The healing process is very minimal and will not have significant impact on your daily routine. Swelling and redness are very minor after the appointment, and many of our clients return to work the same-day. For the first 3-5 days after your appointment, you should: keep the area clean; apply the balm that we provide; avoid direct and prolonged exposure to water; avoid excessive sweating.
For the first 14 days:
It is important to keep the procedure area as clean as possible to prevent the chance of infection and promote healthy healing.
Avoid getting the tattoo area excessively wet.
Do not pick, peel, rub, or scratch the tattoo. When drying the tattoo, dry gently.
Avoid harsh cleansers and petroleum-based moisturizers.
No saunas, long steamy showers, hot tubs, or swimming.
Use a clean sheets and wear clean shirts and bras.
Avoid excessively sweaty workouts for the first 7 days.
Avoid sleeping on your face as much as possible; especially the first two nights.
For the first 30 days:
Do not use exfoliants or chemical peels on the tattoo (retin-A, glycolic/alpha-hydroxy acids, exfoliating scrubs, etc.).
No injectables, fillers, or laser skin treatments.
Minimize exposure to direct sunlight.
Avoid dusty environments or any task where your tattoo could be exposed to excessive dust, dirt, or dander.
If you experience an allergic reaction or develop symptoms of an infection, you should contact your health care provider immediately.
If using Tegaderm:
Day 1 - 4 (Day 1 is the day of the procedure): Leave the Tegaderm film in place until Day 5. Do not peel, lift, or replace it; If Tegaderm begins to peel naturally before day 5, that's okay. Do not force removal; You may shower noramlly but avoid submerging; Fluid may build under the Tegaderm film. It is a normal part of the healing process and should be left alone. If you show signs of infection or allergic reaction, promptly notify your primary care provider.
Day 5 (or when Tegaderm is removed): Gently peel off the Tegaderm starting from a corner and pulling slowly downward. This is most easily done in a warm shower. Wash the area with warm water and a gentle cleanser; Pat dry and apply a thin layer of the aftercare balm to the tattoo; Do not cover the tattoo from this point on.
Days 6-10 (or when Tegaderm is removed): Each morning and night, clean and dry the tattoo and apply a thin layer of the aftercare balm; Only wear clean bras and shirts.
After Day 10: You may use a gentle non-petroleum based moisturizer as desired to relieve any dryness and itching.
If using non-adhesive aftercare pads:
Days 1 - 3 (Day 1 is the day of the appointment): Each morning and night, remove the pad and gently clean the tattoo area using warm water and a gentle cleanser (you should remove the pads before showering). Pat dry and allow to air-dry completely; Apply a small amount of the aftercare balm to the tattoo and cover with new and clean pads; If applicable, wear a loose fitting bra to hold the pad in place.
Days 4 - 10: Stop using the pads on Day 4. You no longer need the pads; Continue to clean the tattoo and apply balm as described in Days 1 - 3; Only wear clean bras and shirts.
After Day 10: You may use a gentle non-petroleum based moisturizer as desired to relieve any dryness and itching.
Long-term care:
It is okay and recommended to apply regular moisturizer on the tattoo.
Avoid the use of exfoliants or chemical peels on the tattoo area (retin-A, glycolic/alpha-hydroxy acids, exfoliating scrubs, etc.).
If you follow these instructions carefully you should expect to see beautiful results that you will love for the next several years!
Aftercare FAQs
Q: When do I need a touch up? A: You need an initial touch-up 6-12 weeks after your full procedure. Then you are good for about 2 years before needing to come to us for a periodic touch-up.
Q: I just had my appointment. Why is my tattoo getting darker?
A: Your skin is forming scabs over the pigmented area. It is completely normal for your tattoo to appear darker during days 1 - 4. Don't worry, they will heal to a beautiful, natural color.
Q: What about the spots that healed lighter?
A: Once the scabbing fades away and the healing process is complete, some areas might appear lighter than others. We will correct any light areas at the touch-up appointment!
Questions or concerns? Let's connect!
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