TATTOOS BY
AUSTIN LEE
AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
If Tegaderm/RecoveryDerm was used:
You can leave this bandage on up to 5 days. It will fill with blood and plasma, this is normal. The tegaderm/saniderm is great for keeping a seal on a fresh tattoo keeping your open wound away from things like pet dander and bacteria. If the "seal" is compromised in any way, its leaking or starting to come off, Go ahead and remove wrap in a clean environment. Next wash surface of tattoo with fragrance free soap. Do not wash aggressively, use the soap suds to gently massage the tattoo making sure to target areas that are shiny. This is dry blood and ink sitting on the surface of the skin. After your wrap is off leave it alone. You should only be touching the tattoo to clean it or with clean hands to put on a small amount of lotion. Scroll down for more.
If standard plastic wrap was used:
Remove wrapping in a clean environment. Wash surface of tattoo with fragrance free soap. Do not wash aggressively, use the soap suds to gently massage the tattoo and rinse off immediately with cold water. This can also be done in the shower (probably the more convenient way). After rinse, pat tattoo dry with clean single use paper towel.
Throughout the initial healing process, which lasts 7-14 days...
You can apply a thin layer of an alcohol and fragrance free lotion (lubriderm, aveeno) or you can purchase salveation aftercare at the shop. After applying lotion, pat skin with paper towel leaving just a thin layer.
Over moisturizing will lead to more scabbing and improper healing. Less is more!
During the tattoo healing process the tattoo will peel and occasionally forms scabs, do not pick/tear at these scabs. they will flake off naturally during the daily washing process.
Things to avoid...
- exposing the fresh tattoo to natural sunlight.
- wearing tight fitting clothes over healing
tattoo, (allow it to "breathe").
- soaking in water (no swimming, no baths)
- scratching (it will itch but scratching will
damage the tattoo!)
- working out... forcefully expanding the area repeatedly will damage it. The ink needs time to set in the skin, so if you got a tattoo on your biceps, skip arms that week and get you an extra leg day!
- Never re wrap the tattoo (this can cause infection) the only exception being that you are using tegaderm/saniderm and you understand how to prepare the skin before wrapping (DO NOT do this without talking to your artist first)
Long term healing for a tattoo is actually between 2-6 months as the skin needs to fully repair. Avoid exposing area to sunlight long term. If you plan on being out in the sun (after at least 2 weeks) apply sunblock on the area. Sunlight helps the tattoo fade over time. So the more it's shielded from the sun the better it will hold up over time.
If you have any additional questions feel free to send me a message on Instagram or an email
... inkaustin3@gmail.com.
At the first sign of infection or allergic reaction consult your health care practitioner. Report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or adverse reaction resulting from the tattoo to the artist and to the Texas department of state health services at 1 800 839 6676
Support local Austin small business. Salveation Aftercare is owned and operated by tattooers. Ive been personally using these products for about 4 years. This is my recommendation for ointment as well as soap to wash your new tattoo. Can order though meticuloustattoo.com or pick up in person at the shop.