Aftercare

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Proper tattoo aftercare is crucial for the healing and maintenance of your new tattoo. The following guide provides detailed instructions, ensuring your tattoo heals perfectly while retaining its vibrancy. Tattoo aftercare involves cleaning, moisturizing, and protecting your tattooed skin, which helps prevent infections and ensures the longevity of your tattoo. Follow these tattoo aftercare tips for a seamless healing process.

required:

dial antibacterial soap
aquaphor
lubriderm, cetaphil

avoid:

vaseline, neosporin, or any triple antibiotic as healing ointments *unless otherwise directed
submerging in water
itching, scratching, picking
direct sunlight, tanning beds, etc.

Your tattoo will be protected with a combination of vaseline and saran wrap or gauze pad(s). Leave this bandage on for a maximum of two hours.

Before bandage removal, wash your hands with water and soap. Then gently wash the tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap. Pat your skin dry with a soft cloth. Apply a thin layer of aquaphor. Continue to use aquaphor for the following two days, very minimally, on top of washing the tattoo with antibacterial soap. After the first two days, you should switch from aquaphor to lubriderm or cetaphil (unscented, basic lotions) to provide your tattoo with the moisture it requires while also allowing it to breathe. It's normal for your skin to become itchy after a week - please do not pick or scratch it as this affects the outcome of the tattoo once healed. You will know that your tattoo is healed when your skin is smooth to the touch - typically within 2 weeks.

Per usual, if you are concerned or have questions, please contact me!

After application of the Saniderm bandage, you should leave it on your new tattoo anywhere between 1-3 days.
You should remove your Saniderm bandage when the adhesion of the bandage starts to weaken. This is a bad sign, which means dirt, germs, water, and all the other infection-causing particles can enter the tattoo area and potentially cause an infection – if the adhesion is weakened, your tattoo is no longer protected.
That being said, be cautious when showering, as sitting water under the bandage will cause a variation of issues.
Once you’ve removed your Saniderm bandage, make sure to clean the tattoo area using lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. Then, dab-dry using a clean towel and leave it to air-dry. At this point, you should be fine using thin layers of lotion (cetaphil, lubriderm) to keep the tattoo moisturized and continue to clean it daily with antibacterial soap. Your tattoo should be fully healed when it is smooth to the touch - generally within 2 weeks.

Per usual, please contact me with any questions or concerns!

It is essential not to overdo the cleaning and moisturizing, because extra moisture can prolong the healing process and make your tattoo more susceptible to inflammation and infection. Once or twice a day should be enough to clean and moisturize your tattoo.
Be patient with your tattoo; 2 weeks is a general healing time but could be more or less.
Do not touch, pick, scratch, or peel your tattoo, otherwise, you might introduce bacteria and cause an infection as well as scarring and design issues.
Do not submerge your new tattoo underwater and avoid swimming until the tattoo is fully healed; exposure to water can cause moisture buildup, and prolong the healing process, which can make the tattoo a perfect place for bacteria buildup and infection development.
Make sure to wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes while your tattoo is healing. It is best to avoid covering the tattooed area overall, but that depends on the location of the tattoo. So, if the tattoo is somewhere that requires covering, make sure you’re wearing your loosest clothes possible. This way you’ll avoid friction, potential sticking of the fabric, and potential exposure to bacteria and germs.
While your tattoo is healing, do not expose it to the sun; this includes sunbathing and tanning as well. Your tattooed skin is highly sensitive, so exposing it to the sun can cause further irritation, prolonged healing, and other issues. Once healed, make sure to always apply sunscreen, a minimum of 30 SPF, or tattoo balms/lotions to protect the tattoo from fading.

Per usual, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact me!