Aftercare
During the healing process, please treat your tattoo as if it were a vulnerable open wound… because it is!
Aftercare plays a vital role in the final appearance of your tattoo, so please make sure to carefully adhere to the following instructions:
BANDAGE REMOVAL
There are two different types of wraps that may be utilized upon the completion of your tattoo: simple plastic wrap OR clear adhesive bandage (otherwise known as “second skin”). Typically I will be using second skin. Whichever course of action is applicable to you, always make sure to wash your hands first!
Second Skin:
✿ This bandage is designed to be waterproof and easy to tend to during the healing process. Please keep it on for a minimum of 24 hours, and a maximum of 4-5 days.
✿ It is highly recommended that you remove the bandage during a shower, as the warm (emphasis on warm) water will aid in lifting the adhesive so you may peel the bandage off easier and less painfully. Trust me, you don’t wanna dry-peel your second skin!
✿ Try to refrain from any physical activity that may result in excessive sweating when you have the second skin on. Your sweat won’t be able to escape the bandage and it can cause infection.
Plastic Wrap:
✿ This method of wrapping is meant to last no longer than 2 hours. Please remove the plastic after this time.
✿ You may be tempted to rewrap the tattoo with your own plastic wrap to keep on overnight– please refrain from doing so. Instead, wear breathable clothes that will cause minimal friction and let tattoo be exposed to air.
POST REMOVAL
✿ With clean hands, wash the tattooed area gently with mild or unscented antibacterial soap. Do not use anything perfumy or exfoliating. I recommend Dial liquid gold soap!
✿ Remember, the cleaning process should happen immediately after removing bandage.
✿ Do not use your regular towel to dry your tattoo. Instead, pat the skin dry with a paper towel and let it air dry completely for a few minutes before applying ointment.
✿ Apply a thin coat of ointment– be mindful that over-moisturizing can lead to clogged pores and inflammation! I highly recommend Aquaphor or Cetaphil lotion.
✿ Repeat this process about 3-4 times a day until healed. Depending on the size of your tattoo this may take up to three weeks.
UNTIL YOUR TATTOO IS FULLY HEALED...
Things to expect:
✿ If you are using a second skin type bandage, you will notice buildup of fluid (plasma, ink, blood) underneath—this is a normal sign of healing, and should stay contained within the bandage. (In the case of major leakage or a completely broken seal between the bandage and your skin, however, please remove).
✿ General scabbing, peeling, and flaking of the tattoo. Again, this is a normal part of healing. The more you tamper with your skin the more prone it is to scarring.
Things to avoid:
✿ Scratching or picking at your tattoo. This will prolong the healing process.
✿ Soaking the tattoo in water. Showers are okay, but no swimming or putting tattoo directly under water stream.
✿ Coming into contact pet’s (or person’s?!) hair and saliva.
✿ Exposing the tattoo to excessive sunlight. No tanning or tanning booths.
✿ Alcohol 24 hours after getting your tattoo. Drinking will cause your blood to thin, thus impairing your body's ability to heal.
Throughout the healing process, please keep your tattoo as clean as possible and keep an eye out for any signs of infection. Do not hesitate to see a healthcare professional if warranted. Additionally, please reach out to me or my associates at Ground Floor Junction so that I may be aware of the possible contamination problem!