Most aspects of tattoo aftercare are universal but some are individual. Due to the fact that all people have different skin and genetics, variations will apply when it comes to ointments, moisturizers, skin PH levels, skin health and tattoo healing times. Typically a tattoo will heal within two weeks. Pay attention to your tattoo while it is healing to ensure that the aftercare you are following is working for you. Read these instructions fully before beginning your tattoo aftercare.
Bandage Removal
After your tattoo is completed your artist will apply ointment on the tattooed area and protect your tattoo with a plastic bandage or covering. Remove your bandage when you get home or are in a controlled clean environment. Try not to leave the bandage on for more than 3 hours so it can be exposed to fresh air. After the bandage is removed, all remaining ointment and bodily fluid should be gently wiped off the tattoo either by using a clean, wet paper towel or in the shower using minimal soap. Always allow your tattoo to fully dry before reapplying ointment. Sealing drops of water in your healing tattoo under ointment will damage the tattoo.
Cleaning
Always wash your hands right before you touch, clean or moisturize your healing tattoo. You may wash your tattoo with mild soap up to twice a day. Washing your healing tattoo with abrasive soap or more than twice a day will result in excessive drying to the skin and prolong the healing time.
Moisturizing
For the first 1-2 days, lightly moisturize your tattoo 1-2 times daily with A+D ointment. Moisturizing your tattoo more frequently than this is unnecessary and may hinder the healing process. Once the tattoo is no longer an open wound and the skin has begun to seal (usually after 48 hours), discontinue using the A+D ointment and begin moisturizing the tattooed area as needed with a mild skin moisturizer. Avoid using moisturizers that are scented or contain excess chemicals. Avoid the use of oils, sun block and beauty products on a healing tattoo. Continue moisturizing twice daily until your skin’s natural pH balance is achieved.
Complications
We recommend testing the ointment and moisturizer on non-tattooed skin before applying it to your healing tattoo to ensure that you have no negative reactions to the product. If you have any kind of bad reaction to either your ointment or lotion (rash, bumps, soreness, redness, etc), discontinue using all moisturizing products.
If the skin on and around your tattoo continues to be sore, red, or hot after discontinuing the ointment and moisturizer then your tattoo may be infected especially if white pus is present. This is extremely rare and always due to exposure to an unclean environment after the initial bandage is removed. In this case contact Fattys and your healthcare provider.
Healing Process
Your tattoo will sometimes flake, peel, and/or scab in a few days. This is a normal part of the healing process. Often a tattoo will itch during this time. Do not scratch your tattoo or pick at the dead skin. Allow the dead skin to fall off naturally. Wear loose, breathable clothing that does not rub against your healing tattoo. Do not engage in any activity that would cause any rubbing or friction of the tattooed area. Do not allow anything unclean to come in contact with your healing tattoo including public places, animals, unclean clothing, unclean surfaces, bodies of water (swimming pools, ocean, rivers, etc.).
For the first night only, Fatty’s recommends that you cover your tattoo with a plastic, breathable bandage right before going to bed. Lightly moisturize your tattoo with A+D ointment before wrapping it. Secure your plastic covering with tape. This will prevent your fresh tattoo from sticking to clothing and bedding. Take the covering off when waking and again follow the bandage removal instructions.
Long Term Care
After your tattoo is fully healed, Fatty’s recommends using sun block (SPF 40 or higher) when exposing the tattoo to the sun. The sun will fade your tattoo over time. Keep your tattooed skin moisturized and hydrated. Any care that is good for your skin will be good for the long term care of your tattoo.
Questions
If you have any questions about your tattoo aftercare contact us. Take good care of your tattoo and it will take good care of you. Enjoy!