Aftercare
Thanks so much for coming in for a tattoo with me!
If you enjoyed your appointment, I would SO appreciate an email review on Google HERE with a few words about what you liked most - reviews go a LONG way for our shop!!
And, feel free to send pictures once it's healed - seeing the progress teaches me alot and helps me improve!
AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Your completed tattoo will either be wrapped in Saran Wrap or a Transparent Medical Bandage (Second Skin) depending upon skin sensitivity.
⁃ For Saran Wrap: Leave it on 4-6 hrs so the plasma can release naturally, rinse with lukewarm water and clean fingers and mild unscented anti-bacterial soap.
⁃ For Transparent Medical Bandage: Ideally leave it on for 1 day (2-3 max if you have higher exposure circumstances such as workplace, travel etc)
- remove GENTLY in the shower, do NOT rip off fast. Pull downward from the BOTTOM of your bandage VERY SLOWLY for the most gentle removal (like a command strip!), use a mild unscented anti-bacterial soap.
FIRST CLEANING
⁃ For the first time cleaning it after bandage removal, make sure you have a few hours to let the tattoo breathe without contact with clothing, surfaces, sheets etc.
Give yourself a few hours before bed if it's the evening, and make sure your bedsheets are clean!
- Essentially for the first 1-3 days your tattoo is most prone to potential infection!
⁃ We recommend allowing the tattoo to dry for several hours before you begin moisturizing. You wouldn't slap some Lubriderm on an open wound, right?
- You will notice it should start to feel a little "tight" - if you've let your tattoo breathe without contact on anything, you can put on a little moisturizer before bed.
- It's also fine to not moisturize within a day or two if your tattoo isn't feeling dry yet, as long as you are washing it
CONTINUED CARE
⁃ Wash 2-3 times a day with unscented, antibacterial soap and apply a small amount of unscented moisturizer for at least 30 days, once in the morning and once in the evening minimum. Adding a Mid-day wash is great for larger tattoos!
- PAT DRY with a CLEAN PAPER TOWEL or AIR DRY your tattoo! Do not use a towel, even if you think it's clean!
MOISTURIZERS
⁃ Moisturize using unscented lotion or tattoo balms like Lubiderm, Hustle Butter, etc.
⁃ Do not over-saturate, apply sparingly several times a day after washing. Let your tattoo breathe!
(Avoid oil base options, aka Vaseline, Polysporin or any perfumed or artificially scented lotions or body washes).
INFECTIONS AND ALLERGIES
IMPORTANT: The following instructions are to ensure you do not develop an infection, or quickly recognize irritations/allergens that lead to infection!
Follow the above aftercare instructions for at least 30 days - most infections are caused by poor aftercare.
TREAT YOUR TATTOO LIKE A HEALING WOUND, BECAUSE IT IS!
⁃ WITH OR WITHOUT BANDAGES: Absolutely NO baths, pools, hot tubs, swimming, exposure to sunlight, tanning beds, spray tans, perfumes, constrictive clothing on the tattoo, or any workouts or other activities leading to excessive sweating with the bandage on.
⁃ YOUR NEW TATTOO DOESN'T WANT TO BE SWEATY - this can cause irritation and possible infection. Wash your tattoo gently and apply moisturizer as needed after workouts/sweaty activities after the bandage is off
⁃ Don't let your animals (including their fur/oils/licking) near your healing tattoo (change your bedsheets, clean clothes, vacuum furniture).
All of these things can cause irritations or infections.
ALLERGIES
-*Important Note: Sometimes irritation can occur from the Transparent Medical Bandage adhesive.
- If you notice redness around the edges and/or excessive itchiness, it's okay! Don't panic, just remove the bandage once you notice this, wash as instructed, and keep it clean. It should go away within 24-48 hrs.
- It is rare but certain ink brands or colours may cause allergies or sensitivities, more commonly red inks. All of our inks are purchased from Canadian/American certified suppliers to avoid any chances of irritation or poor product.
Pls contact us regarding any issues so that we are informed and can give you guidance.
SIGNS OF INFECTION
Post-application swelling, pain, and redness in the tattooed area are completely normal.
However, if an infection occurs, other symptoms can present, including:
-Pus coming from the area
-Shallow ulcers or a scaly rash on the skin
-Raised bumps on the skin that can present with or without pus
-Excessive redness or warmth around the tattoo site
-Pain or swelling that worsens in the area
-Painful, hot skin that drains a gray liquid, which can be a sign of tissue death in the area
The aforementioned signs will occur at or around the site of the tattoo, but other signs of infection can arise, including:
-Fever
-Chills
-Sweats
-Shaking
Regardless if you have one or several of these symptoms, or if you have any concerns at all, let us know so we can best direct you.
See a doctor as soon as possible if irritation does not subside within 24-48 hours or if we recommend it immediately.
Tempest Tattoo Atelier and SecondSight Ink adhere to all Health And Safety practices as established by the Canadian Government, the province of British Columbia and Interior Health.
Thank you for choosing me as your tattoo artist!
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns during the healing stage.
All the best,
Kara | Secondsight Ink