Tattoo Aftercare is essential to proper healing and avoiding infection after your tattoo session. When your session is complete, your tattoo artist will put a bandage over the tattoo and you should keep it on for 3-24 hours after your appointment. This bandage will protect the skin while the tattoo starts to heal.
It is normal for the tattoo to look blurry under the bandage due to moisture accumulation. This is caused by plasma building up and pulling up a small amount of ink. This is typical in the healing process and your new tattoo will not look blurry after it heals.
When it is time to take the bandage off, slowly remove the bandage under warm running water. It is normal to have to use a little bit of force to get the bandage off because it can stick tightly to the skin. There may be a small amount of ink on the bandage, but this is nothing to worry about. It is caused by small micro-fragments of ink that dried on the bandage.
If the bandage starts to peel off earlier or causes discomfort, remove the bandage as described above. Cover the area with an unscented lotion instead.
Gently wash tattoo with mild soap and water. Do not scrub the tattoo with a brush or towel until your tattoo has healed. Dry the tattooed area by gently patting with a clean, sterile towel. Do not reapply a new bandage.
The next few weeks are critical to your healing. After 3 days, apply a light coating of Lubriderm, Aquaphor, H2Ocean, or Dermassage until skin returns its pre-tattoo condition. Be sure not to apply too much lotion on the area because it could hinder the healing process and pull up the ink. Use enough lotion to just cover the area.
Stay out of direct sunlight and tanning booths for 7-10 days because it can dry out the healing area and cause fading. Use sunscreen of at least SPF30 once your tattoo has healed to protect it from the damaging ultraviolet rays. For the month after you receive your tattoo, you should also avoid having your tattoo in direct sunlight
Do not go swimming or soak in a tub or Jacuzzi until tattoo is completely healed. Showers are fine. It is also important not to submerge the area in water for a prolonged amount of time. This can potentially cause life-threatening infections. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on your tattoo.
Do not participate in activities that will make you sweat until your tattoo heals. You should avoid exercise for about two weeks after receiving the tattoo to avoid having contact with any unsanitary surfaces, tight clothing, or sweat. This could risk scarring, infection, and inflammation.
Your tattoo should form a light dry scab that will fall off in 7-10 days. Do not touch or pick at scab.
If you have any questions or concerns about the healing process, do not hesitate to give us a call. We want to help you keep your skin healthy and give you an amazing-looking tattoo!
CONTACT A PHYSICIAN IF ANY SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS DEVELOP SUCH AS THE FOLLOWING: FEVER, REDNESS AT THE SITE, SWELLING, TENDERNESS OF THE PROCEDURE SITE, ELEVATED BODY TEMPERATURE, RED STREAKS GOING FROM THE PROCEDURE SITE TOWARDS THE HEART, AND/OR ANY GREEN/YELLOW DISCHARGE THAT IS FOUL IN ODOR.
*This guide is a summary of aftercare instruction provided to Patch Tattoo Therapy by the Ventura County Environmental Health Division. For more information, please visit: https://vcrma.org/body-art-program