Tattoo Aftercare
Recovery Derm Shield method 1:
The first Derm Shield application should stay in place for 24 hours, depending on level of exudation. It is normal for blood and fluids to collect under the bandage. This is aslo known as the “ink sack”.
A second application can be used for 5-7 days, and a third application may be used if necessary. Gently clean and dry the area between applications. Do not wear any piece longer than one week.
Directions for Removal:
Gently peel the Derm Shield under warm soap water and by pulling it slowly from the edge back over itself. Do not pull the bandage upwards. Once removed wash with soap, dry the area and then apply unscented lotion or aftercare ointment.
Directions for Use:
Gently clean and pat dry the tattoo and surrounding area, ensuring there is no soap or any residue on the skin. Pat dry with tissue to ensure derm adheres to the skin. With clean hands, remove Derm Shield from the pouch. Peel off backing to expose adhesive side and position the Derm Shield over the tattoo with the adhesive side facing the skin. Gently apply using light pressure, starting from the center to the edges to eliminate air bubbles. Do not stretch the Derm Shield during application.
Recovery Derm Shield Method 2:
This is the easiest method for healing. Just leave the derm shield that was placed on your tattoo by your artist for 6-7 days. You will get an “ink sack” and that is normal so please do not pick, poke or drain it. The sack will fill initially then reabsorb into the skin. After about 6-7 days you will remove the derm shield as directed below.
Directions for Removal:
Gently peel the Derm Shield under warm soapy water and by pulling it slowly from the edge back over itself. Do not pull the bandage upwards. Once removed wash with soap, dry the area and apply unscented lotion or aftercare ointment.
OG Tattoo Aftercare Method:
Before you start, make sure your hands are clean and you have unscented antibacterial soap ready. Avoid soap with fragrance, moisture beads or scrubs.
1. Carefully remove the bandage and tape. If you feel the bandage sticking to the tattoo, wet it with lukewarm water and gently slide it off.
2. Make a lather in your hands with soap and warm water. NO washcloths, bath towels, or sponges on a fresh tattoo.
3. Gently clean the tattoo using a circular motion until all ointment and plasma are removed.
4. Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean.
5. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel then allow to fully air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. DO NOT SCRUB.
6. Once the tattoo is dry, apply a very small amount of ointment that was provided. Gently rub the ointment into your tattoo. Dab any excess off with a clean paper towel.
Applying too much ointment can cause your tattoo to “suffocate.” Apply only a very thin coat so your tattoo can breathe.
Clean your tattoo this way once a day in the shower for the first 2-3 days.
There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo, but please be mindful that your tattoo is a wound and when unwrapped, it is prone to dirt and bacteria which may cause infection. Avoid direct contact with any surface.
Your Daily Tattoo Aftercare Routine
Apply the ointment 2-3 times a day (Remember, keep it light!) for the first 5-7 days or until your tattoo starts to flake/peel like a sunburn. When the peeling begins, switch to a regular FRAGRANCE FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance free brand for an additional 2 weeks.
Your tattoo should be completely healed within 2-4 weeks.
If you have extremely sensitive skin, the lotion may cause breakouts. If this happens, just reduce the number of your daily lotion application.
After the first few days, your tattoo may become itchy or begin to form flaky scabs. They will fall off on their own, so DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Doing so can cause some of the pigment to disappear, and your tattoo may not heal properly. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will eventually dissipate.
Important Dos and Don’ts
Clean towels, bedding and clothes are highly recommended during the healing process.
Showering is fine, however, please DO NOT soak your tattoo for at least 2 weeks. This means no swimming, baths or submerging your tattoo in water for long periods of time.
Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo for at least 2 weeks and your tattoo is completely healed. After that, we advise putting on a sunblock (minimum SPF 50) on your tattoo whenever you find yourself in direct sunlight for the rest of your life. The sun will undoubtedly cause damage and compromise the longevity of your tattoo.
Wear loose clothing (preferably cotton) and avoid constricting accessories like bra straps and tight waistbands over a fresh tattoo. Avoid dirty, sweaty or itchy clothing as they can create healing problems.
EYEBROWS
How to care for your new brows:
Right after appointment:
After the procedure, gently blot the area with clean tissue to absorb plasma. Do this every hour for the remainder of the day. Then start the washing process before bed.
Days 1-10: Washing
Wash daily to remove bacteria or buildup. Gently wash your eyebrows in the morning and night with water and the soap I will provide in your aftercare kit. With a firm but gentle touch, use your fingertips to gently cleanse the eyebrows then rinse. To dry, gently pat with a clean DRY towel or paper towel.
Days 1-10: Moisturize
Apply a rice grain amount of aftercare cream (provided in your kit) with your clean fingertip and spread it across the treated area. Do not put a lot because this will suffocate the treated area and slow down healing. The cream should be barely noticeable on the skin. NEVER put the cream on a wet or damp tattoo because it can get water lodged.
What to expect:
Immediately following your procedure, the tattooed area will appear to be darker, reddish/warmer and bolder in color as well as more sharply defined. This can last up to a week after the treatment while the initial healing process takes place. The treated area may feel a bit like sunburn afterwards but there should be minimal discomfort.
During the initial healing period, there should be minimal scabbing or flaking of the skin. If there is some scabbing or flaking, do not pick, and allow the scab or dry skin to come off on its own.
The complete healing process takes about 6-8 weeks, at which time the true color of the tattoo is evident. During this process, your tattoo will soften and lighten. Be patient, even if you think too much color has been lost, as your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating. Wait at least 6 weeks to see the true color, as it seems to take on new strength, and it is only after 6-8 weeks that your touch-up/adjustment can be done.
What not to do:
You may bathe normally but try to limit your shower times if there is a lot of steam. The key is to avoid any over saturation of water on the treated area. Other than soap provided, avoid getting any body soaps, shampoos or other cleansers on the treated area.
DO NOT pick or scratch at the dry skin/flakiness; let the skin fall off naturally. Picking can cause scarring and premature loss of pigment. IMPORTANT: Once the flakes have fallen off, a shiny layer of healing skin will completely cover the hair strokes. It may appear as though the tattooed area has completely disappeared. Within 1-2 weeks, the hair strokes will slowly reappear at a lighter shade as your skin regenerates.
DO NOT apply make-up to the tattooed area for the first 2 weeks. Cosmetics of any kind may interfere with the healing and color of your tattoo.
DO NOT use Vaseline, Neosporin or other petroleum based products while healing. Please just use the products provided in the aftercare kit I will provide you.
DO NOT bleach, tint or dye the tattooed area for one month following the procedure.
Do NOT apply any anti-acne products (e.g. Benzoyl Peroxide, salicylic Acid, Proactive, etc.) or lightening creams (skin bleaching creams) such as hydroquinone to the treated area while healing.
No anti-aging products or facial products containing Alpha Hydroxyls (AHAs), Retin-A, Lactic or Glycolic Acids
Do not thread, wax, or use hair removal products on the treated area while healing.
NO exercising and/or sweating for a few days prior to getting tattooed and for one week after.
NO swimming pools, jacuzzis or other bodies of water for two weeks.
Do not soak your face underwater in a bathtub or allow the shower to spray directly in your face for two weeks.
Once healed:
Exposure to the sun over time can cause fading and discoloration of the pigment. Once completely healed, you may apply sunscreen on the treated area. Wear large sunglasses and a hat for further protection. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly when in contact with chlorine.
Glycolic acid, microdermabrasion, and chemical face peel products must be kept away from the tattooed area as continued use could lighten the pigment.
If you are having laser resurfacing or laser hair removal after your tattoo has healed, please inform the laser technician. Continue at your own discretion. Laser procedures may darken, lighten, or discolor the tattooed area.
Once the treated area is completely healed, any changes or additions that need to be made can be done at your follow-up appointment no sooner than 6-8 weeks later.
Below is a picture meme of the emotions you may feel during the healing phases.
