Healing
New tattoos need to be looked after. The better you heal your tattoo, the better the final result will be! Often times, different artists will have differing methods on how to do this, which can be very confusing. This is how I recommend you care for the tattoos that I make-
HEALING WITH SECOND SKIN:
DAY ONE:
After your tattoo session is finished, there will be a derm-shield applied to your skin. While applied, this will protect your skin from any foreign bacteria or irritants.
This wrap should be left on for the first 24 hours. It is water resistant and can be taken in the shower. Do not scrub the edges of the wrap, as that will remove it. Do not soak the wrap underwater (i.e. hot tub, pool, bathtub). Do not excessively sweat while the wrap is on.
When removing the second-skin, use warm water and ANTI-BACTERIAL UNSCENTED HAND SOAP. Apply plenty of soapy water to the edges of the wrap. Slowly pick up an edge and pull away from the bandage, slowly lifting it up and applying more soap as you go. Once the wrap has been removed, clean thoroughly using only your hand to wipe it down. Be gentle but thorough in cleaning.
Once the tattoo has been cleaned, apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free skin ointment to the tattoo. The area should not look wet after applying ointment, only a slight gloss. Repeat this process before heading to bed on the first day.
THE NEXT DAY:
Once the wrap has been removed for 24-48 hours, all plasma or leaking should be completely finished. Peeling usually begins around this time. At this point, stop using ointment and switch to UNSCENTED LOTION. Do not use too much lotion. Use a thin layer, and gently rub the lotion onto the skin.
UNTIL HEALED:
Continue cleaning twice a day, applying a thin layer of lotion to the tattoo after washed. Repeat this process daily until two weeks has passed since the tattoo appointment.
HEALING WITHOUT SECOND-SKIN:
DAY ONE:
After your tattoo session I will place an absorbing pad onto the fresh tattoo and wrap it in cling film. Do not leave this wrap on for more than 4-6 hours. (Usually this will be the rest of the day)
Once the wrap has been removed, clean gently but thoroughly with ANTI-BACTERIAL UNSCENTED HAND SOAP.
After cleaning, immediately re-wrap the tattoo in cling film. No ointment or lotion should be applied the first day.
DAY TWO:
Continue the cleaning with antibacterial hand soap 2-3 times throughout the day. After cleaning, allow it to air dry and then apply a very thin layer of ointment. This should not be a thick, shiny layer of ointment. Instead, use only a very thin layer, like chapstick. Avoid direct sun contact. Do not rest your tattoo on anything unclean. Be mindful of what clothes you wear over the tattoo.
DAY THREE-HEALED:
On the third or fourth day, continue the cleaning process but replace the ointment with UNSCENTED LOTION. Apply a thin layer of lotion to the tattoo after thoroughly cleaning it.
Repeat this process 2 times per day for two weeks until the tattoo is fully healed.
LONGEVITY:
To keep your tattoo looking as fresh as possible for as long as possible, follow these tips after healing:
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Always wear SUNCREEN when in direct sunlight
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Continue to MOISTURIZE the tattoo even after healing
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Keep yourself HYDRATED as dry skin makes tattoos look aged far faster
The best way to keep your tattoos looking nice, is to take care of your skin! The healthier the skin, the fresher the tattoo looks!
Contact me if you have any additional questions!
DISCLAIMER: AS I AM NOT A DOCTOR, THESE ARE ALL MERELY SUGGESTIONS. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY STRANGE REACTIONS TO THE TATTOO, OR ARE SEEING AN INFECTION FORM, PLEASE CONTACT A DOCTOR.