TATTOO AFTERCARE

It’s important to follow my aftercare instructions to ensure your tattoo heals properly. The two products that you will need for your healing process is Antibacterial Soap (Unscented) and Lubriderm Fragrance Free.

I have 2 methods to heal a tattoo so depending on the type of wrap you left with after the appointment follow the instruction provided below.

If you left with an adhesive clear film:

I really like using the second skin healing patches (Dermshield, Saniderm, Second Skin, etc.)

This is a clear, breathable, water resistant, hypoallergenic film that covers your fresh tattoo and protects it from anything that may interfere with the healing process. We will disinfect the skin before placing the film. The tattoo itself is completely covered by the film which ensures the area is free of bacteria.

Keep the film on for 4-5 days.
Try to not get the film wet for the first 24 hours. After that, you can shower normally with the film on. Note that the film is water resistant but not water proof so try to limit how much water gets on it and do not submerge the tattoo.
Your tattoo will naturally exert a little bit of blood and plasma mixed with left over ink. This mix will look like a murky residue inside the wrap. Even though it is a little unsightly, it is totally normal and no reason to be alarmed. It will wash away once you remove the wrap days later.
If the tattoo lets out A LOT of plasma, you might notice little pockets filled with liquid. That can losen the adhesive and therefore reduce the effectiveness of the healing wrap.
If the wrap loses adhesive to the skin, the area is no longer sanitized and bacteria can seep its way onto your tattoo. If thats the case, you can contact me directly and I can change the wrap for you after the first day free of charge. Or you can remove the wrap and follow the instructions on healing with serán wrap below starting at the second bullet point.
After the 5th day take the wrap off in the shower, slowly lather antibacterial soap onto the edges and slowly pull the wrap off your skin.
Give your skin some fresh air. Use a clean paper towel to dry your tattoo. DO NOT use your bath towel. After 10 minutes make sure your skin is completely dry and you can use a small amount of Lubriderm. Less is more with the lotion.
Your tattoo should heal in 1-2 weeks.
Try to avoid scratching your tattoo or pulling off the flaky skin, it will fall off on its own.
Note: On rare occasions I noticed the adhesive can be harsh on extra sensitive skin types and can cause a reaction around the wrap. This looks like a red irritation around the edges of the wrap. This is different than the redness around the tattoo itself which is normal for the first couple days. If that’s the case it’s best to take of the wrap and follow the instruction on how to heal with serán wrap below starting at the second bullet point.

If you left with Serán Wrap:

Keep the Serán Wrap on over night. This will allow your tattoo to finish “bleeding” while not letting the left over plasma to dry overnight.
Take the wrap off first thing when you wake up, wash your hands with antibacterial soap. Then work the soap into a lather and wash any leftover residue off your tattoo.
Use a clean paper towel to pat dry the tattoo or air dry, DO NOT use your bath towel.
Avoid using regular handsoaps, fragrance shampoos and body washes as the chemicals can have a harsh reaction to your new tattoo.
Sometimes after the first wash, the tattoo will begin to bleed plasma again after 10 minute so feel free to wash again if that’s the case.
Apply a small amount of Lubriderm on the tattoo to hydrate the skin. Less is more with the lotion. Remember we want to hydrate the skin, not drown it.
Avoid petroleum based ointments such as Vaseline and A&D as they can clog the pores and slow your healing.
Wash 2-3 times a day for the first 5 days. It’s a must in the beginning of the day and at the end of your day. If you’re having a sweaty day or if anything touches your tattoo feel free to wash once more through out the day.
Do not scratch or touch your tattoo a lot in the first couple days as you can tear the skin and cross contaminate your tattoo.
Avoid long exposure to the sun for the first month of having the tattoo as your new skin is still very thin and will be easily damaged which can result in the loss of pigment or worse, a skin infection.
Please, do not pick or peel off the flaky skin, allow for it to come off naturally to avoid removing pigment from your tattoo.
In 2-3 weeks your tattoo should be healed.

Things to avoid after your fresh tattoo for the first 3 weeks:

Swimming in pools or in the sea
Sun exposure
Going to the gym
Shaving the tattoo
Harsh chemicals

If you have any questions or concerns about your aftercare do not hesitate in contacting me.