Aftercare Instructions
Congratulations on your new tattoo!
I’ve put together some aftercare instructions to help you on this journey of healing your new ink
If I gave you Derm Shield
(The sticky plastic bandage)
You can keep derm shield on for up to 2-3 days after we applied it to your tattoo.
You may shower with it on however do not let it sit underneath the water for too long nor should you take long showers with hot water as this will weaken the adhesive and allow for moisture to enter the wrap.
During the healing process you may notice a liquid consisting of ink and plasma start to collect inside of your wrap. This is called an ink sack and it is normal.
if you notice soap bubbles inside — remove it (if soap can get in, so can harmful bacteria that can cause an infection)
If you notice any redness around the perimeter of the wrap — remove it (this may indicate an allergy to the sticky bandage)
if your tattoo feels hot to the touch underneath the wrap — remove it (this may also indicate an allergy to the sticky bandage)
To remove:
Remove under running water in a downward or upward motion (like a command strip). I do not recommend pulling outwards and away from your body.
I also recommend doing this in the shower, at the end of your shower (after you have used all of your scented soaps/products). This also allows for the adhesive to weaken, allowing for an easier removal.
Once it has been removed, please clean with antibacterial and unscented soap. Dial is a great brand to use!
After it has been cleaned either air dry or pat dry with a disposable paper towel
Once dry, apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor or unscented lotion (Eucerin, Lubriderm, Aveeno, etc).
For 2 Weeks….
Continue to clean (with antibacterial unscented soap) and moisturize (with Aquaphor or unscented lotion) your tattoo twice a day for at least 2 weeks following your appt.
If I gave you Saran Wrap
You can keep it on for up to 2-3 hours after we applied it to your tattoo.
Please remove and cleanse with unscented antibacterial soap.
Dial is a great brand to use!
Air dry or pat dry with a clean disposable paper towel.
Apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor (please no vaseline) or unscented lotion (Lubriderm, Eucerin, Aveeno, etc)
Continue to clean (with antibacterial unscented soap) and moisturize (with Aquaphor or unscented lotion) your tattoo twice a day for at least 2 weeks following your appt.
Things to AVOID
Sun exposure (UV rays can be really bad for your skin in general but your tattoos are more vulnerable to fading with sun exposure during that first month)
For the first month after your appt try to avoid ANY sun exposure as it can fade your tattoo a lot faster than you’d like.
After the first month I recommend using a sunscreen with at least 30-50 SPF any time you expect to be outdoors. And don’t forget to reapply as directed!
I should also note that you should avoid using sunscreen before you hit the one month mark as it can be bad for your tattoo while it heals.
Hot Tubs, Swimming Pools, Lakes, Beaches, essentially anywhere where you will be submerging your tattoo in water. Not only will this expose your healing wound to bacteria it will also pull pigment out. Stay away from these for at least 4 weeks.
Any scented lotion/soaps for at least 1 month
Keep pets away for at least 2 weeks
Saunas and steam rooms
Gyms for at least a week. Gyms are dirty and dirt/bacteria can lead to infection.
I understand gym rats are going to gym rat though so if you want to risk it, try to do so 2-3 days after your appt and if you REALLY can’t wait that long because you’re super buff at the very least stay away from equipment where your tattoo is touching it. This includes through clothes. Your tattoo cannot touch any equipment even through clothes.
I’d also advise against exercises that make the muscle in the tattooed area stretch and pull too much. This could prematurely peel off the top layer of your skin resulting in chunks of ink falling out. Wouldn’t it just be way easier to let your tattoo finish peeling?