First and foremost, do NOT listen to your friends or internet "experts" in regards to healing your tattoo. The best intentions can have scary results!
Swelling, redness, and tenderness are totally normal after getting tattooed.
You may take Advil and apply an ice pack in a clean paper towel as often as you like to help with any discomfort. If you see ANY signs of infection, do not hesitate to contact me immediately!
99% of the time what people think is an infection is actually a product reaction to whatever soap, ointment, or cream being used. Small white bumps around the new tattoo are a clear indicator of a product reaction. Do not suffer in silence, I am here to help and guide you through the healing process.
Aftercare #1 aka “The Old Way”
I will give you detailed aftercare suggestions before you leave.
Please leave your bandage on for one hour (minimum), but not overnight. If the bandage feels a little stuck when you want to remove it, hop in the shower and get the bandage wet before removing it so that it won't rip/tear the skin.
Wash your hands thoroughly with VERY PLAIN FRAGRANCE-FREE soap (Ivory is as plain as it gets) and warm water. Wash your tattoo, using your hands only, not a washcloth or loofah. When the skin looks smooth and free of dried blood and any leftover goop, let it air dry for a few minutes, and then apply a very small amount of ointment such as A&D, Neosporin, Bacitracin. .
Do not overdo it with the ointment, you want your tattoo to be moisturized, not smothered. If it looks shiny, sticky, juicy, or wet, you have too much product on there, so wipe it off. Too much product can cause more problems than it can help, so be aware.
Wash your tattoo once daily, and use ointment 2-3 times a day, for 2-3 days. After 2-3 days, STOP using the ointment and switch to a very plain, fragrance-free lotion (Lubriderm and Eucerine both make fragrance-free products.) Keep your body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and perfume away from your new tattoo.
Aftercare #2 aka “The Science is Awesome” way
I am a huge fan of the miracle product named Tegaderm. It was developed for burn victims! This transparent waterproof adhesive film is left on for 3-4 days, after which your tattoo is almost totally healed! You can shower in it, work out, and continue your regular daily activities. If you have super sensitive skin and/or allergies to adhesives of any kind, please let me know BEFORE I use it on you!
After 3-4 days, hop in a hot shower, and let the heat and moisture loosen the bandage from the top edge. Roll it down slowly and gently; do NOT just rip it off. Wash it gently with fragrance free soap, let air dry, then apply a fragrance free lotion a few times a day for the next few weeks.
This space age bandage works by trapping the lymph and white blood cells your body is sending to the tattoo site to aid in healing, and recirculates it. It will look messy/juicy under the bandage while it’s doing its job, which is totally fine. If the seal gets broken or fluids are leaking out, gently remove the bandage and follow aftercare routine #1.
I will give you detailed info about healing with Tegaderm before you leave the shop.
Take care of your investment and follow these simple guidelines:
DO NOT pick or scratch at your tattoo. It will peel, it may get a little scabby and/or flaky. It is probably going to itch. You can either slap it and/or put some lotion on it. No picking!
NO SUN, whether it's real or fake bake, for a solid month. AFTER one month, please apply SPF 30+ anytime the tattoo will be anywhere near the sun.
The sun is the enemy of tattoos; protect yours against the damaging UVA/UVB rays and it will look good for years to come.
