Tattoo Aftercare

1. If your artist has bandaged your tattoo with a tattoo wrap, these instructions will apply after removing your bandage. The tattoo wrap is an adhesive bandage that uses your own blood and plasma to heal your tattoo. Leave your wrap on for 3-5 days. Remove in the shower by peeling gently  from one corner, after warm water has run over the bandage and softened the adhesive. If your wrap seal breaks and exposes the tattoo or leaks any fluids before the 3-5 day window, you can request that we remove it and provide a new wrap.

*NOTE: If your artist has bandaged your tattoo with cling wrap, you will gently remove the wrap after 2 hours and follow the remaining instructions.

1. Do not re-bandage the tattoo.

2. Put a drop of mild antibiotic soap on your hand and lightly wash the tattoo. Gently pat it dry with a washcloth, taking care not to rub it.

3. Dab an over the counter water or petroleum-based ointment like Aquaphor on the cleaned area. Do NOT use an ointment that contains zinc as it may cause an adverse reaction.

4. Continue to lightly apply antibiotic ointment to your tattooed skin for the first few days, then switch to a plain skin lotion that is free of dye, perfume, lanolin, Vitamin E, aloe or alcohol.  *Aquaphor is our preferred product (CVS/Walgreens/Walmart/HEB).*

5. Expose your healing skin to air as much as possible but avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

6. Avoid getting a lot of water on your new tattoo - showers are OK, but NO swimming, soaking or baths for 2 weeks.

7. Resist scratching the skin or picking at scabs, no matter how much it itches.

8. Wear clean, loose and comfortable clothing over the tattooed area. Your skin should heal in about two weeks.

9. Apply sunblock to your tattoo after it has healed, to help prevent burns and fading.

 

***If, after getting your new tattoo, you experience extreme swelling, unbearable itching, excruciating pain, fever, a rash or any other unusual symptoms that may indicate infection, allergic reaction or other serious complication, contact a doctor immediately. To report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction or adverse reaction, call the Department of Health at 888-839-6676. For questions and concerns feel free to contact us at 737-230-5973.