Aftercare

 

What do I do after I get my tattoo?

Depending on the type of bandage we use, you will follow slightly different instructions.

Regardless of what bandage we use, there are a few rules that are very important to heal your tattoo properly

  • Try your best to not expose your tattoo to sunlight or other UV radiation for 1 month. Use at least 30 SPF to protect your tattoo once it is healed. Don’t forget to reapply every hour or so!

  • Do not soak your tattoo for at least 2 weeks- this includes hot tubs, pools, saunas, etc. This is important to avoid bacterial infection.

  • Do not scratch at your tattoo- use an unscented lotion to help the itch. I recommend doing some gentle slaps to relieve the itchiness. Scratching, especially in fineline tattooing, can lead to pulling the lines out of your well-earned tattoo. If your tattoo does need a touch up due to scratching or other poor healing, send me an email here with a photo attached! It happens.

  • Do not expose fresh tattoo to dirty clothes, dirty hands, children, or pets. Wash immediately with soap when exposed.

What is a dermal bandage?

For some tattoos I use a dermal bandage called Recovery Derm Shield (similar to SecondSkin/ Saniderm but slightly thinner therefore more suitable to sensitive skin). It is an clear adhesive cover that can remain on the skin for up to 5 days. It is beneficial because it:

  • Encourages the healing process

  • protects against dirt, bacteria, allergens

  • is water-resistant

  • protects clothing, sheets, etc

    If the bandage leaks or becomes loose, remove it. If foreign liquid breaks the seal and enters the bandage, remove it. You do not want to capture bacteria in the dermal bandage. If you notice irritation, specifically around the perimeter of the bandage, remove it. Otherwise, keep the dermal bandage on and it will greatly aid the healing process.

    Remove using warm water and gently stretching it off the skin at an angle.


How do I heal my tattoo without a dermal bandage?

Tattoos have been healed without dermal bandages for thousands of years, so don’t worry!

Your tattoo will be wrapped up in a regular padded or plastic wrap bandage with beneficial ointment and you can keep it on for between 1-4 hours. After removing the bandage, wash immediately using warm water and unscented liquid soap (Dial is widely recommended).

Wash your tattoo regularly and keep it clean and dry. Wetness will promote bacterial growth. After a few days your tattoo will become dry and flaky and you may use a moisturizing ointment to help any itchiness.

What ointment do you recommend?

Do not scratch at your tattoo! It can cause scarring and cause your tattoo to heal poorly.

I recommend a water-based, unscented lotion like Aveeno or Lubriderm, or a light amount of coconut oil. Less is more.

Do not use antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin- it can pull out your tattoo (!).

How long does it take a tattoo to heal?

Everyone has different immune systems, body parts, and types of tattoos so it varies, but usually between 2-3 weeks.

I have had tattoos heal in 4 days and other tattoos heal in over 2 months! Generally a tattoo on or closer to the core will heal faster than a limb due to blood flow. Just relax, keep your hands off of it, and your body will do the job.

If your tattoo looks like it needs a touch up after it heals, contact me here with a photo attached.