Aftercare

* When you get home: Remove bandage within 3-4 hours after getting your tattoo. Do not re-bandage. Your tattoo needs to breathe, just like any open wound.

* Wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial liquid soap. Be gentle, do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your hands.

* Gently pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.

* Apply a small amount of ointment to your tattoo.

* You may have been instructed to leave your bandage on until the following morning. If so, remove the bandage in the morning and clean your tattoo. 


* The first 3-4 days:

* Rub a small amount of ointment on your tattoo. I try to sTay away from Aquaphor, but you may use it in small amounts. Coconut oil is my favorite. Any similar ointments will work.

* Always use clean hands and do not place your fingers back into the ointment after touching your tattoo.

* Make sure to rub the ointment in so that it is not greasy– you want the thinnest amount possible. (Think about it in terms of applying chapstick)

* Do not use Vaseline, petroleum, Neosporin, or Bag Balm. Wash, dry and apply ointment 3-5 times daily, as needed.

* On the first night, you may want to wrap your tattoo in saran wrap to prevent sticking to your bedding. Do not use any cloth bandages or pads, as the fibers of this material can adhere to your open tattoo and hinder the healing process.

* Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks– nothing abrasive or irritating. For a foot tattoo: go barefoot as much as possible. If you must wear shoes, first wrap your clean tattoo in saran wrap, then cover with a clean cotton sock before putting on your shoe for the first 3 days.

* After day 3 or 4: Typically, on the 3rd or 4th day your tattoo will begin to peel. This is normal! Do not pick at the skin. Begin using a mild, white, unscented lotion, free of dyes or Perfumes OR continue use of redemption or coconut oil.

* Moisturize your tattoo for a minimum 2 weeks, 1-2 times daily.

* Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.

* You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, soaking or hot tub.

* You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sun block.

* Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.

* Do not let anyone touch your tattoo.

* Beware of gym equipment; wash it well before using it.

Recovery Derm Shield is a transparent matte film adhesive bandage. Derm Shield offers maximum breathability and flexibility, providing optimal conditions for gentle healing and skin renewal. It eliminates scabbing and reduces the risk of scarring, while preventing exposure to bacteria, dirt, and abrasion. Derm Shield is waterproof, but permeable to allow skin perspiration, and it is durable enough to keep up with your everyday activities. It works by locking in your body’s natural healing fluids so your tattoo stays hydrated and heals quickly and efficiently with no scabbing and reduced scarring. Another perk—because it is breathable, you can wear it for several days at a time while your tattoo heals. This allows you to skip out on the frequent washing and ointment applying involved with traditional tattoo aftercare.
 


Please notify your artist if you have an allergy to adhesives - if so, Derm Shield is NOT recommended for you. If at any point in the healing process you notice redness around the edges of the term, remove immediately.

* When you leave the shop, you will have a piece of Derm Shield protecting your tattoo, and you will be given a second sheet to take home with you. You’ll notice that fluid will gather underneath of your bandage during the first 24 hours; this is a mix of plasma, ink, and a minimal amount of blood, and is completely normal.

* Approximately 24 hours after the completion of your tattoo, you will change the bandage. To do so, please follow the below instructions:

* Wash your hands, and gently peel off the existing Derm Shield. Wash the tattoo with gentle soap, and warm water.

*Once you clean your tattoo, make sure all the soap has been rinsed, then gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use a bath towel or cloth as this can leave bacteria or fibers on your fresh tattoo. The area must be completely dry, with no ointments or lotions.

*Peel the provided Derm Shield, as shown at your appointment, and adhere it to your tattoo. As a friendly reminder, you must peel the white plastic sections off first then apply it adhesive side down with the plus signs facing upwards. If needed, have a friend help.

* Leave the second piece of bandage on for 4 to 5 days. After that time, gently and slowly peel off the Derm Shield. If needed, you can do this in the shower, and it will help it peel off more easily. From here, you can apply lotion when needed, and enjoy your tattoo!

*For some smaller tattoos, changing the Derm Shield that was placed the day of your appointment is not necessary and you may keep it on for 4 days.*

Please keep in mind, while we are trained to perform tattooing we are not medical professionals. If you feel like you are having a severe adverse reaction please seek medical attention right away.

My tattoo is swollen and painful after my appointment, is this normal?

Please keep in mind tattooing is technically a medical procedure. It is normal for your tattoo to be swollen, red and painful to the touch in the days following your tattoo. You may ice your tattoo and begin taking ibuprofen immediately following your tattoo.

Things to watch out for:

If swelling and pain persists after 3-4 days and is accompanied by white spots, fever, puss filled blisters please seek medical attention immediately.

I am noticing small red bumps or small pimples on or near my new tattoo, is this normal?

You may notice small bumps or small pimples on or near your tattoo in the week following your procedure. Typically, this is due to use of ointment which can clog your pores.

What to watch out for:

If you notice a red bumpy, itchy rash that does not go away. You may need to speak to your physician, it is not uncommon for this type of reaction because of the use of ointments.

My tattoo still feels raised weeks later, is this normal?

Your tattoo may remain raised for weeks or months following your tattoo. Causes for this range from your specific body chemistry to the weather. Often times the only solution is to wait it out.

What to watch out for:

The skin surrounding your tattoo remaining raised can be a sign of an allergic reaction to the ink itself. Allergies to tattoo ink are extremely rare, however they do happen. They can happen immediately or years later.

Typically reactions occur due to color ink, most commonly red. If you believe you are having an allergic reaction to the ink you should consult your physician or seek medical attention.

My tattoo looks scarred, is this normal?

If you generally heal poorly from cuts and grazes, or suffer from certain medical conditions, you may not heal as well as required, and some scarring may appear within the tattoo as a result of this. Some people scar more than others and no technique will modify this risk.

If you are prone to keloids or excessive scar formation, avoid getting a tattoo in an area of tension where it will be repeatedly stretched as this will increase the risk of scarring.