Aftercare Matters.

After you spend the time, money, and pain, you want to ensure that your tattoo heals up perfectly. After spending years perfecting my method, this is how I care for my own tattoos and what I recommend to my clients. If you have any questions about aftercare feel free to text me at 812-250-6722.

Tattoo Aftercare

So you finally took the plunge and got yourself a brand new piece of artwork to carry with you forever. Awesome! But tattoo aftercare is crucial for the upcoming weeks to insure your investment is protected and heals the best way possible!

Bandaging

The first few days of healing are crucial. For most tattoos I will apply a transparent film dressing, similar to what you might see over an IV at the hospital. This product will give your tattoo a barrier against germs as well as preventing your tattoo from drying out, which can cause excessive scabbing. The bandage is waterproof so you can shower like normal. You do want to avoid submerging your fresh tattoo in standing water for the duration of the healing process (bathtubs, hot tubs, swimming pools, etc.) even with the bandage in tact. Standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to infection, and submerging the bandage may cause the adhesive to fail allowing nasties into your fresh tattoo. Keep this bandage on for up to 3 days so long as it has a complete seal around the tattoo. Its normal to see some dark fluid build up under the bandage. Don’t worry, it’s not pulling out the ink! In the even that the bandage starts coming off on it’s own or anything starts to leak out, remove it. Once the seal is compromised it is no longer offering any protection. If you notice any irritation from the bandage you can remove it early.

Cleaning

When you are ready to remove the bandage, run some warm (not hot!) water over it to help loosen the adhesive. Pull the bandage slowly with your skin. (Think of it like removing a command strip.) Hold your skin taut and stretch it, it shouldn’t be hard to remove if you take your time. Once it’s uncovered clean the tattoo thoroughly using soap and water. I do not recommend antibacterial soap for tattoo aftercare, the alcohol content can be overly drying. Anything mild and non-abrasive is fine. Avoid scrubbing with anything rough like a washcloth, just use your clean hand. After the tattoo has been thoroughly cleaned, pat it dry with a clean paper towel. You will continue to clean your tattoo a few times a day for the duration of the healing process.

Moisturizing

After your tattoo is clean and dry, with a freshly washed hand apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion. I am a fan of Lubriderm, Aveno, and Gold Bond, but anything gentle and fragrance-free is fine. The bandage replaces the ointment in the healing process, so at this stage products like Aquaphor are unnecessary. DO NOT use Vaseline, A+D ointment, Neosporin, essential oils or anything with a strong scent like coconut oil. These can all potentially have adverse effects on your new tattoo. Stick to simple lotion, and use it lightly but frequently. Listen to your body, if your tattoo is tight or itchy, increase the frequency of applying lotion. I find most tattoo aftercare on the market to be overpriced at best and at worse problematic. If there is a different product you would like to use please ask! I have spent a lot of time researching ingredients and am happy to guide you into making a great choice.

Tips and Precautions

While your tattoo is healing, do avoid sun exposure. UV rays can potentially cause scarring, and even after the tattoo is healed will cause it to fade more rapidly.

Your tattoo is going to itch at some point during the healing process, and it will suck. Don’t scratch! In addition to increasing your risk of infection, scratching a tattoo can lead to pigment loss and scarring. If it’s unbearable and you are applying plenty of lotion, try taking an antihistamine.

Peeling is a normal part of the healing process. Just let the dead skin fall off on it’s own, don’t try to pick it off. If you notice any scabs forming leave those alone as well.

Some discomfort is common for the first day or two, especially with a larger piece. Feel free to take an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen as needed.

If you notice anything abnormal while your tattoo is healing, please get in touch with me. Keep an eye out for excessive redness and burning. While it isn’t common, infection can be very serious. If you suspect your tattoo is infected and you start running a fever contact your doctor immediately!

After it’s Healed

Most people will be fully healed in about a month, though this can be delayed due to underlying issues like poor circulation and diabetes. Once the tattoo is no longer shiny it means the skin has grown back over it and you can resume normal activities.

In the event you notice any color loss after the healing process, do contact me! I guarantee my work and will gladly touch it up for you if needed free of charge within the first year. That said, long term tattoo aftercare puts the ball in your court. Protect your investment! I’m not responsible for color loss due to excessive sun exposure.

Keep up with the SPF. In addition to helping prolong the vibrancy of your tattoo, your skin will thank you! Keep your skin well moisturized as well. Your tattoo is beneath the surface of your skin and will only look as good as the skin on top of it.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me! And let me know when you’re ready for your next one! ♥