AFTERCARE

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR NEW TATTOO

When you leave with your new tattoo it will be cleaned and bandaged.

Leave your tattoo bandaged for 2-12 hours. Sometimes longer sittings and more layering of color benefits from being wrapped longer or overnight if you can.

When you remove the bandage, wash the tattoo with an anti bacterial soap and rinse with clean water. Pat the tattoo dry and let it breathe with no ointment applied for 20-30 minutes after removing the bandage then re-wash and pat dry the tattoo and apply a very thin layer of AQUAPHOR (a Eucerin brand) ointment. At this point DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo for the remainder of the healing process.

Every 2-3 hours during the day, wash your tattoo, pat it dry and apply new ointment. Never apply new ointment over an unwashed tattoo! By doing so, you will trap any dirt, dust, bacteria, funk, and crud into your new piece and can cause serious infection! Use this method of washing and applying ointment for 3-4 days.

In 3-4 days switch to a white, cream based lotion like CETAPHIL or CERAVE. Wash your tattoo in the morning and apply a comfortable amount of lotion and continue to do so throughout the day 3 or 4 times or more if needed. Wash your tattoo as necessary throughout the day and continue to use the lotion for 2-3 weeks. In drier climates, like Colorado, your tattoo may take 3 weeks to heal and may still show signs of shiny, dry or flaky skin.

It is very important to drink lots of water for a great healing process! Eat well and take your vitamins as well and your tattoo will heal fantastic!

In 2-3 weeks from being tattooed, your tattoo will be healed provided you’ve cared for it and yourself well.

Things you should not do during the healing process:

DO NOT soak the tattoo in any type of water for any long period of time. Showering is fine and regular washing of the piece is fine. No lakes, oceans, pools, bath tubs, hot tubs, creeks, rivers or puddles. Sorry to ruin a good time.

DO NOT over-do the ointment. Too much is just as bad as not enough. If your tattoo is smothered and can’t breathe, it will not heal as fast and infection can occur.

DO NOT scratch at, pick at, rub on, or generally harass your tattoo. If it itches during healing, your moisture level is too low. Chug a bottle of water, wash it, and put some lotion on it!

DO NOT share gym equipment or any other public equipment with an exposed fresh tattoo of less than one week, AT LEAST. People are gross, and you don’t want gross in your new tattoo. Also, if you slime up the bench press with your DNA, you are gross.

Take good care of yourself and your new tattoo and if you have any questions, please call me at 303-588-4719.

Thank you!

Yaws