Aftercare.

Traditional Tattoo Aftercare.

Never unwrap your tattoo or touch your bandage while in our studio, this is for your and our safety.

· Leave your fresh tattoo bandaged for the first hour or two. This allows your tattoo to weep plasma, excess ink and a small amount of pigment. This must be washed off after an hour or two.

· Do NOT leave your tattoo wrapped overnight. (Unless you are using a derm aka sticky wrap, then consult the derm aftercare section.)

· With clean hands, carefully remove the bandage. If the bandage is sticking to your tattoo, you may find wetting the bandage with warm water to be helpful.

· Wash the tattoo thoroughly using only your hands and fingers. Only use a fragrance free anti-bacterial soap (not bar soap) along with clean running water.

· Rinse the tattoo thoroughly and gently pat dry using a clean paper towel. DO NOT use a washcloth or anything abrasive to wash or dry your tattoo. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can survive on some surfaces, like towels, razors, furniture, and athletic equipment for hours, days, or even weeks. As beautiful as a tattoo is, remember it is an open wound and should be treated with care.

· Never re-bandage your tattoo.

· After each cleaning, apply a small amount of ointment (very, very thin layer) to the tattooed area.

· The ointment should be gently massaged into the area for a light coating. The excess may even be wiped off with a clean paper towel if you are unsure of the amount to use. A gentle wipe will leave enough to cover the surface properly.

· If you would like to use something different, please consult your artist.

It is advisable to wear clean, older, loose fitting, comfortable clothing over the tattooed area during the first night or two. Your new tattoo may weep and secrete excess pigment, plasma, and/or blood. Tattoos normally will stain sheets or clothes during the first night or two.

During the healing process, it is normal for your tattoo to feel itchy. It is also normal for small pieces of skin containing pigment to flake off and peel (like a sunburn) especially during cleaning. Do not attempt to intentionally remove these. Never pick or scratch at the tattoo. Try to wear soft, loose, and comfortable clothing over your tattoo during the healing process.

Proper Healing of the tattoo is your responsibility!

For the duration of the surface healing (approximately 2 weeks).

· Always keep your tattoo and surrounding area clean.

· DO NOT touch your tattoo other than while cleaning.

· DO NOT submerge the tattooed area in any type of standing or dirty water.

· DO NOT pick or scratch at your tattoo.

· DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds.

· After the tattoo is surfaced healed, always use strong sunblock.

Tattoos generally heal quickly. If you have any complications from excessive swelling, redness,

or pain that extends for more than a day or two after the tattoo has been applied, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ARTIST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Never be afraid to ask questions concerning your tattoo and healing process. We are here to help!

Tattoo Wrap Aftercare.

Your artist will place the first wrap on you initially. If you experience a plasma bubble you must replace your wrap after 24 hours.

24 hours after the initial wrap is placed, remove the wrap by gently lifting then pulling. (Think of the way you remove a command strip!) It is advised to do this under warm running water as it will help with loosening the wrap. Once the wrap is fully removed, wash your tattoo with clean hands and gold dial antibacterial liquid soap.

Be sure to wash it thoroughly under warm water, making sure all the soap and adhesive residue has been removed. This may take a few washes to remove it all. Just be patient and thorough.

Once the tattoo has been cleaned, pat it dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to air dry for a

few minutes. During this time, cut out your new wrap piece to just over the size of your tattoo.

Allowing for some overflow at the bottom edges, where fluids may accumulate. This will reduce the chance of your wrap leaking. Cutting the edges off to a rounded corner will also help keep it adhered for a longer period of time.

Dab your tattoo with a paper towel once again to ensure it is clean, dry and free of debris. Peel and place the properly sized wrap on your tattoo, sticky side down. Middle and then the sides.

Try to avoid any large air pockets or crimping on the edges. You can patch another piece there if this occurs. Remove the outer cover, as indicated by the arrows. Press down on the sides and make sure the wrap is securely in place.

If there are no tears, leaks, excessive weeping or sweating, this wrap can remain on

for 5-7 days. The wrap itself will begin to dry out around this time, the sides will begin to lift.

This is your indication that it is ready to be removed. Perform the same removal process you did during the first change after 24 hours.

Always keep an eye on your tattoo. Be sure to check for signs of infection, irritation or allergic reactions. This also goes for the edges of the wrap. If you experience redness, excessive itching or welts within the first few days, remove the wrap and be sure to wash thoroughly. You may have an adhesive allergy. Despite how gentle the wrap we use is, this is always a risk. So be sure to be vigilant and check on your tattoo several times a day as it goes through this process.

If you need to remove your wrap any time prior to the indicated time frame for any reasons,

continue basic aftercare procedures. Which will also be provided and/or available at any time. Please always feel free to email with any questions or concerns. We will be happy to assist!

DISCLAIMER:

These guidelines are based on a vast professional experience, common sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. Be aware, however, that many doctors have no specific training regarding tattooing and may not be educated on how to best assist you in regard to aftercare. If you suspect an infection or anything serious, please seek medical aid. If you are unsure, please contact us right away and we will be happy to help assist you.