AFTERCARE OF YOUR TATTOO - TRADITIONAL
1. General Care: 3-5 hours after your tattoo, wash hands well, remove bandage gently, and clean as outlined in #2. Keep tattoo protected for two weeks with clean, loose-fitting cotton clothing, but DO NOT RE-BANDANGE. Make sure anything that touches your tattoo while healing is clean and sterile, including: hands, clothing, sheets, towels.
2. Three times a day: Wash hands thoroughly. Cleanse tattoo with unscented liquid soap (Dr. Bronners unscented is my personal favorite) and let a weak stream of water run over it to rinse off soap. Blot dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a THIN film of unscented lotion or an ointment formulated for tattoo aftercare. Cover with clean, loose-fitting cotton clothing. DO NOT walk around with your tattoo in open air for 2 weeks. Protect from contaminates such as pets and hands. Clean as indicated 3 times a day for the next 2 weeks. Tattoo may take longer to heal but this is the minimum window for aftercare.
3. Precautions: DO NOT over moisturize or use petroleum-based ointments (such as Aquaphor, AD ointment. While these have been used for many years by tattooers, I've seen many reactions. They smother and lighten tattoos). If you notice irritation, it is most likely your aftercare ointment, so try switching it. Showers are fine. Stay away from sweaty work-outs for the first five days of healing. Stay out of beach, sunlight and tanning booths at least 14 days. Do not soak tattoo in tub, sauna, Jacuzzi or go swimming for 14 days. Do not rub or pick the treated area while it is healing. Loss of color and/or infection will occur. Extreme sun and exposure over the years will fade your tattoo. This can be minimized using a strong sunscreen, at least SPF30.
4. Your tattoo should heal in 2-3 weeks: Swelling, pain, peeling, and blurred-looking lines are common during the first week or so and you may ice the area or take common painkillers such as tylenol to lessen symptoms.
5. Tattoos don't get infected often but they can become infected when exposed to air-borne bacteria or contaminated hands/surfaces: Aftercare ointment and bandage allergies are common and will cause problems with healing. Consult a physician if any symptoms develop such as the following: redness at site, green/yellow foul smelling discharge, bumps and/or fever. If you notice irritation beyond the first three days, first review your aftercare. If you are doing everything right, you may consider switching up your aftercare routine as some people develop sensitivities to ointments/bandages, even when they haven't had them in the past.
OPTION 2 - USING TRANSPARENT SURGICAL DRESSING
This low-maintenance method utilizes transparent surgical dressing that allows skin to breath while keeping bacteria off of your tattoo. I especially recommend it for anyone who has had trouble healing tattoos in the past, is sensitive to lotions/ointments, tends to be active, or is in an extenuating circumstance that may compromise normal aftercare (such as travel, work schedule, or unusually hot or dry climates).
While it's still necessary keep your tattoo out of sun, open air, saunas, swimming, soaking, etc, it's great for protecting your skin in warmer seasons when you may wear less protective clothing. And, you can shower while wearing the bandage! I've found that clients who use this method usually skip the "peeling" phase entirely.
PRECAUTION: A small percentage of people are sensitive to the adhesives used on bandages, tape, and surgical dressing. If you notice any sensitivity such as a rash or blistering around the tattoo while using surgical dressing, discontinue usage immediately and switch to traditional aftercare. The area around the tattoo may blister and will take a few days to clear up.
1. Purchase Transparent Surgical Dressing to fit your tattoo: Order bandages online ahead of time,. Drug store bandages are over-priced and too small for most tattoos. You may, however, piece bandages together with a one-half inch overlap if they are not large enough. Tegaderm, Saniderm, and Second Skin are all reputable brands. Google Shop and Amazon have these and several generic brands you can order in a larger roll.
2. When you're ready to apply at home: With clean hands, wash your tattoo with mild soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. DO NOT APPLY LOTION OR OINTMENT. Carefully apply Transparent Bandage to tattoo with a 1 inch border on all sides. Cut pieces to fit if necessary and overlap pieces 1/2 inch if you need more. Do not reposition, or it won't stick.
3. You may leave transparent dressing on tattoo for 2-5 days, as long as you don't notice any irritation. Some fluid is beneficial to healing. If excess fluid collects under bandage to the point where it may burst, remove, clean, and apply a new bandage.
4. After 3 days, remove bandage under warm running water and reapply: Gently pull bandage downward, as you would when removing a command strip. Bandage will be uncomfortable to remove. Remove slowly in shower with soap and water to avoid harming your tattoo. You may reapply and continue this method for up to 2 weeks. If you decide to discontinue before 2 weeks, follow traditional aftercare as described above.