Tattoo Aftercare
Your tattoo will go through two main stages until the healing process is complete.First, within the first three to four days the tattoo will scab and begin to peel like a sunburn. It will do this until the new skin cells generate and the old cells slough off. The differences between what you are used to seeing from a sunburn and a tattoo are, these skin cells will be whatever colors are part of the tattoo and they will slough in much smaller individual pieces.
Second, the newly generated skin cells are translucent, not transparent. The possibility exists that during this time the tattoo will have a milky, dull, or washed-out appearance. Don’t panic during this time and remember everyone heals a little differently. If you are concerned about any aspect of the healing process, please contact your artist.
Tattoo Healing Procedure
• Remove the bandage and wash your tattoo in hot water and scent-free mild soap. Using your fingertips gently but thoroughly cleanse the tattooed area. (No sponges or washcloths)
• Pat or air dry the area. Do not rub dry
• After the area is completely dry apply a small amount of scent-free lotion or ointment. Make sure the lotion or ointment is massaged all the way into the skin. Remove any excess with a clean cloth or soft paper towel. When applied correctly the tattoo should be moisturized, not greasy or shiny. Applying too much ointment is more detrimental than using nothing at all. (Can you give some ideas on what to possibly get and maybe notate that each person has their own preference and you aren’t selling a specific product)
• Repeat steps 1 thru 3, three to five times a day until the tattoo stops peeling.
DO NOT do the following
• Do not pick and scratch the tattooed area. It will more than likely itch. A gentle slap can be used to help ease the irritation. Picking/scratching pulls the ink out of the tattoo leading to broken lines or light tones.
• Do not soak the tattoo in the bathtub, swimming pool, hot tub, lake, river, etc. for at least two weeks. Your tattoo is an open wound until healed. Soaking it puts you at risk for infection. Chlorine and other chemicals can damage the tattoo. Washing your tattoo is of paramount importance. It just shouldn’t be submerged and soaked for any prolonged period of time.
• Do not expose the tattoo to direct sunlight until completely healed. Doing so can cause the area to swell and the tattooed skin to split open. This can also cause premature fading of colors and tones. UV light breaks down the pigments used in tattoo inks. Even when the tattoo is completely healed use sunscreen to increase the longevity of the tattoo.
• Please contact your artist or qualified healthcare professional at the first sign of abnormal inflammation, excessive discharge, excessive localized heat, or any other sign of infection.
Your quest for an unrivaled body art experience starts and ends here. Come see us in person, friend us on Facebook @forgedinflesh, join us on Instagram @forgedinflesh or give us a call/text @ 520-369-9080 and tell us what we can do for you.