TATTOO AFTERCARE

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your tattoo heals well and looks its best long-term. Please read these instructions carefully and reach out if you have any questions during the healing process.

Recommended Healing Supplies

I suggest having the following items ready before your appointment:

• Gauze pad bandages
• Self-adhesive wrap
• Medical tape
• Antibacterial soap (fragrance-free preferred)
• Bactine or similar antibacterial spray
• Paper towels
• Lotion (Aquaphor or plain coconut oil)

These items can typically be found in the First Aid section of most pharmacies.

Healing Options

I typically use Derm Shield (second skin bandage) because it protects the tattoo extremely well. Below are instructions for both healing methods.

WITH Derm Shield Bandage

First 4 Days

Keep the bandage on for 4 days.

You may notice fluid pooling under the bandage. This is completely normal and is a mixture of plasma, ink, and blood. Some leakage can occur, so avoid sleeping on light bedding or wearing delicate clothing during this time.

The bandage is water-resistant, so showering is fine. Please avoid:

• Baths
• Pools
• Hot tubs
• Ocean swimming

Light workouts are okay, but avoid excessive sweating (such as hot yoga), as this may loosen the bandage.

Keeping the bandage securely in place is your main focus. If edges begin to lift, you may:

• Reinforce with medical tape
• Lightly wrap with self-adhesive wrap

If using self-adhesive wrap, remove it before showering and reapply afterward.

Removing Derm Shield

Remove the bandage after Day 4.

Remove only after taking a long, warm shower to soften the adhesive. Slowly peel the bandage away from the skin. Take your time — removal can take several minutes.

Do not remove the bandage while dry or rip it off quickly, as this may damage the tattoo.

Once removed:

  1. Wash gently with antibacterial soap

  2. Rinse thoroughly with clean water

  3. Pat dry using a clean paper towel

Lotion After Derm Shield

Wait 24 hours after removing the bandage, then begin moisturizing.

• Apply a very thin layer twice daily for 2 weeks
• Then reduce to once daily until fully settled

Remove Derm Shield Early If:

• The bandage lifts and exposes the tattoo
• Skin becomes irritated, overly red, or uncomfortable

If removal is needed early, follow the removal instructions above and continue healing using the open-healing instructions below.

WITHOUT Derm Shield Bandage

(Open Healing)

If you are healing without Derm Shield, keeping the tattoo clean and protected is your main priority until it stops seeping plasma. A fresh tattoo is an open wound and must be protected from infection.

Cleaning & Bandaging

Twice daily:

  1. Wash tattoo gently using antibacterial soap

  2. Pat dry with clean paper towel

  3. Lightly spritz with antibacterial spray

  4. Cover with a sterile gauze pad

  5. Secure with wrap or medical tape

Continue this routine until the tattoo stops seeping fluid.

Lotion (Open Healing)

Once the tattoo stops seeping plasma, wait 24 hours before moisturizing.

• Apply a thin layer twice daily for 4 weeks
• Then reduce to once daily until settled

Do not pick or scratch scabs. This can cause scarring or pigment loss.

Additional Healing Information

• Ibuprofen may help reduce swelling and discomfort
• Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo
• A daily multivitamin may support healing
• Once healed, sunscreen is strongly recommended to preserve tattoo quality

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 6 months of your appointment. Touch-ups requested after 6 months will be priced fairly on a case-by-case basis.

Most tattoos are fully settled around 3 months.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Mild redness, peeling, and itching are normal during healing. Please contact a medical professional if you experience:

• Excessive swelling
• Severe redness spreading away from tattoo
• Fever or chills
• Yellow or green discharge
• Persistent intense pain

Questions?

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have concerns during healing.

The healing process is just as important as the tattoo procedure itself — thank you for taking great care of your tattoo.