Thank you for getting a tattoo from me. Fully saturated color tattoos need extra care to heal properly, so please follow these aftercare instructions closely for the best result!
Healing With Second Skin
If you've chosen to use a second skin bandage, I likely sent you home wearing a traditional bandage to allow as much plasma to leak out as possible before putting on your second skin. You may either leave this dressing on until bedtime if you had a morning appointment, or leave overnight if you had an evening appointment. After this period, remove the dressing and apply the piece of second skin I sent you home with. Before you apply, wash the tattoo well with liquid soap and pat dry with a paper towel. Let it dry completely. If plasma leaks out of your second skin, remove immediately as bacteria can enter the bandaged area.
You may leave the second skin in place for up to 3-7 days. I find that 5 days is the sweet spot.
You may take showers while the second skin is in place but avoid submerging your tattoo.
Take it easy during the initial healing phase and avoid heavy sweating or strenuous activities while the second skin is in place as sweat can accumulate underneath the bandage. If beads of sweat accumulate in the bandage, please remove.
If your tattoo is in a mobile area of the body such as areas near elbow crease or knee ditch, or arm pit, please refrain from keeping these areas in a bent position as much as possible while healing.
When you're ready to remove the second skin (this is more easily done in the shower), pull the second skin off parallel to your skin like a command strip. Wash with liquid soap, pat dry with paper towel and apply a thin layer of light unscented lotion with clean hands. Avoid heavy creams or ointments as they can create an overly moist environment that can trap bacteria leading to infection or scabbing. Repeat the cleansing and moisturizing process twice a day until your tattoo is completely healed.
Once your bandage is off, always wear clean, loose fitting clothing that covers your tattoo to protect from dirt and bacteria during the initial healing phase.
You may take quick showers once the bandage is off but try keeping tattoo out of the water as much as possible for the first few days. Avoid submerging the tattoo in water until it is fully healed.
During the first couple weeks, your tattoo may flake or lightly scab. It’s tempting to reach for the ointment when you see flaking or scabbing but this will often make scabbing worse and can lead to ink fall out. It’s important to continue only using a thin layer of unscented lotion even when your skin feels dry. Do not itch, scratch, or purposefully peel your healing tattoo. This can result in ink loss and permanent scarring.
When your tattoo is all healed up, I recommend using a good moisturizer and gentle exfoliant on your tattoo daily to keep it looking fresh, and most importantly always apply a good SPF when tattoo is exposed to the sun. UV rays will break down ink pigments over time and lead to fading and discoloration, especially in pastel tones, so please protect those tattoos from the sun!
If you have any questions or concerns about your healing process, please don’t hesitate to reach out and if your tattoo ever needs a touch up to restore color please reach out and we’ll set up a free touch up appointment.
Healing With Traditional Bandage Dressings
Leave the initial dressing on your new tattoo on for at least 2 to 3 hours to allow the plasma seep out. Once removed wash with liquid soap, pat dry with a paper towel and replace with the second dressing. Leave this bandage on overnight.
When you remove the bandage, wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and unscented, preferably antibacterial liquid soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and let dry completely. Once washed and completely dry, apply a thin layer of light unscented lotion with clean hands. Repeat this process twice a day until fully healed or when risk of contamination occurs. Avoid heavy creams or ointments as they can create an overly moist environment that can trap bacteria and lead to an infection or cause deep scabbing.
If your tattoo is in a mobile area of the body such as areas near elbow crease or knee ditch, refrain from keeping these areas in a bent position as much as possible while healing.
Always wear clean loose fitting clothing that will cover your tattoo during the initial healing phase. Your tattoo is most vulnerable for infection within the first 72 hours, so be extra mindful of cleanliness during this period.
You may take quick showers once the bandage is off but try keeping tattoo out of the water as much as possible for the first week or so. Avoid fully submerging the tattoo in water until it is fully healed.
During the first couple weeks, your tattoo may flake or lightly scab. It’s tempting to reach for the ointment when you see flaking or scabbing but this will often make scabbing worse and can lead to ink fall out. It’s important to continue only using a thin layer of unscented lotion even when your skin feels dry. Do not itch, scratch, or purposefully peel your healing tattoo. This can result in ink loss and permanent scarring.
When your tattoo is all healed up, I recommend using a good moisturizer and gentle exfoliant on your tattoo daily to keep it looking fresh, and most importantly always apply a good SPF when tattoo is exposed to the sun. UV rays will break down ink pigments over time and lead to fading and discoloration, especially in pastel tones, so please protect those tattoos from the sun!
If you have any questions or concerns about your healing process, please don’t hesitate to reach out and if your tattoo ever needs a touch up to restore color please reach out and we’ll set up a free touch up appointment.