TATTOO AFTERCARE
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Its down to you now!
You've done well going to a licensed reputable tattoo studio, everything we use in our studio is sterile / disposable and antiseptic this means the risk of infection is almost impossible. Your fresh tattoo is considered an open wound, anytime you open the skin you leave yourself vulnerable to infection and scaring. Caring for your tattoo correctly can prevent complications like infection and ensure you tattoo heals correctly.
- Step 1 - You should leave the wrap you artist has put on for around two hours whilst any fluid/plasma/blood excess is slows down, this wrap protects your tattoo from any initial bacteria and also helps it from anything clothing ect rubbing on it. When you take the wrap off do not reapply (ever) it dispose of it immediately your tattoo needs to breathe not be re wrapped where it will get warm creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow (infection).
- Once you have removed your wrap wash your hands with soap and gently wash the tattoo with warm water and a fragrance-free soap.
- Pat your skin dry with a clean dry cloth.
- Sometimes it's best to allow your tattoo to dry heal for 2 days whilst keeping it clean and dry from then on apply a THIN layer of aftercare twice a day (we sell different types aftercare in the studio dryheal/all natural anaesthetic biotat)
- Keep your tattoo out of the sun completely until it is fully healed in around 6 weeks.
- Do not scratch or pick your tattoo whilst it is healing.
- Remember to keep your tattoo as clean and dry as possible. You can wash as normal just do not soak the tattoo.
- If you have had your hand or fingers tattoo we advise against washing up as this is a form of soaking, also be mindful of putting hands in pockets and remember how much bacteria your hands come into contact with on a daily basis. Also with hand/finger/feet tattoos or any other area that has alot of wear it is likely your tattoo will fade drastically in these areas it is also likely to loose bits completely
Healing Process
Day 1
You will probably notice your tattoo is oozing blood/plasma and some extra ink this is normal, your skin will also likely be red/sore and slightly warm to touch. Make sure you hands or anything your tattoo comes into to contact with are always clean.
Days 2-3
Your tattoo is probably feeling tight by now will have a fuller cloudier appearance this happens as your skin heals and scabs will start to form. Do not panic if you see any excess ink of bedsheets or when cleaning or tattoo it is not falling off.
Days 4-6
The redness should start to fade and some light scabbing should appear.
Days 6-14
Your scabs should start hardening ready to flake off, your tattoo may be itchy as it's healing do you scratch it or pick it. Remember to keep your tattoo clean throughout this whole time If your tattoo has any redness around it or feels sore to touch or you don't feel well In yourself or have a fever you may be starting to get infection, if you do have any of these symptoms call or pop into the studio and we can advise you best how to deal with this which would may look like being advised to try savalon or using antiseptic surgical wound cleanser or antibiotic cream depending on the severity or advising you to contact your doctor.
Days 15-30
In the last stages of healing your tattoo may still look dry or discoloured continue to moisturise it with your tattoo aftercare ointment the scabs should be going away now, it may take 3/4 months for the lower layers to heal completely, by the end of the 4th month it should have all of its colour back if this isn't the case get in contact with your artist you may need a top up.
And most importantly enjoy your new tattoo!
