Aftercare Instructions

If you experience any abnormal pain or discomfort, (Which includes burning, swelling, oozing of pus, fever, feeling of hot and cold), please contact me ASAP at (937) 903-8530 (Call then text). You may need to consult with your health professional.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out!

THE HEALING PROCESS

The more simple, the better! 4 important things to remember:

• Keep it clean! Treat your tattoo as an open wound. Do not touch or expose it to bacteria.

• Let your skin breathe! Cover with clean, loose clothing, if you know you will be around dirt or dust.

• DON'T let your skin dry out or crack. Use ointment ONLY when it is too dry.

• Most importantly: DON'T use too much ointment! Pat with a clean towel to remove the excess.

Avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo the first night.

NO DIRECT SUN/TANNING, SWIMMING, SOAKING, or SHAVING the area for 2 weeks while you are healing. The sun/tanning can damage and fade the ink no matter how old they are. After completely healed, use sunscreen on your tattoos when they see the sun for longer than an hour.

NO SCRATCHING OR PICKING YOUR TATTOO. This may cause scarring. A small amount of unscented, healing lotion helps with the itchiness. Use lotion 1.5 weeks after the tattoo when your tattoo is starting to settle (flaking and itching). Smack the area (clean hands) lightly if it still itches. NO SCRATCHY OR PICKY!

Remember a tattoo is an OPEN WOUND. Any time you touch, or expose to bacteria, equals infections and worse. Keep it clean, and cover with clean loose-fitting clothing if needed.

NATURAL HEALING

Wash your tattoo 3 times: The day of the tattoo, before bed, and the day after in the morning and evening.

After this, please do not wash or force anything to come off.

Step 1- Wash your hands before you begin! Try not to leave the wrap on for longer than needed, (2-3 hours). Remove the wrap when you’re able to wash your tattoo and apply ointment. If the bandage sticks to the tattoo, wet the area and slide it off.

Step 2- Wash the area gently and completely with antibacterial soap and water using clean hands only. Carefully pat dry with a clean towel, then wait for it to air dry.

(You could do this in the shower, just don’t let the tattoo soak for longer than 15-20 minutes, or let the stream hit it directly. This can damage the tattoo. Just let the water from your daily shower rinse the tattoo. PAT dry, DO NOT scrub or be forceful!)

Step 3- After the tattoo is dry, apply a VERY small amount of ointment. Use A&D (for black and white tattoos) or Aquaphor (less greasy and used for color tattoos). Spread over the entire tattoo, and dab off excess with a clean towel. Use ointment about 1-2 times a day for about 5-7 days. If you use too much ointment your skin can react by breaking out, and or damage the tattoo.

Step 4- After about 1.5 weeks, and your tattoo is starting to settle (flaking and itching), apply a light layer of regular dry skin lotion as needed about 1-2 times a day (I use Lubriderm). This can help with dryness and itching, and may heal the tattoo faster. Just like with ointment, dab off the excess to ensure your skin can breathe.

Use lotion as needed for any healed tattoo to keep ink bright and vibrant.

SANIDERM

***CALL 911 if you experience tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing with a severe reaction***

If you’re having symptoms of redness, pain, burning, or throbbing with the Saniderm wrap, please take the wrap off ASAP. You could be having an allergic reaction to the plastic or adhesives. Please contact me and send pictures. You may need to consult with your health professional.

Try to leave the wrap on for at least 3 days, 5 days being ideal. You may notice liquid under the plastic. Blood, ink, and plasma are trapped underneath and can build up. The plasma will assist healing! Do not drain this, and make sure there are no leaks. The wrap should be completely sealed around the tattoo. (If it becomes unsealed you should take it off). When removing the wrap, a two handed grip will be much easier, so you may need some help. Be sure you're able to clean, and apply ointment after taking the wrap off.

Wash your hands before you begin. Use antibacterial soap and water to help loosen the wrap. Start by peeling at the top two corners. Once you can hold on with both hands, slowly pull straight down. Avoid pulling away from your skin because it will hurt more. Follow steps 1-4 above to take care of the tattoo. Since Saniderm can heal your skin faster, you will likely not need to use ointment. Go straight to lotion and use as needed.