TRADITIONAL AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

*Remove bandage 2-3 hours agter procedure (up to 24 hours with saniderm or other adhesive bandages)

*Before cleaning or touching the tattooed area, WASH HANDS throughly with soap and warm water.

*Carefully remove the bandage without force. DO NOT pull bandage upwards.

*If it sticks, wet the applied bandage and gently pull off so as not to damage any scabs or dry areas.

*After removing the bandage, cleanse the area with mild soap and water. Gently rub with fingertips to remove plasma. Do not scub the tattoo. Pat dry with a clean and dry paper towel. 

*Let the tattoo air dry completely for at least 10 minutes.

*Apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare product only. Applying too much oitment can cause breakouts.

*continue to cleanse the tattoo for 3-5 days. apply oitment 3-4x a day.

*do not allow tattoo to become dry. if a scab does form, do not pick it, let it heal on its own.

*you tattoo will start to peel about 3-5 days later. at this point, switch to a fragrance free lotion or gentle moisturizer such as lubriderm, as needed until completely healed. 

*itching is expected. never pick, scatch or peel it. this may result in a loss of ink. 

GENERAL

*tattoos take 3-4 weeks to fully heal.

*once healed, regularly moisturize to keep skin soft and ink looking fresh.

*avoid swimming, any submersion in water or sun exposure for at leat two weeks. 

*sun exposure can damage a tattoo, always use a sun block with strong spf when outdoors. 

do not use

*vaseline or petroleum jellies

*soap with fragrance, moisture beads or scrubs

*medicated oitment such as neosporin

*iodine, peroxide, or alcohol-based solutions

red flags

*if infectionis prominent, you may experience some sligt swelling, redness and discomfort around the tattoo. If any of the following symptoms appear, promptly consult a health care provider:

*unusual draining

*excessiv bleeding

*excessive pain or discomfort

*excessive swelling, redness, soreness, or skin that is hot to touch.