TATTOO AFTER-CARE
Good aftercare is essential to the longevity of your tattoo. Not following proper care can result in infection, loss of ink, and affect the overall look of the piece.
TRADITIONAL AFTERCARE:
Keep the plastic wrap on your tattoo for the first 3-4 hours.
When it is time to remove the plastic wrap, lather your hands with unscented neutral soap (I recommend Dr. Bronner’s unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, or Hustle Butter’s Bubbles foam soap) and warm water to clean your tattoo.
Make sure there is no soap residue.
Pat dry with a dry paper towel and allow it to air-dry for 10 minutes.
Re-wrap the tattoo with clean plastic wrap and DO NOT apply ointment.
Repeat every 6-8h for the first 2-3 days.
After the first 2-3 days continue washing your tattoo twice a day, dry it, and apply a thin layer of ointment.
When it starts to peel switch to unscented lotion.
SECOND SKIN AFTERCARE
This form of aftercare is not for everyone, please make sure you are not allergic or have experienced any reactions to any brand of second skin, plastics or adhesives.
How to use it?
Make sure your tattoo is clean and fully dry with no soap residue.
Clean tightly around the edges with alcohol.
Without touching the inside of the second skin, delicately apply it over your tattoo making sure to leave at least 1inch border around the whole piece.
Make sure the tattoo is completely covered.
It is normal to see ink and plasma build up under the bandage after a few hours.
It’s important for you to remove the second skin if you see any unusual redness, irritation around the bandage, bumps or pimples, if you notice any leak, or if it peels back to where the tattoo is exposed.
Leave the second skin on for up to 5 days, if possible.
When it’s time to remove it, do so in the shower. Allow the adhesive to get soft and start to pull the bandage out and away with the direction of hair growth.
Lather your hands with unscented neutral soap (I recommend Dr. Bronner’s unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, or Hustle Butter’s Bubbles foam soap) and warm water to clean your tattoo.
Apply unscented lotion twice a day for one week.
Avoid going to the gym, tanning salons, submerging your tattoo in bodies of water, direct sunlight and dirt while the tattoo is healing. Do not scratch the area when it gets itchy or pick at it when it's peeling as everything must come off naturally. Your tattoo should be fully healed in four weeks.
If you suspect to have contracted an infection, contact your physician immediately.
LONG TERM AFTERCARE
Even after the tattoo is fully healed it's important to continue to care for it.
Apply sunscreen regularly, especially on sunny days when the tattoo is exposed.
Moisturizing your tattoo regularly is the secret to lifelong vibrant tattoos.
NORTH FULTON EH OFFICE
3155 Royal Drive Ste.150
Alpharetta, GA 30022
(770) 520-7500