Follow Me
Aftercare
There are two proper Methods for healing your new tattoo. I will go through the proper steps using both of these methods of your choosing.
Please read all of the following instructions for your preffered method and the bottom information!
Healing Method 1- The new way
Medical breathable barrier dressing/2nd skin healing
Supplied Tegaderm/Saniderm/other Derm shielding
I will apply the first of two bandages that will be used. I will also provide you with the second bandage for you to replace if needed as described below.
Step 1: Check your Tattoo/bandage within the next 12-24 hours to see if you visually have a substantial amount of fluid present under the first bandage. Most all tattoos weap alittle fluid, very early on this is your bodies way of healing. If it substantally dry under the bandage within the first 24 period it means that your body has absorbed this fluid (plasma) or it has just dried up. If this is the case you don't need to replace bandage. The first bandage can be left on for a period of 3-7 days. Tattoos with solid fields of color tend to need replacing and black and gray shaded only tattoos sometimes will not require replacing do to less "plasma" seeping.
Step 2: If the bandage is holding any substantial pockets of fluid you need to do the following carefully remove the bandage, very thoroughly and clean/disinfect your tattoo and put on the second bandage. Remove the first bandage with care by running it under warm water. There may be little discomfort but this will not hurt the tattoo if done slowly. Gently but thoroughly clean your tattoo with your clean hands using an antibacterial liquid soap. Making sure you gently remove any of the residual fluid and debris off. I tend to find that very gently soaping and rinsing the tattoo with clean hands 2-3 times ensures that it is very well cleaned. Doing so with a sopf soap will not cause irritation. Do not use a wash cloth or anything abrasive. Dry the Tattoo and surroudning area very well with a gentle touch using clean Paper towels or a Very clean wash cloth.
Step 3: Once your tattoo is clean and dry Immediatlely put on the Second Bandage. Carefully peel only the backing off of the bandage just like a sticker. Only touch the very edges of the bandage as to not get germs, dust or any dirt on the sticky part of the bandage which adheres to the tattoo. Take your time and carefully apply the bandage, press flat from one comfortable direction. Lastly move the top layer of plastic which reveals the actual breathable barrier/dressing. Confirm that any bubbles are carefully finger rolled out and finally all of the edges are well sealed.
NOTES:
-Avoid any physical activities or situations that will cause excessive heat and sweating. Try to keep the bandage cool and dry underneath through the advised 3-7 day healing process.
-If for any reason extreme heat is somehow unavoidable, periodically use a cold compress on the bandaged tattoo for periods no longer that 20 minutes at at time to keep it cool and avoiding sweating/overheating.
OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES:
-If you experience any redness, irritation or swelling under or around the bandage you may be having an allergic reaction to the adhesive. Immediately take off the bandage, clean it very well using antibacterial soap and proceed to using healing method 2.
Healing Method 2-Traditional/old way
Washing and ointment: Liquid Antibacterial soap and Aquaphor or A&D
You opted out of using the second skin barrier bandage so I will apply a Temporary bandage on the tattoo upon Completion. This will be removed anywhere from after 2 hours to overnight, depending on the artists directions. This is the time that you tattoo may discharge a little bodily fluid (plasma) and excess ink. You should clean your tattoo before you sleep that night or immediately when you wake up. Absolutely Do not leave this bandage on longer than 8 hours.
Step 1: As soon the bandage is removed wash your tattoo gently and thoroughly with your clean hands using an antibacterial soap and warm water. Make sure to get off all the residual ointment and debris that may have been discharged/present. This might take 1-3 small washings as the ointment transfers to your hands but just be gentle and take your time. Pat the tattoo dry a few times with a very clean cloth or paper towel and then let the tattoo air dry.
Step 2: As soon your tattoo is air dry it is time to apply a very small amount of Aquaphor to the tattoo which will create a thin protective barrier which helps your skin come in contact with germs and protects against skin chaffing/irritation. Use your clean hands to carefully dab and apply the small amount over the entire tattoo.
Step 3: IMPORTANT Immediately use your clean hands to wipe off and excess ointment. You want the ointment to barely be felt on the skin. Leaving on too much will not allow for your pores and tattoo to breath properly. This can cause clogged pores, excessive oozing and redness if your skin is unable to breath.
Step 4:
You will repeat Steps 2 and 3 every 8 hours for the first day.
You will then repeat these stes 2-3 times a day for the first week depending on your working/other conditions.
During the second week 2 daily cleanings should be sufficient under normal circumstances and you may switch from using aquaphor to any frangrance free lotion.
The First Day!
The first 24 hours of getting your new tattoo is when it is the most susceptible to germs and infection. This is the utmost crucial time in the healing process and it is very important to make sure the whole area is and stays very clean. Remember a tattoo is technically a large wound. Starting off on the right foot is crucial in insuring that you will have a smooth healing process and avoid any complications which will prolong the process. The first couple of days really be mindful and diligent. Make sure to do 3 cleanings on day one and atleast 2-3 cleanings for following 2-3 days. I prefer to time one of my tattoo cleanings at the very end of my daily shower and use fresh/clean linens.
Common Problems/Mistakes
1. Touching the tattoo too much, germs are everywhere so don't touch it unless you are cleaning it or moisturizing it.
2. Irritation due to wearing tight clothing or repetitive motions can cause rubbing which causes irritation and inflammation. Try wearing shorts or switching to a softer shirt, pants, socks shoes, etc.
3.Applying too much Aquaphor, or ointment is a very common mistake which causes irritation, overheating, causing clogged pores and/or rashes. If this occurs wash the tattoo immediately and just let it breathe for a period time without any ointment. By letting the tattoo breath it will noticeably feel better. Do not reapply until it feels dry and has a taught sensation and then use way less aquaphor, as always apply with very clean hands. If the problem occurs a second time you should switch to any simple and labled dermatologist recommended "fragrance free" lotion.
Listen to your Tattoo
A moderate to slight sensitivity is normal for about the first 24 hours hours but should be diminishing each day moving forward. If at any period the tattoo feels worse than the day before it could be the product or procedure you are using.
Itching
Itching is a normal part of the healing process and typically means you are doing a good job taking care of it and healing, do not scratch it! Just make sure you continue keeping it clean and moisturize it 2-3 times a day.
Flaking and Peeling
Peeling of the top layer of skin is also normal. Do not pick off the shedding skin let it flake and fall off on its own.
At this time you can stop using aquaphor and switch to the fragrance free lotion to ease the dryness/itchiness.
Do's
-Do Keep the area clean
-Wear clean and loose clothing
-Avoid irritating the entire area in anyway
-Keep the tattoo cool and avoid sweating
-Avoid sun exposure for atleast 2 weeks
-Moisturize the skin as needed to avoid overdrying.
-Avoid your tattoo coming in contact with deodorizers and perfumes/colognes of any kind for a minimum of 2 weeks.
-Drink Water/Be Healthy
-Be Mindful of not touching the tattoo unless needed/Germs and good hand sanitization practices.
Don'ts
- Do not bandage the tattoo with guaze or any other tightly wrapped cloth bandage, this will result in the bandage sticking to the tattoo and tearing off the top layers of the skin/tattoo when peeled off!
-Do not go to Gym and or work out for 3-7 days. "over straining stretching your healing skin will effect the ink particles that have been meticulously placed, "especially in high bending/skin movement areas." Gyms also tend to have a lot of germs present.
-No picking or scratching your tattoo.
-No suntanning and prolonged sun exposure for a minimum 2 weeks
-No other self tanning products or sunblock products for 2 weeks.
-Do not soak the tattoo at all which means absolutely no baths and also no swimming for a minimum of 2 weeks.
-Do not put Neosporin on your tattoo, it will pull the ink out!
Absolutely do not go swimming and avoid excessive sun exposure for a minimum of 2 weeks..
Note: If you think your tattoo might have become infected for any reason. Immediately clean your tattoo thoroughly with antibacterial pump soap and apply a very thin layer of a Triple antibiotic ointment. Make sure it is kept clean and contact your a Doctor Immediately!
Triple antibiotic ointment will help fight infection but if you feel ill in anyway you will also need a doctor prescribed oral antibiotic.
Contact me as well.
Sign of Infections are:
-Any abnormal pain on the tattoo and surrounding area of a greater level that was felt when the tattoo was initially completed.
-Extreme redness, Blisters or oozing of pus.
Any abnormal feeling of sickness, dizziness, headache and/or any other feverish symptoms.
Special Condition Tattoos
Lower extremity tattoos are located below the knees and can sometimes cause swelling in the ankles and/or feet . This is comparable to what would happen with any other lower leg sprain or injury. This occurance really differs from person to person, your body's circulatory system, the size of the tattoo and other factors.
If swelling occurs it is best to try to keep the weight off of it as much as possible and you use a clean cold compress on it 20 minutes on and off periodically. Elevating your leg above your heart, "as high as possible", while relaxing and sleeping should help with the swelling go down pretty quickly.
Hand tattoos are harder to heal do to being in constant movement and the amount of contact of ever present germs ererywhere. Pre planning and precautions should be taken for an absolute minimum of of 3-5 days avoiding any excessive and harsh working conditions for the full 2-3 week healing period.
Foot tattoos are probably the hardest of all tattoos to heal. Especially the larger ones. They are more suceptable to dirt, germs, are also prone to more excessive sweating and irritation from tight fitting shoes rubbing.
It is absolutely best to get a larger foot tattoo when you can avoid excessive sweating and having minimum of a 2 days off of any work is ideal. For the first 7-10 days you should avoid wearing closed shoes, boots or sneakers which cause more sweating and also tight rubbing of the skin. Everyone's feet have bacteria present on them from sweating and the lack of airflow in their shoes.
To ensure the best and fastest healing process one should take extra precautions as in:
1. Diligent cleaning practices
2. Keep alot of clean soft socks on hand.
3. Wear no shoes when at all possible for atleast 7 days.
4. Ensure you Shower drains well.
Long Term Tattoo Care
-After 2-3 weeks the tattoo should be fully healed and yo can just use any daily moisturizer to keep it looking good and the skin healthy and happy.
-After two weeks applying a high SPF sunblock is advised for any prolonged sun exposre
-Precautions and avoidance to excessive sun exposure us recommended due your skin is continuing to heal for 4-8 weeks depending on your body and other factors.