Aftercare Instructions
1: Introduction
Taking care of your new tattoo is crucial for optimal healing. Here’s everything you need to ensure the best results.
2: Aftercare Overview
We offer two primary methods for aftercare: the Recovery/SecondSkin patch method and the Open Healing method. This guide covers both, focusing on what you can expect and how to manage your tattoo effectively.
3: Method One - Dermashield Recovery/SecondSkin Patch
The Dermashield Recovery or SecondSkin patch is designed to create a protective, breathable barrier over your tattoo. You may have heard of similar products like Saniderm or Tegaderm.
After your tattoo is done, I'll apply patch directly over the area. You should keep it on for at least 2 days, and it can remain on for up to 6 days. Ideally, you should leave it on for as long as it stays on, and remove it on the 6th day. You may notice pooling of a liquid in the patch. This is ink, blood, and plasma, and is completely normal. Do not attempt to drain the fluid, just leave it alone and it will dry over time.
It's likely the patch will peel up around the edges and corners. This is fine, as long as the patch does not expose the tattooed area. If the tattoo itself becomes exposed, go ahead & remove the patch and proceed to the 'Open Healing' method.
When removing it, do so gently + slowly in a warm shower to minimize skin irritation. You may notice an impression of the tattoo comes up with the patch; this is normal, it is just some of the ink coming off of the top layer of the tattoo. If the patch leaves any sticky residue on your skin, you an apply coconut oil to the area to help remove some of the adhesive.
4: Method - Two Open Healing
If you do not receive the Recovery/SecondSkin patch, we’ll use the Open Healing method. I’ll apply a traditional absorbent bandage. Keep it applied on the tattoo for 2 to 5 hours post-application. Then proceed with the following instructions.
If you DID receive the Recovery patch, keep it on for 2-6 days as instructed, and then proceed with the following instructions.
1. Gently wash the tattoo with warm water and unscented antibacterial liquid soap. Dial Gold is a good choice.
2. Let it air dry until the skin feels tight (about 10-15 minutes). You may use a CLEAN paper towel to dry it if you wish, but air drying is more advisable to further prevent any risk of infection.
3. Use a thin layer of ointment (for example, A&D, Aquaphor) over the tattoo. Don’t apply too much, the tattoo needs to breathe.
4. Reapply this ointment every 3-4 hours during the first three days.
5. Repeat this process (wash, dry, apply ointment) 2-3 times a day for the first 3 days after getting your tattoo.
6. Starting on day 4, you can reduce washing to once per day (or as needed), but continue to apply ointment every 3-4 hours. Always wash your hands before applying ointment and make sure the tattooed area does not come in contact with potential contaminants like clothing, pet hair, unclean surfaces, etc.
7. Long term: be sure to keep your skin moisturized. The healthier your skin is, the longer your tattoo will last.
5: Monitoring for Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to some tattoo inks, as well as the “Recovery” patch are uncommon, but possible. If you experience excessive redness, pain, or itching in the tattooed area, seek immediate medical attention.
If you have the “Recovery” patch on your skin and experience redness or itching in the area under the patch, but not on the tattooed area, remove the patch, wash with an antibacterial liquid soap, dry thoroughly with a clean paper towel, and continue to care for your tattoo using the “Open Healing” method for at least 7-10 days from the day you received your tattoo. If the condition persists for more than a day after removing the patch, you should see a doctor.
6: What to Expect in the First 30 Days
Days 1-7: Tattoo appears bright and might have some fluid buildup.
Days 8-14: Expect natural peeling and flaking as the skin heals.
Days 15-30: The tattoo’s color stabilizes but may appear slightly duller during this healing phase. The tattoo may appear shiny; this will subside.
7. Infection Prevention and Signs
It is possible for any tattoo to become infected if not cared for properly. Infections are caused by bacteria, and can result from contact with clothes, animal hair or saliva, dust, dirt, and any other contaminated surfaces. If you think your tattoo has become infected, seek immediate medical attention. In order to reduce the risk of infection, wash your tattoo with an antibacterial liquid soap 1-2 times a day, and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Always wash your hands before applying ointment, and avoid contact with potential contaminants.
Maintain cleanliness to reduce infection risks:
- Wash your tattoo daily with antibacterial soap.
- Always dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Keep an eye out for signs of infection like unusual redness, swelling, or pus, and seek medical help if noticed.
8: General Precautions and What NOT to Do
Avoid Water Activities: No swimming, pools, beaches, hot tubs, or baths for at least 7-10 days. Ideally, you should avoid these things for closer to 2-4 weeks.
Physical Activity: No sports, gyms, or other strenuous activities for 7-10 days. Anything that makes you sweat is bad for your tattoo.
Sun Exposure: Stay out of direct sunlight for 1-3 months. Use SPF 50+ after the tattoo has healed. Long term, always using sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure will prolong the life of your tattoo.
Avoid Contact: Do not pick at scabs or expose the tattoo to saunas, massages, scrubs, or chemical peels.
Wear Lose Clothing: Tight clothing can be hard on your skin. Wear looser clothing over the area while the tattoo is healing.
Avoid crowds: People bumping up against your tattoo is not good. No clubs, concerts. Do what you can to avoid large crowds. Stay out of the pit.
Final Tips and Touch-Ups
Mindful aftercare is essential. If you have any concerns or questions, contact me directly by email.
I offer one free touch-up session, assuming proper aftercare is followed. Typically we want to wait 30-60 days before doing a touchup, to give the skin time to adequately heal before tattooing again. Touch-ups are sometimes necessary as everyone's skin heals differently. Generally, color ink is more likely to require one or more touch-ups to ensure full saturation. It’s just the nature of the ink.
1: Introduction
Taking care of your new tattoo is crucial for optimal healing. Here’s everything you need to ensure the best results.
2: Aftercare Overview
We offer two primary methods for aftercare: the Recovery/SecondSkin patch method and the Open Healing method. This guide covers both, focusing on what you can expect and how to manage your tattoo effectively.
3: Method One - Dermashield Recovery/SecondSkin Patch
The Dermashield Recovery or SecondSkin patch is designed to create a protective, breathable barrier over your tattoo. You may have heard of similar products like Saniderm or Tegaderm.
After your tattoo is done, I'll apply patch directly over the area. You should keep it on for at least 2 days, and it can remain on for up to 6 days. Ideally, you should leave it on for as long as it stays on, and remove it on the 6th day. You may notice pooling of a liquid in the patch. This is ink, blood, and plasma, and is completely normal. Do not attempt to drain the fluid, just leave it alone and it will dry over time.
It's likely the patch will peel up around the edges and corners. This is fine, as long as the patch does not expose the tattooed area. If the tattoo itself becomes exposed, go ahead & remove the patch and proceed to the 'Open Healing' method.
When removing it, do so gently + slowly in a warm shower to minimize skin irritation. You may notice an impression of the tattoo comes up with the patch; this is normal, it is just some of the ink coming off of the top layer of the tattoo. If the patch leaves any sticky residue on your skin, you an apply coconut oil to the area to help remove some of the adhesive.
4: Method - Two Open Healing
If you do not receive the Recovery/SecondSkin patch, we’ll use the Open Healing method. I’ll apply a traditional absorbent bandage. Keep it applied on the tattoo for 2 to 5 hours post-application. Then proceed with the following instructions.
If you DID receive the Recovery patch, keep it on for 2-6 days as instructed, and then proceed with the following instructions.
1. Gently wash the tattoo with warm water and unscented antibacterial liquid soap. Dial Gold is a good choice.
2. Let it air dry until the skin feels tight (about 10-15 minutes). You may use a CLEAN paper towel to dry it if you wish, but air drying is more advisable to further prevent any risk of infection.
3. Use a thin layer of ointment (for example, A&D, Aquaphor) over the tattoo. Don’t apply too much, the tattoo needs to breathe.
4. Reapply this ointment every 3-4 hours during the first three days.
5. Repeat this process (wash, dry, apply ointment) 2-3 times a day for the first 3 days after getting your tattoo.
6. Starting on day 4, you can reduce washing to once per day (or as needed), but continue to apply ointment every 3-4 hours. Always wash your hands before applying ointment and make sure the tattooed area does not come in contact with potential contaminants like clothing, pet hair, unclean surfaces, etc.
7. Long term: be sure to keep your skin moisturized. The healthier your skin is, the longer your tattoo will last.
5: Monitoring for Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to some tattoo inks, as well as the “Recovery” patch are uncommon, but possible. If you experience excessive redness, pain, or itching in the tattooed area, seek immediate medical attention.
If you have the “Recovery” patch on your skin and experience redness or itching in the area under the patch, but not on the tattooed area, remove the patch, wash with an antibacterial liquid soap, dry thoroughly with a clean paper towel, and continue to care for your tattoo using the “Open Healing” method for at least 7-10 days from the day you received your tattoo. If the condition persists for more than a day after removing the patch, you should see a doctor.
6: What to Expect in the First 30 Days
Days 1-7: Tattoo appears bright and might have some fluid buildup.
Days 8-14: Expect natural peeling and flaking as the skin heals.
Days 15-30: The tattoo’s color stabilizes but may appear slightly duller during this healing phase. The tattoo may appear shiny; this will subside.
7. Infection Prevention and Signs
It is possible for any tattoo to become infected if not cared for properly. Infections are caused by bacteria, and can result from contact with clothes, animal hair or saliva, dust, dirt, and any other contaminated surfaces. If you think your tattoo has become infected, seek immediate medical attention. In order to reduce the risk of infection, wash your tattoo with an antibacterial liquid soap 1-2 times a day, and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Always wash your hands before applying ointment, and avoid contact with potential contaminants.
Maintain cleanliness to reduce infection risks:
- Wash your tattoo daily with antibacterial soap.
- Always dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Keep an eye out for signs of infection like unusual redness, swelling, or pus, and seek medical help if noticed.
8: General Precautions and What NOT to Do
Avoid Water Activities: No swimming, pools, beaches, hot tubs, or baths for at least 7-10 days. Ideally, you should avoid these things for closer to 2-4 weeks.
Physical Activity: No sports, gyms, or other strenuous activities for 7-10 days. Anything that makes you sweat is bad for your tattoo.
Sun Exposure: Stay out of direct sunlight for 1-3 months. Use SPF 50+ after the tattoo has healed. Long term, always using sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure will prolong the life of your tattoo.
Avoid Contact: Do not pick at scabs or expose the tattoo to saunas, massages, scrubs, or chemical peels.
Wear Lose Clothing: Tight clothing can be hard on your skin. Wear looser clothing over the area while the tattoo is healing.
Avoid crowds: People bumping up against your tattoo is not good. No clubs, concerts. Do what you can to avoid large crowds. Stay out of the pit.
Final Tips and Touch-Ups
Mindful aftercare is essential. If you have any concerns or questions, contact me directly by email.
I offer one free touch-up session, assuming proper aftercare is followed. Typically we want to wait 30-60 days before doing a touchup, to give the skin time to adequately heal before tattooing again. Touch-ups are sometimes necessary as everyone's skin heals differently. Generally, color ink is more likely to require one or more touch-ups to ensure full saturation. It’s just the nature of the ink.