Aftercare
It is crucial that you take proper care of your new tattoo. Your tattoo will not heal well if you do not follow these guidelines. Your artist is not responsible for any issues resulting from poor aftercare.
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RECOVORY DERM/ SECOND SKIN BANDAGE:
If your tattoo is bandaged with Recovery Derm (Second Skin), you should keep the bandage on for 3-4 days.
During this time, it is normal to see some fluid build up beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak, you must remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions listed below). After 3-4 days, remove the Recovery Derm gently under warm running water. To take the bandage off you must stretch from each side rather than peel it off like a Bandaid. When you stretch the bandage it allows the adhesive to come off the skin without disrupting the tattoo and taking any ink with it.
Wash the tattoo with a mild, fragrance-free soap or warm water. At this point, your tattoo should be well into the healing process - you may use an unscented, non-greasy lotion (like Hustle Butter, Lubriderm or Aveeno Unscented moisturizer) to keep the tattoo moisturized. DO NOT moisturize your tattoo with Vaseline – this does not let the skin and the new tattoo breathe.
Healing Process
III) FIRST FEW DAYS AFTER SECOND SKIN:
1. Your tattoo is vulnerable when you just peel off the second skin. It is a large open wound with very thin to zero protective layer on.
2. Wash your tattoo at least once a day (follow instructions above) but lotion ONLY ONCE A DAY. Again, a thin layer will be sufficient. Do not cake it with lotion.
3. Minimize your exercise.
4. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR TATTOO CLEAN - wash hands before handling it, wear clean clothes, use clean beddings, keep pets away from it.
ONE WEEK AFTER SECOND SKIN:
1. Your tattoo might appear flaky. DON’T PICK AT THEM. You might pick the ink out of your skin and the tattoo will heal poorly.
2. Some flakes might appear to be black. It looks weird but it is totally normal.
3. Your tattoo might feel itchy as the flakes keep forming. DON’T SCRATCH IT. Same thing, you might damage your tattoo by doing so. Gently pat or rub on it (with clean hands!)
4. Once again, keep your tattoo clean! Protective layer is forming, but that doesn’t mean your tattoo is safe for your cat to lick, yet.
