Aftercare Instructions

*

Aftercare Instructions *

Tw0-Week method

  • I will put derm on your tattoo the day of the appointment, and you will be given an extra piece for the following day.

  • You may get an "ink sack" which is a build up of fluid (plasma, blood, ink) under the derm. This is normal. 

  • After about 24 hours, remove the original derm. The easiest way to remove derm is by pulling it like a command strip. I like to do this at the end of a shower when no more soap will be used. With CLEAN HANDS and warm water rinse your tattoo (NO SOAP!), and let it fully air-dry.

  • Once dry, apply the new piece of derm. Take the white backing off first, then stick it on with the black crosses still attached. Once it's on, you can remove the clear backing with black crosses. 

  • Keep this on for TWO WEEKS! I know it sounds like a long time, but by doing this method you don't have to worry about washing or moisturizing it, and once you remove the derm it will be completely healed.

  • For the first day your tattoo may be red and a bit swollen. If you notice any irritation after the first day (redness in the shape of the derm, swelling, itching, discomfort) you may be allergic to the derm and you should remove it as soon as possible. Itching is normal during this process as your tattoo will still scab underneath the derm, however this won't occur until a week or so into the healing process. If it starts to itch immediately or after about a day, that is when you know you may be allergic. You may see some small bumps towards the end of your healing journey- these are normal and will go away once the derm is removed.

  • Air bubbles are normal and will not affect how the tattoo heals. Please be mindful if you have animals (especially cats), as they can easily rip a hole in your derm. If this happens, take a q-tip with a bit of alcohol, clean the hole, and put a patch on top. They sell Tegaderm patches at Walgreens, CVS, etc. If you are unsure if the hole is patchable, please contact me and I will assist you.

  • If you are not comfortable committing to the full two weeks (although I always recommend you try the 2 week method, most people are pleasantly surprised with how much they like it!), please take your derm off after 3-5 days. PLEASE (I'm begging you) do not decide you want to take it off after like eight days because you're tired of waiting. You will rip off scabbing, and subsequently pull out ink along with it. Either fully commit to keeping it on for 2 weeks, or take it off after 3-5 days.

“Normal” Method

  • If you choose to take it off after 3-5 days, wash your tattoo once or twice a day (I usually just do it at the end of a shower) with an unscented antibacterial soap. I like dial gold bar soap or Dr. Bronners baby soap. If your tattoo is weeping ink or plasma, you can wash it more than this.

  • After washing, apply a thin layer of gentle, unscented lotion (I prefer Lubriderm). I do not recommend using any thick ointments like Aquaphor. I generally only re-apply if the tattoo starts to feel dry. It is better to neglect your tattoos a little bit than to over-do it. 

  • Your tattoo will scab and flake as it heals. Please do not rip off any scabs or itch your tattoo. If your tattoo is itchy you can lightly slap it.

  • Do not soak/submerge your tattoo for at least two weeks following your appointment, this includes baths, lakes, pools, etc. Depending on your body, it may be even longer than this. You know your body best, and you will likely be able to tell when the tattoo is fully healed.

While your tattoo is healing, avoid direct contact with sunlight if possible.

Avoid wearing tight clothing during the healing process, especially if you are not keeping the derm on for two weeks. 

Lastly, if you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to reach out! I'm always happy to help my clients in any way I can.