Proper aftercare is crucial to the health of you and your tattoo.
Poor care can result in fading or blurring and can significantly increase the risk of infection.
Below is a step-by-step guide and timeline for caring for a fresh tattoo.
For SANIDERM or SECOND SKIN coverings:
Leave the adhesive bandage on for between 24-72 hours after your appointment. After that time period, carefully remove the bandage in the shower and begin standard aftercare.
If you feel at any time that you are having an allergic reaction to the adhesive, remove the bandage and begin standard aftercare.
For PLASTIC WRAP coverings:
Leave the plastic wrap on for at least 30 minutes; up to three hours is acceptable. After that time period, remove the plastic and begin standard aftercare.
STANDARD AFTERCARE:
Wash your tattoo twice daily with unscented antibacterial soap. Let your tattoo air dry or pat dry with a clean towel. If you will be sweating or going anywhere with increased risk of infection (Gyms, doctors’ offices, etc.), be sure to wash your tattoo afterwards. Continue this routine for 3-5 days.
After each wash, apply a thin layer of ointment such as Aquaphor or Lubriderm. Avoid products like Neosporin or Vaseline, as they can clog your skin’s pores and negatively impact healing.
Once your tattoo begins to flake, you may stop washing and instead apply a thin layer of unscented lotion such as Cetaphil or CeraVe at least twice a day. Continue this for two weeks.
Your tattoo will be fully healed in one-two weeks depending on size. Significantly larger tattoos (Sleeves, back pieces, etc.) may take longer.
DO NOT:
Do not submerge your tattoo underwater for at least two weeks after your appointment. Baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, etc. are all exceptionally likely to infect a fresh tattoo. Showering is fine, but do not let the water hit your tattoo directly.
Do not allow your tattoo to be exposed to sun for prolonged periods of time. Excessive sunlight will damage your tattoo, and in most cases will result in severe fading and/or blurring of the ink. However, do not apply sunscreen until your tattoo is fully healed, either. Sunscreen on a fresh tattoo is not a workaround for sunlight; it will impact healing similarly to other heavy lotions.
Do not exercise immediately after your appointment. As fun as tattoos are, the body still interprets them as physical trauma and will devote resources to the healing process. Take at least one day off of any strenuous activity.
Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo. As your tattoo heals, it will likely become quite itchy. Scratching the fresh ink can cause it to become dislodged and smeared. Do your best to apply moisturizer and ignore the itchiness.
FAQ:
Is it normal for my tattoo to be warm, sore, or swollen?
Yes, this is a normal reaction to a fresh tattoo (Especially larger ones). Your tattoo will likely be any combination of warm, sore, swollen, or bruised for at least a couple of days following your appointment.
Is it normal for my tattoo to leak ink and/or fluid?
This is also a normal reaction and an expected part of the healing process. Excess ink sitting on the outermost layer of skin will mix with blood plasma and eventually be expelled from your body. This is most noticeable after washing your tattoo or taking a shower.
What is not normal is if the fluid coming from your tattoo is an opaque yellow or green color. That is likely pus, and is indicative of an infection.
Is it normal for my tattoo to be flaky?
Very normal. A fresh tattoo is considered a wound, so some flaking and scabbing is expected. Some tattoos (Especially fine line work or very small pieces) may not flake - everybody’s body is different.
How can I tell if my tattoo is infected?
Generally speaking, signs of infection will be very obvious. Increase in temperature, soreness, swelling, or redness occurring days after your appointment are tell-tale signs. The presence of pus as mentioned above is also an indication that it is time for a visit to a doctor.
Many people (Myself included) worry over things that are totally normal. If you are concerned and would like a second opinion, feel free to reach out and ask!