Good aftercare is essential to the longevity of your tattoo. Neglected aftercare can result in infection, loss of ink, and a shorter lifespan for your tattoo. I am not responsible for any complications resulting from poor aftercare.
If you were sent home with cling wrap, keep the wrapping on until you get home and then immediately take it off and wash your tattoo with an unscented antibacterial soap.
If you were sent home with an adhesive bandage ( I use derm shield) you can leave it on up to four days. This is a latex free adhesive bandage that allows your skin to breathe, while also protecting it from your surroundings. Because the bandage is transparent, please be aware it is normal to see ink and plasma buildup under the bandage. The bandage is water resistant, but it is not waterproof, so do not submerge it underwater. If the derm shield irritates your skin at any point, please remove it as soon as possible. When you are ready to remove the derm shield, do so in the shower. Wash the area gently with antibacterial soap (see below recommendation) and allow the adhesive to get soft. Pull parallel to your skin, like a command strip, from the top corner. Follow the rest of the instructions below.
Clean your tattoo once daily for two weeks with an antibacterial soap. I recommend hustle bubbles foaming antimicrobial soap. Do not submerge your tattoo in any water. This means no baths, pools, oceans, etc. Keep showers, cool, and short in the first two weeks of healing. Long exposure to steam and water can result in poor healing. After you shower, let it air dry. Your towel may have bacteria on it, which you do not want to introduce to your tattoo.
I recommend using Aquaphor or A&D for the first week of healing. Apply a thin layer of the ointment after each wash. Skin should not be wet when applying ointment.
Once your tattoo scabs up switch to an unscented lotion. Apply the lotion once or twice a day to help keep your tattoo moisturized. Unfortunately, at this stage, your tattoo is going to itch. Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo. Either apply the unscented lotion to help soothe the skin or smack your tattoo with an open palm.
Avoid the sun, pools, bodies of water, the gym, dirt, etc. while your tattoo is healing. Once your tattoo is fully healed, make sure to put a high SPF sunscreen on it if you are going to be in direct sunlight for more than 15 minutes. Tattoos naturally expand as they age and any sort of UV damage can speed that process up significantly and cause fading. Your tattoo should be fully healed in 2 to 4 weeks.
Please contact your physician immediately if signs of infection occur.
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