day 1
For healing tattoos I use Second Skin adhesive bandage, a clear bandage that seals the tattoo and helps prevent infection. It is completely normal for some plasma, blood, and ink to stay under the bandage. If it fills up too much to where it’s in the way you can always come back the next day and I will put a new bandage on if necessary, but a little is fine. If the bandage come off or is leaking, remove and start washing the tattoo.
day 5-7
The bandage stays on for 5-7 days. when its time to remove the bandage peel it off slowly and wash thoroughly with an unscented antibacterial soap such as Dial Gold and warm water. doing this at the end of a warm shower will help the bandage release. After washing thoroughly let dry for about an hour then moisturize with unscented lotion ( like lubriderm or gold bond healing lotion). Continue to wash the tattoo twice a day (morning and night) gentley patting dry with a clean cloth or paper towel and letting dry. apply a small amount of lotion about 3 times a day in between washing.
the next 2 weeks
Starting the day after the bandage is removed, wash the tattoo twice a day (morning and night) and pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Let dry for one hour then apply the unscented lotion. Lightly use lotion 3-5 times a day. Don’t pick or scratch the tattoo. the tattoo should be completely healed in about 30 days.
no swimming!
pool, lake, rivers, ocean, etc…
For at least 2 weeks
no soaking
baths, hot tubs, saunas, etc…
no sun
tanning, sun bathing, any long exposure to the sun