Aftercare

Aftercare of your new tattoo is one of the most important parts of getting tattooed. With proper aftercare your tattoo should look as good as the day you got it. If you’re ever unsure of what you were told during a session, or forgot to grab a sheet of aftercare, don’t worry! I have it all here for you.

Derm-Shield Healing

Recovery Derm Shield, a latex-free, transparent matte film adhesive bandage. Derm Shield offers breathability and flexibility, providing optimal coverage for flawless, gentle healing and skin renewal. It eliminates scabbing and reduces the risk of scarring, while preventing exposure to bacteria, dirt, and abrasion. Derm Shield is waterproof, but permeable to allow skin perspiration, and it is durable enough to keep up with your everyday activities with a peace of mind and body. Preserving tattoo vibrancy, our Derm Shield allows your skin to breathe and seamlessly heal while protecting your clothes and linens from leftover ink, and blood.

Healing Process

Derm-Shield Healing:

With Derm-Shield, you’re able to leave your original wrap on for UP TO 5 days, however not every bodies skin can keep it on for that long. If it’s causing discomfort, or irritation you can remove it as soon as 24 hours after the tattoo. If leaking occurs, please remove the wrap as soon as possible and wash it with unscented antibacterial soap. If you were given an extra piece, you can replace it as soon as you notice leaking, or after 24 hours.

APPLICATION: Gently clean and pat the area dry with a paper towel and surrounding area, ensuring there is no soap or any residue on the skin. You may allow atleast 10 minutes of air-dry time as well. Please do NOT use any cloths, towels or sponges. With clean hands, cut the Derm Shield to cover tattooed area plus a 1 to 2 inch margin from the edge of the tattoo. Peel off backing to expose adhesive side and position the Derm Shield over the tattoo with the adhesive side facing the skin. Gently apply using light pressure, starting from the center to the edges to eliminate air bubbles. Do not stretch the Derm Shield during application.

REMOVAL: Gently peel the Derm Shield by pulling it slowly from the edge back over itself while running under lukewarm water. Do not pull the bandage upwards. For larger, and more sensitive areas it can be easier to "steam" the piece in the shower for 5-15 minutes. Once removed gently wash the tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap, pat dry and use your unscented moisturizer.

You may experience some redness around the tattoo where Derm Shield was applied to the not tattooed areas. This is also completely normal and shouldn't be a cause for concern.. If you do develop an adverse reaction on the tattoo, STOP use immediately and contact me with any questions.

Healing Traditionally & Other Info

If you're healing traditionally please remove the bandage after 1-2 hours.

When sending clients home I tend to apply a pretty hefty layer of ointment onto the fresh tattoo. Please make sure when you get home to thoroughly wash it and making sure to remove any and all of that ointment, blood and ink. Make sure you do all of the following with clean hands.

1.) Remove the bandage and tape, and create a lather in your hands with your unscented antibacterial soap, and gently wash your new tattoo in circular motions, once again making sure you get off any ointment, blood, etc. Please NO sponges, wash cloths, etc. and DO NOT scrub!

Pat dry with a clean paper towel, again no cloths, linens, etc. Please allow at minimum 10-15 minutes of air dry time before next step.

Apply a very thin layer of your unscented ointment. I personally recommend the Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel, and Aquaphor. Make sure this is kept THIN! Too much ointment can smother your tattoo, and not allow it to breathe. Your tattoo still needs to breathe, dry out and eventually flake, or peel just like a sunburn can.

OTHER INFO & TATTOO NO NO'S

Please keep in mind, redness and minor bruising is common in some people after a tattoo, especially in sensitive areas. If any redness or irritation doesn't seem to subside after a few days please reach out.

Itchiness is also a very normal & expected with a healing tattoo, especially color pieces.

**Please to not itch, scratch, or peel any of your tattoo. The flakes will come off when they're ready and peeling a scab prematurely will result in the loss of ink, bleeding or scarring.

Please avoid swimming in pools, lakes, or hot tubs for the next 2-3 weeks while your new tattoo is healing. Avoid intense sun exposure ESPECIALLY if you are healing with derm-shield. Please make sure whenever you go outside for long periods of time with your tattoo exposed to apply sunscreen! The sun helps rapidly age our tattoos and sunscreen is one of the ways we can help keep them looking fresher for longer. Most sunscreens require re-application to be effective.

Avoid using petroleum based ointments such as Vaseline.

Avoid intense workouts, or anything that involves excessive sweating especially while you have on a Derm Shield wrap!

Excessive sweating can cause your wrap to prematurely slip off, or leave your tattoo partially uncovered. Its also not the best to have sweat building up around your fresh tattoo. If you're healing traditionally please include soap, and ointment in your gym bag while your tattoo is healing. After any workout please thoroughly wash your tattoo.

If you have any questions at ALL please do not hesitate to reach out and ask me. I try to be especially responsive after sessions to make sure everything is A-Okay!