How good your tattoo will look is dependent on how well you follow these aftercare instructions. Please call us at 954-564-1700 should you have any questions or concerns about how your tattoo is healing.
Immediately After You Get Tattooed
Keep your tattoo bandaged for at least three hours - you can also leave the bandage on overnight if you like, but make sure that you take it off within twelve hours. Never re-bandage your tattoo.
Once You Take the Bandage Off
Your tattoo will have a messy mix of ointment, blood, sticky plasma and ink on it. It's important to wash all of this off. With clean hands gently wash your tattoo using an antibacterial soap over a sink or in the shower. Use gentle water pressure when rinsing or showering. When you are done washing, blot the tattoo gently with a clean towel or paper towel. Apply a THIN layer of Vitamin A&D ointment to the tattoo and distribute it just to the edges of the tattoo. Wear loose, comfortable clothing (preferably cotton) over the area and watch out for bra straps, tight waistbands, etc. which may chafe.
The First Two Days
Your tattoo can continue to seep during this time. It's important to thoroughly wash and blot away any seepage so that the tattoo does not get crusty. Gently wash your tattoo once a day as part of your daily routine. Only use A&D Ointment for the first day, then switch to Fragrance- Free Lubriderm lotion. Apply a THIN layer of A&D ointment or Lubiderm only to the area of the tattoo. Wear loose clothing to bed during this time. If the tattoo sticks to the cloth, wet it down thoroughly in the morning and peel away gently. Do not pick or scratch your tattoo.
On The Third Day
Your tattoo will usually peel between now and the end of the first week, but peeling time varies with the area of the body and from person to person. When your tattoo does peel, it is normal to have large pieces of colored skin flakes (like a sunburn) come off on your clothes, etc. Do not hasten the peeling process by picking or scratching.
During the First Two Weeks
DO NOT . . . soak in a bath or hot tub, go swimming or expose the tattoo to direct sunlight! After two weeks you can expose the tattoo to sun with a heavy SPF sun block. Additionally, it's completely normal to have secondary peeling and dryness on your tattoo for up to a month or so, so continue to use lotion as needed during this time.
