DON’T TOUCH IT IF YOU’RE NOT CLEANING IT!
Your tattoo was applied in a clean, modern facility using sterilized instruments and is your responsibility after you leave. If you follow these simple suggested directions you should have a quick-healing and attractive tattoo. Remember, the life of your tattoo is dependent on the care it receives in the first few days. The healing process usually takes about 2 weeks; however, this time may vary from person to person. You may notice some redness, slight swelling, and tenderness at the site-this is to be expected but should not last longer than a few days.
What to do:
· Remove the dressing covering your tattoo after about 2 hours.
· If the dressing sticks, wet the area with COOL water to loosen it and then remove carefully.
· Once your tattoo is exposed, wash it gently but thoroughly with a mild soap and COOL water and pat dry.
o Be sure to remove any surface blood, rinse off any remaining soap, and do not re-bandage.
· The next day after cleaning, pat dry, and with clean hands, apply a SMALL amount of lotion and massage in.
o Use a good quality, light lotion without added fragrance or tints such as Lubriderm or Curel…Let the skin breathe!
· A layer of dry skin the same color as the tattoo will develop…continue applying a thin layer of lotion 3 to 5 times a day, or whenever the skin feels tight or itchy, until the layers flake off naturally. DO NOT PICK THE SCABS!!!
· Wear clothing heavy enough to protect your tattoo, particularly if you work around grease, oil, dust, etc.
· After the tattoo has healed and the dry skin has flaked off, there will be a period of adjustment for the new skin; applying the same non-fragranced skin lotion is suggested.
· While healing, restrict contact with animals, gardening, and activities that cause excessive sweating.
What NOT to do:
· DO NOT re-bandage, rub, scratch, or pick at your new tattoo, and DO NOT apply a heavy coat of lotion: remember, the skin must breathe in order to heal.
· DO NOT apply alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, anti-bacterial cream, vitamin E, aloe, petroleum jelly, baby oil, or mineral oil- these products trap dirt and germs that can cause scabbing and/or infection.
· DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight, avoid recreational water activities, do not soak in a spa or tub or use a sauna or steam room for at least 2 weeks.
DON’T listen to friends or “so-called tattoo experts.” If you have questions or concerns about aftercare, call or visit the artist who tattooed you.
If you notice fever, excessive swelling or tenderness, smelly drainage or pus, or red streaks going toward your heart from the procedure site, immediately seek medical attention or go to an emergency medical facility.
ENJOY YOUR NEW TATTOO!