KEEP IT LOOKING ITS BEST
So you just got a new tattoo! In order to keep it looking as good as possible, for as long as possible; please follow these steps listed in this article!
***NOTE When you are given a Tegiderm bandage (upgraded) you are to leave it on for 2 – 3 days. Removing it should be done in the shower under hot water. Make sure you let the shower steam up for at least 10min (with you in it) before you peel it off SLOWLY. This bandage reduces the healing by half! Ask me about it at your next appointment 🙂
*** Regular bandages: After 2-4 hours remove bandage and wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial hand soap, to reduce risk of infection, with lukewarm water. Be sure to rinse the area well, and to take off any loose plasma left from the weeping process.
AFTER BANDAGE REMOVAL
For the next 2 to 3 days, wash your tattoo first thing in the morning and right before bed. It is important to wash your tattoo at least two times a day. This promotes faster healing and insures all bacteria is removed off your tattoo for better healing. After the 2 to 3 days, your tattoo will form a thin, hard layer which will begin to peel. This is normal. At this stage you can use a non-scented lotion such as Aveeno, Lubriderm Curel or H20cean to moisturize your new tattoo.
*** DO NOT OVER MOISTURIZE***
AVOID VASOLINE & POLYSPORIN & ANY PETROLEUM BASED OINTMENTS
For the next 2 weeks keep washing your tattoo and use lotion as needed to prevent cracking and bleeding. The majority of your tattoos healing should be over in 2 weeks, but does take up to 4-6 weeks for it to be fully healed.
THINGS TO AVOID DURING THE TATTOO HEALING PROCESS
Try not to sleep on your tattoo. Example, if the tattoo is on your back, sleep on your stomach. Not only will the tattoo become stuck to your clothing and linens, it will leave a lovely imprint on your sheets. Should you wake up and your clothes are stuck to your tattoo, do not rip them off, for this could result in ripping off scabs. Instead wet the area of clothing that is stuck to the tattoo with water and it will become unstuck.
Avoid submerging the Tattoo. Soaking in water could cause scabs to come off prematurely. Also avoid swimming due to possible bacteria and irritants in the water. So no ocean, lake, pool, Jacuzzi, or bath tub for 2 weeks! Showers are okay… and encouraged! Avoid the sun! Getting sunburn on your new tattoo can cause some serious problems. Think of your new tattoo as like healing a bad sunburn, you wouldn’t want to get more sun on it. If your going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, wear loose cotton clothing over the tattoo.
Avoid wearing tight clothing that will rub onto the Tattoo. Excessive rubbing can lead to scabbing and loss of ink. Some key areas where this is common; is around the pants line and the bra line.
Try to wear loose fitting cotton clothing over the tattooed area so that its breathable, or if your not in public, go without! If you had your foot tattooed, try to stick to a more open type of shoe such as a flip-flop. Also, the first couple days of healing the tattoo will tend to “ooze” in the colors of the tattoo that tend to stain fabric, so do not wear your Sunday best!
Avoid over working the tattooed area. For example, if you are an avid gym goer, lay off the arm exercises for 2 weeks if you just had your arm tattooed. Or, if you just got your foot tattooed, don’t plan a hiking or 5 hour mall trip. Over working the tattooed area can result in scabbing and poor healing. Working out will also cause you to sweat which is also not good for the tattoo healing process.
AFTER YOUR TATTOO IS HEALED
In order to keep your tattoo looking good for as long as possible, it is important to keep your skin moisturized, and when your going to have prolonged sun exposure, use sun block to help avoid fading
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us