AFTERCARE
* As soon as you get home, remove the bandage. (do not remove the bandage before you are able to wash it, as it may allow bacteria to enter the skin, or blood and plasma to dry and become scabby)
* Wash the entire tattoo with a mild, unscented soap and warm water. It is important to wash off all of the build-up that has accumulated on the surface. (failure to remove this build-up can result in a scab)
* Apply a very thin coat of an approved ointment. (unscented lotion and Aquaphor are some of the best ointments you can use on a fresh tattoo)
*Re-apply a very thin layer of ointment every 4 to 6 hours, or as needed, to keep your new tattoo soft for the first 3 days
* On the 4th day, switch to a mild unscented lotion such as Lubriderm, or Eucerin (continue to apply lotion as needed throughout the rest of the week while the tattoo finishes scaling)
Do's
Some swelling and/or bruising is normal!
If you do have swelling or bruising, you can take 2 Ibuprofen or Tylenol 3 to 4 times a day, and use a hot compress 2 to 3 times a day. You should see a difference within a day. Some people will not swell or bruise at all
Tattoo
Aftercare
* Don't use loofas or other abrasive product when washing
* Don't re-cover your tattoo
* Don't tan in the sun or a tanning bed
* Don't go swimming or soak in the tub
* Don't scratch or pick at small scabs or flaky skin
* Don't use Neosporin, alcohol, peroxide, or other drying products
* Don't shave over your tattoo
* Don't expose your tattoo to animal dander, oils, or fluids (be sure to change your sheets as well)
Don'ts
* Always wash your hands before touching the piercing
* Clean your piercing with warm water
* Use sterile saline as needed choose a product that lists the only ingredient as 9 mg/ml sodium chloride
* Gently pat dry use clean disposable paper products rather than cloth to help avoid the spread of bacteria and snagging of the jewelry
* Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing, wash and change your bedding regularly
* LEAVE IT ALONE except when cleaning it is not necessary to rotate your jewelry during healing
Do's
Initially: Some bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or bruising is normal
During healing: Some discoloration, itching, secretion of whitish-yellow fluid (not pus), and crust on jewelry will be present and the tissue may tighten around the jewelry
Piercings heal from the outside in
A piercing my seem healed before the healing process is complete. Although it feels fine, the interior remains fragile. Be patient and keep cleaning!
Piercing
Aftercare
* Don't use any harsh cleaning products such as: alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, iodine, soaps with dyes and fragrances
* Don't use products meant for healing cuts, scrapes, and burns such as: Neosporin, Bactine, and any products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK)
* Don't use beauty/personal care products on or around the piercing. Products to avoid: cosmetics, lotions, sprays, dry shampoo, hair spray, facial oils...
* Don't over clean this can delay your healing time and cause irritation
* Avoid undue trauma from friction, sleeing directly on the piercing, vigorous cleaning, rough play, unecessarily touching the jewelry...
* Don't submerge in unhygienic bodies of water such as: lakes, pools, hot tubs, the ocean... or protect your piercing by using a waterproof sealant wound bandage
* Avoid oral contact and contact with other bodily fluids during healing
Don'ts
For more information about specific piercings please visit Association of Professional Piercers
* Apply cold air or ice pack to soothe the treated area
* Apply an antibiotic ointment to avoid inflammation
* Use a fragrance-free moisturizer cream on the area
* Use sunscreen or avoid sun exposure post-treatment for approximately 6 to 12 weeks
Do's
Tattoo Removal
Aftercare
* Don't use make-up on area for the first few days after treatment
Don'ts
What to expect
Initially: minor redness, mild swelling, small areas of pin-point bleeding, and small blisters may occur
During healing: itchiness, dry and flaky skin at the treated area is common for several weeks
Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) is common but not permanent in most cases
There is no down-time! You may return to work and daily activities on the same day of treatment