TATTOO AFTERCARE

Proper aftercare helps your tattoo heal well and look its best long-term. Please read these instructions carefully and reach out if you have any questions.

RECOMMENDED HEALING SUPPLIES

  • Mild, fragrance-free soap

  • Clean paper towels

  • A simple, fragrance-free moisturizer or the aftercare ointment I recommend

  • Sterile non-stick dressing pads and medical tape, if needed

WITH DERM SHIELD

Derm Shield is a protective film bandage that covers your tattoo during the initial healing process.

HOW LONG TO LEAVE IT ON

Ideally, leave the bandage on for approximately one day (24 hours), unless it needs to be removed earlier for one of the reasons below.

Fluid collecting underneath is normal and may contain plasma, ink, and a small amount of blood.

Remove the bandage early if:

  • Fluid leaks out

  • Water gets underneath

  • The bandage lifts enough to break the seal around the tattoo

  • You develop a rash, burning, or increasing irritation

Do not patch a leaking bandage or use tape or wrap to hold a compromised bandage in place.

Once removed, do not apply another Derm Shield bandage yourself. Continue with the cleaning and moisturizing routine below.

REMOVING DERM SHIELD

Wash your hands before removing the bandage. A warm shower can help loosen the adhesive.

Starting at an edge, slowly pull the bandage back over itself, keeping it low and parallel to your skin. Avoid pulling upwards or ripping it off quickly.

Once removed:

  1. Gently wash the tattoo with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water.

  2. Rinse thoroughly.

  3. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.

AFTER DERM SHIELD OR WITHOUT A FILM BANDAGE

CLEANING

Wash your hands before touching your tattoo.

Twice daily:

  1. Gently wash the tattoo with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water, using your fingertips.

  2. Rinse thoroughly.

  3. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.

Do not scrub or use a washcloth, sponge, or loofah. Wash again if the tattoo becomes dirty, but avoid excessive cleaning.

Antiseptic sprays are not part of this routine unless I have specifically recommended a product.

MOISTURIZING

Once the tattoo is clean and dry, apply a very thin layer of a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer or the aftercare ointment I recommend.

Apply approximately twice daily, adjusting to how your skin feels. Use only enough to prevent dryness and tightness; the tattoo should not remain greasy or heavily coated.

Continue while the tattoo heals, then moisturize as needed.

IF THE TATTOO IS STILL WEEPING

A small amount of clear or ink-tinted fluid can be normal early in healing.

If needed to protect the tattoo from clothing or bedding, cover it with a sterile non-stick dressing pad secured with medical tape on the surrounding skin. Avoid tight wrapping.

Change the dressing whenever it becomes wet, dirty, or saturated. If it sticks, moisten it with clean lukewarm water and gently release it—do not pull it off dry.

Once seepage stops, routine re-bandaging is generally unnecessary. Wear clean, loose clothing and keep the tattoo protected from dirt and friction.

DURING HEALING

  • Do not pick, scratch, or peel flaking skin or scabs.

  • Showering is fine, but avoid soaking the tattoo.

  • Avoid baths, pools, hot tubs, and swimming in the ocean or other bodies of water until fully healed.

  • Avoid activities that rub, stretch, or irritate the tattoo. Reduce exercise if sweating or movement loosens the bandage or irritates your skin.

  • Wear clean, loose clothing and use clean bedding.

  • Keep the healing tattoo out of direct sunlight.

  • Once healed, use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher when the tattoo is exposed to the sun.

Surface healing often takes a few weeks, while deeper healing continues for longer. Follow how your skin is healing rather than relying only on a fixed date.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE

Some mild redness, tenderness, swelling, clear fluid, itching, and peeling can occur during normal healing. These symptoms should gradually improve.

Seek medical care promptly if you notice:

  • Redness that spreads or becomes worse

  • Increasing warmth, swelling, or pain

  • Red streaks extending from the tattoo

  • Pus, foul-smelling drainage, or yellow or green discharge

  • Fever or chills

  • A persistent or worsening rash

Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.

You are welcome to let me know about any concerns, but do not wait for my response before seeking medical care if you suspect an infection or a significant reaction.

TOUCH-UPS

Please contact me if you feel your tattoo may need a touch-up.

Touch-ups related to healing or technical application are complimentary within six months of your appointment. Touch-ups requested after six months will be priced fairly on a case-by-case basis.

Please allow the tattoo to fully heal before assessing whether a touch-up is needed. It may take around three months to fully settle.

QUESTIONS?

Please reach out if you have any questions about healing your tattoo. I’m happy to help!