Instructions on Aftercare for Your New Tattoo
Your New Tattoo: By choosing Body Anthology, you can be assured that your tattoo has been performed appropriately, and that the very highest standards of technique and sterilization have been used. All of our suggestions are made based on our own experience, research, and also on that of other professionals in the tattoo industry. Since you have already trusted us to perform your tattoo, please follow through and follow our judgment regarding care of your new adornment. What follows is a general outline of information regarding a new tattoo. For more detailed information, please do not hesitate to call or email us.
Now, you have your fresh new tattoo, and you want to take good care of it! From this point on, your artist is not responsible for any infection or problems you may have with your tattoo if you don’t take proper care of it. It is very important that you follow these guidelines. A really beautiful tattoo can turn into a disaster if the proper aftercare is not taken.
Leave That Bandage Alone! Your artist took the care to cover up your new tattoo for a very good reason – to keep air-born bacteria from invading your wound. Yes, as pretty as your new tattoo is, it is still a wound. Open flesh is a breeding ground for bacteria and infection. Leave the bandage on for a minimum of 24-48 hours.
Wash and treat after you remove the bandage, Use lukewarm water and antibacterial (non-fragrance) soap to gently wash away any ointment and to completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your hand is your best tool in this case. Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a CLEAN towel or paper towel to get it completely dry. Follow with a very light application of ointment. Aquaphor would be the first choice in ointments, but if you don’t have any, fragrance free Curel or Lubriderm lotion is also acceptable. **Do not use Neosporin. This is a wonderful product for cuts and scrapes, but not for tattoos. Some can have an allergic reaction to the Neosporin, which causes little red bumps. When the bumps go away, so does the ink, and you end up with a polka-dotted tattoo.** Continue this procedure at least twice a day for two or three days. After that, continue to keep it clean, but use a thin coat of fragrance free Curel or Lubriderm lotion. Continue using the lotion for 7-10 days or until the your tattoo has flaked and is completely healed.
Scabbing and Peeling After a few days, you will notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Excessive scabbing indicates poorly-done aftercare, but a little is sometimes normal and no need to panic. You will also start to itch, just like a sunburn when it begins to heal. The advice here is, don’t pick, and don’t scratch! If the skin itches, slap it. If it is peeling, put lotion on it. And if it is scabbing, just leave it alone. Your tattoo is almost healed, and now is not the time to ruin it! Be sure not to swim, soak in tubs or hot tubs also (showering is fine.)
Protection from the sun After your tattoo is healed, from now on, you will always want to protect it from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. These can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast. Before spending a lot of time in excessive heat, protect your tattoo with a minimum 30SPF sunblock. This will keep your tattoo vibrant for many years, and it will continue to be a source of great pride.
We offer free touch-ups for the first 6 months on all tattoos EXCEPT tattoos on the hands, neck, feet, or inner lip. Your tattoo should be fully healed in 2-4 weeks. Consult a physician if any signs or symptoms develop such as the following: excessive redness at the site, green/yellow discharge (foul smelling) and/or fever.
Should you have any questions or problems call or email us!