Aftercare
Tattoos are a lot like a cat scratch; first they hurt, then they scab, then they scab some more, then they itch, and then they peel. All of this is part of the normal healing process of a tattoo.
Recovery Derm
If allergic to latex or adhesives do not opt for Recovery Derm.
Leave your bandage on for a minimum of 5 days and a maximum of 7 days. Recovery Derm is water resistant and not waterproof. Do not submerge your bandage. An ink sack (dark liquid composed of blood, plasma, and ink) is completely normal and expected. It is perfectly normal. To remove your bandage remove it from top to bottom under running water (I recommend in the shower). IF YOUR RECOVERY DERM LEAKS REMOVE IT IMMEDIATELY and start the Lotion and Antibacterial Soap healing method.
Lotion and Antibacterial Soap
Until your tattoo is healed (no longer peeling) do not use fragranced products on your tattoo. Wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap (I recommend Dial Gold) and pat dry with a lint free paper towel. Do not rub or scrub. Use very little of a THIN unscented lotion (I recommend Lubriderm, Gold Bond Intensive Healing, or Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Lotion.) When moisturizing a tattoo do not saturate your tattoo. Use a pea size amount and rub it in completely until your skin is no longer shiny. Leaving a tattoo moist is a breeding ground for infection.
Petroleum jelly or Vaseline based products are NOT recommended for tattoo healing, such as Aquafour, Tattoo Goo, Neosporin, diaper rash cream, or the like. These products smother a tattoo and hinder/lengthen the healing process.
Do Not
DO NOT… PICK YOUR TATTOO!!
DO NOT… Touch your healing tattoo with unwashed hands!
DO NOT… Expose your tattoo to direct sunlight while healing. No tanning or sunbathing during the first month of healing. (Make sure to sunscreen your tattoos even after the healing to reduce fading.)
DO NOT… Submerge your tattoo. No swimming or using bathtubs or hot tubs until peeling is through. Please feel free to shower normally.
DO NOT… Drink alcohol 48 hours before or after being tattooed.
Infections or Allergic Reactions
Seek medical care if you are worried that you may have an infection.
Our bodies can sometimes have an adverse reaction to certain ink colors. This is common with red or yellow pigments. You would identify this reaction by only that colored section of the tattoo is swollen or firm.
Reactions to Recovery Derm can happen. This looks like excessive redness or redness around the outside of the bandage. If you suspect that you are having an allergic reaction remove Recovery Derm IMMEDIATELY and start the Lotion and Antibacterial Soap healing method.
Questions?
Feel free to TEXT me anytime if you have any questions or concerns about aftercare at 865.224.6688.