We want your new Tattoo to turn out perfect for you to enjoy
for years to come. So please follow our recommendations
for the proper care of your new Tattoo.
The Tattoo machine, in a simplified explanation, operates
like a mini-sewing machine: the Tattoo needle that is attached
to the Tattoo needle bar moves up and down very rapidly
as it penetrates the superficial (epidermis) and the middle
layer (dermis) of the skin. This process creates a superficial
abrasion to the skin that is only about as deep as the thickness
of your fingernail. Properly and professionally done, Tattoos
cause minimal trauma to the skin and heal very quickly.
Depending on the individuals care and reaction to the process,
it may take from one to two weeks average time to heal over
nicely.
The most critical time to control and direct the healing
process for a new Tattoo is from the completion of the Tattoo
until there is no more oozing of fluid from the Tattoo.
This requires you to wipe off oozing fluids ( which appear
as droplets on the surface ) until fluids no longer reappear.
This may take several wiping every 15 minutes immediately
after getting a Tattoo.
Timing is critical to prevent dead cells from accumulating,
sticking and drying on the surface of the Tattooed area.
Allowing Tattoos to dry prolongs the healing time, producing
a dry scab and loss of ink.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that wounds moistened
with ointment heal faster, produce less dry scabbing and
consequently keeps more Tattoo ink in the skin which heal
brighter and sharper looking.
As soon as you get home from the Tattoo shop ( no longer
than 2 hours ) follow these instructions:
1.
As soon as you get home remove bandage, wipe off the ointment
and oozing body fluid with a tissue.
DO NOT WASH
Water content of the Tattooed area is a major factor in
the speed of healing.
KEEP DRY !
2. Apply a thin layer of A&D ointment, Bacitracin,
or comparable product.
The biggest problem is not the selection of ointment (
all comparable ointments of this type will produce good
healing ). Getting any ointment and using it as directed
and having you follow these instructions is critical for
promoting proper care and healing for your new Tattoo.
This is more important than fretting over what type of
ointment to purchase.
A&D ointment is the preferred product to use due to
the fact that some people have an allergic reaction to
the zinc and other ingredients in Bacitracin or Neosporin
ointment. If you are not allergic to these products they
are fine to use. Otherwise buy and use A&D ointment
because it contains none of these allergic reaction causing
ingredients.
BUY A&D OINTMENT IF AVAILABLE.
3. Wait 15 minutes and see if bubbles of fluid appear
on the surface of the Tattooed area.
4. If they do, wipe of with a tissue and reapply ointment.
5. REPEAT THIS TILL NO MORE BUBBLES APPEAR ( 2 to 5 times
).
STOP AND READ STEP 1 TO 5 AGAIN.
THE BETTER YOU CARE FOR YOUR NEW TATTOO IMMEDIATELY AFTER
GETTING IT THE BETTER IT WILL TURN OUT FOR THE REST OF
YOUR LIFE !
IT IS CRITICAL TO REMOVE FLUID FROM THE TATTOO AND KEEP
MOIST DURING THE FIRST FEW HOURS AFTER GETTING YOUR TATTOO.
You can use your CLEAN finger tips to apply the ointment.
DO NOT BANDAGE.
When oozing stops, apply a thin layer of ointment 4 times
a day.
- No skin to skin contact with people or pets.
- No scratching.
- No picking.
- No peeling.
- No swimming.
- No sauna.
- No Jacuzzi.
- No tub.
- No sun.
- No tanning salon.
- No contact sports.
- No shaving.
Be very careful at work, keep clean.
If you work in a Hospital or other medical or clinical
setting ( nursing home, doctors, dental office, labs )
be very careful not to come into contact with anything
in the building with your new Tattoo. Bandage with a sterile
NON-STICK bandage while at work to protect from any such
accidental contact. Use surgical type hand scrub at home
after work before caring for Tattoo.
The better you care for your new Tattoo immediately after
you get it the better it will heal and look for the rest
of your life.
At night, just before bed, wipe the area down lightly
with alcohol to help control microorganisms on the surface
of the skin during your hours of sleep.
You must keep the Tattoo dry during showers.
Coat with Vaseline ONLY during showers so as not to allow
Tattoo to get soaking wet. Wipe off after shower.
After 2 days stop using the A&D ointment and SWITCH
TO A MOISTURIZING SKIN CREAM OR LOTION ( a dry skin or
hand lotion ).
Lubriderm is the preferred hand or skin ointment, lotion
to purchase.
BUY LUBRIDERM IF AVAILABLE.
The type of skin lotion you purchase is not as important
as the act of actually getting ointment and using it.
Buy a brand name lotion preferably without a lot of fragrances
or odd ingredients, purchase a quality name brand, such
as: Vaseline intensive care dry skin lotion, Jergens,
Nivia, Lubriderm.
Lanolin in some lotions causes allergic reactions in some
people.
Bee’s wax in some lotions can clog pores and is
not recommended.
Use moisturizing lotion for 3 to 5 times a day for another
4 or 5 days.
Keep very lightly moist, DO
NOT ALLOW TATTOO TO DRY OUT.
It is true that Petroleum jelly or any petroleum based
products tend to drain the color from a Tattoo.
Please do not be stingy with the purchase of Tattoo aftercare
products. You probably will spend a lot of money for a
nice Tattoo, so the amount spent on care products is negligible.
Your New Tattoo is a wound that MUST BE PROPERLY CARED
FOR !
Some people can be allergic to the ingredients in hand
lotions and antibiotic ointments.
A reaction can appear as small pimples or a redness around
the Tattoo area.
If this occurs, discontinue use of this type ointment,
Wash with alcohol, let dry for the day and switch to Vaseline
lotion or a different brand skin lotion ( look at label,
do not use same ingredients as in reactive brand).
Some people may have an adverse reaction to the particular
pigment used in the Tattoo ink this may result in swelling
or itching. This can usually be relieved by using a topical
corticosteroid cream and keeping the Tattoo out of direct
sunlight (which may make the reaction worse).
Also it is noted that that some people have a allergic
reaction that occurs in certain colors when exposed to
sunlight. This is rare and if it does occur do not itch
the area as this will only increase the reaction. A cold
compress pack and the application of a topical corticosteroid cream
should reduce the swelling.
If you have a medical condition, are aware of allergic
reactions or are on any medications, please notify your
Tattooist.
If you experience any problems with the aftercare instructions
or products recommended here, discontinue use immediately.
