Aftercare Supply List:
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Unscented Antibacterial Soap
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Aquaphor, tallow, or a similar, unscented, dye-free moisturiser
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Clean Paper Towels
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Removing Adhesive Bandages:
Your bandage may remain in place for 5-7 days.
If your bandage starts to expose your tattoo by peeling, leaking, or shifting, then it is time to remove it. Peel the bandage off slowly with the direction of the hair. A buildup of fluid (plasma) is normal.
Proceed to washing.
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Washing Your Tattoo:
Either when you first get home from your appointment or immediately after removing the adhesive bandage, wash your tattoo with cool, running water. Put a dab of unscented antibacterial soap on your fingertips and gently rub the surface of your tattoo, removing any debris and plasma.
Do so quickly and gently, DO NOT SCRUB.
Pat your tattoo dry with clean paper towels and apply a very thin layer of unscented, dye-free moisturizer like Aquaphor.
Do not use any other products on your tattoo until fully healed.
Rules for a smooth healing process:
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No Swimming
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No Sun Exposure
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No Chemicals, Dyes, or Fragrances
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Avoid excessive sweat or friction
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Moisturize LIGHTLY, only when necessary
Things to look out for:
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Excessive burning, swelling, or red streaking around tattoo*
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Buildup of moisture (potential for bacterial growth)
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Rashes, hives, reactive skin conditions** (eczema, keloids, etc)
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When to contact your artist:
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Your tattoo becomes excessively swollen, hot, or irritated*
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For Touch-ups (~4-6 weeks)
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* While some discomfort is expected during healing, infections can become serious. If you are concerned about an infection, please seek medical care.
** Tattooing can trigger underlying skin conditions and autoimmune responses in compromised individuals. Please communicate any known conditions to your artist.
This is not intended as/does
not replace medical advice.
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A note on adhesive bandages:
There are a variety of different brands (Saniderm, Dermashield, Tegaderm, etc.) that may be used by your artist. All of these bandages work the same way by using a medical grade adhesive that will stick to your dry skin and allow the plasma that weeps from your tattoo to accumulate on the surface. This bandage acts as a scab would, trapping the white blood cells against the damaged skin and promoting the healing process. Due to the nature of the application process and the need for the area to be extremely clean before application, your bandage should be placed by your artist immediately after completing your tattoo. I do not recommend that clients apply their own bandages or apply new bandages if/when it needs to be removed.
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The general recommendation is to leave your adhesive bandage on for 5-7 days. The recommendation may be different based on the exact brand your artist is using or the placement/style of your tattoo. Heed your artist's individual recommendations, but be mindful of contamination and infection. Any bandage that is leaking, shifting, peeling, or exposing the tattoo underneath in any way poses a contamination risk that may lead to infection. If your bandage becomes compromised, it is best to remove it immediately. Removing your bandage at any point in the process for any reason, including discomfort, should not affect the healing process. Some artists report that a bandage removed within the first 3 days of application may lift ink that has not yet settled and cause "fall out". If this occurs, a touchup is easier to handle than an infection. If you have any concerns with your bandage then it is best to remove it. ​​​​​