Aftercare
If you were bandaged at the end of your visit or it has no dressing at all: You’ll wash your tattoo after 1-2 hours. Make sure your hands are CLEAN before touching your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and anti-bacterial soap to clean your tattoo. Use soft scrubbing motions with the pads of your fingers. Pat the tattoo with a towel to dry and let it air dry completely. If you use anything on your tattoo, I recommend Aquaphor, A&D ointment or Bag Balm. Don’t use a lot, just enough to make it shine. Repeat this every 1-2 hours for the first couple of days or whenever you see it weep. This liquid is a combination of blood, plasma, lymphatic fluid, and ink (AKA your body's natural healing juices). This liquid oozes from your skin when your body is repairing itself. Allowing that fluid to dry without washing it off can cause scabs, which will pull out ink, it is best to wash any fluids off of the tattoo as needed. After two days you can switch to unscented lotion for the next two weeks. DO NOT go swimming, sleep next to animals, go tanning or expose the tattoo to sunlight, hot tubbing, or get your tattoo dirty for TWO WEEKS. Proper aftercare will eliminate a lot of the need for a touchup or follow up session. It will peel in 3-4 days and that is normal, don’t pick at it. Tattoo negligence is not covered by my touchup policy.
If you had Saniderm applied to your tattoo: Leave the bandage on for 3-5 days. You can live your life like you normally would. There may be pooling of seepage beneath the bandage, that is completely normal. It may look dark or murky. This liquid is a combination of blood, plasma, lymphatic fluid, and ink (AKA your body's natural healing juices). This liquid oozes from your skin when your body is repairing itself. When removing the Saniderm, it’s best to do so in the shower. Find an edge of the bandage and pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. Running water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin. If at any time the Saniderm is no longer adhered to the tattoo, remove it. IMPORTANT: If you experience a rash or burning sensation, remove the bandage immediately and wash it with mild soap. If any adhesive is left on the skin, gently loosen it with coconut, olive, or baby oil.