become itchy once your bandage has been removed. Some scabbing and flaky skin can occur and is completely normal during the healing process. Although this can be a little annoying, try not to pick or scratch at your tattoo!
- Please avoid any sun exposure and do not go swimming for at least 2 weeks while your tattoo is still healing!
- Healing times are different for everyone but your tattoo should be fully healed after 3- 4 weeks. Be sure to apply sunscreen over your tattoo to protect the ink from fading.