aftercare.
Any time you open the skin, you leave yourself vulnerable to scarring and infections. Healing time depends on the individual and how closely you follow instruction but is usually within 2-3 weeks. Please seek medical advice with a physician within 24hr if you suspect you have an infection (symptoms are listed at the bottom of this document).
It is important you follow these instructions regarding aftercare.
Remove covering 24hr after tattooing in the shower, after rinsing off soap.
Cup water in your hands to rinse your tattoo. Do not allow water to beat on tattoo, do not soak tattoo.
Use a fragrance-free wash (PurSan, if purchased at Ride or Die Tattoo).
Rinse.
Use clean towel or paper towel to dry the tattoo.
Allow tattoo to dry completely before applying fresh bandage.
TO APPLY BANDAGE:
Make sure your tattoo is completely dry.
Remove paper first.
Firmly press adhesive side to skin.
Remove plastic second. Do not lift away plastic by pulling upwards. Peel away plastic by running it along and parallel to skin surface (similar to waxing technique).
IF there are air bubbles below the bandage, use a sterile pin or needle to allow air to escape, and cover the hole with tape.
Keep this second bandage on for 6 days.
ONE WEEK AFTER PROCEDURE:
Remove bandage in shower, after you have rinsed off your soap.
Avoid fragrance soap in your newly tattooed area. Use PurSan, or whatever fragrance-free soap you have to wash your new tattoo. Use clean towel or paper towel to dry your tattoo. When completely dry, use Tattoo Goo (available for purchase at drug stores) sparingly, to moisturize the tattoo. A little goes a long way and applying more than a thin film over the tattoo may cause pimples that may never go away. Apply Tattoo Goo (or A&D) twice a day in this manner for 7-10 days after bandage removal. Wash your tattoo with PurSan for 7-10 days after bandage removal.
DO’S AND DONT’S
While your tattoo heals,
You should:
You shouldn’t:
Some swelling and redness is typical after a tattoo procedure. Continue care as instructed above. If these symptoms worsen over time, call your artist or seek medical help as described below.
Monitor the healing of your tattoo as infection is a possibility. Seek medical advice by a physician within 24hr if you feel your tattoo has become infected.
Symptoms of a tattoo infection include:
It is important you follow these instructions regarding aftercare.
Remove covering 24hr after tattooing in the shower, after rinsing off soap.
Cup water in your hands to rinse your tattoo. Do not allow water to beat on tattoo, do not soak tattoo.
Use a fragrance-free wash (PurSan, if purchased at Ride or Die Tattoo).
Rinse.
Use clean towel or paper towel to dry the tattoo.
Allow tattoo to dry completely before applying fresh bandage.
TO APPLY BANDAGE:
Make sure your tattoo is completely dry.
Remove paper first.
Firmly press adhesive side to skin.
Remove plastic second. Do not lift away plastic by pulling upwards. Peel away plastic by running it along and parallel to skin surface (similar to waxing technique).
IF there are air bubbles below the bandage, use a sterile pin or needle to allow air to escape, and cover the hole with tape.
Keep this second bandage on for 6 days.
ONE WEEK AFTER PROCEDURE:
Remove bandage in shower, after you have rinsed off your soap.
Avoid fragrance soap in your newly tattooed area. Use PurSan, or whatever fragrance-free soap you have to wash your new tattoo. Use clean towel or paper towel to dry your tattoo. When completely dry, use Tattoo Goo (available for purchase at drug stores) sparingly, to moisturize the tattoo. A little goes a long way and applying more than a thin film over the tattoo may cause pimples that may never go away. Apply Tattoo Goo (or A&D) twice a day in this manner for 7-10 days after bandage removal. Wash your tattoo with PurSan for 7-10 days after bandage removal.
DO’S AND DONT’S
While your tattoo heals,
You should:
- always handle your tattoo with clean, washed hands and dry your tattoo using fresh towels or new paper towels
- wear sun-protective clothing whenever you go outside
- call your tattoo artist or doctor if you have any signs of infection or other problems
You shouldn’t:
- cover your tattoo with sun block until it’s fully healed
- scratch or pick at the tattoo
- wear tight clothing over the tattoo
- go swimming or immerse your body in water for two weeks (no hot tub, sauna or steam room as well)
Some swelling and redness is typical after a tattoo procedure. Continue care as instructed above. If these symptoms worsen over time, call your artist or seek medical help as described below.
Monitor the healing of your tattoo as infection is a possibility. Seek medical advice by a physician within 24hr if you feel your tattoo has become infected.
Symptoms of a tattoo infection include:
- a rash, heat, redness, or bumps in the tattoo area
- a fever
- worsening swelling
- purulent drainage
- increasing pain
- shaking, chills, and sweats