What’s the Procedure?

Written By Jason Brown
 
 

DAY 1-3 ( Dermal Tattoo Bandage):

The film may be left on your skin for 3 days. There’s a possibility that fluid may build up under the film; that is normal. If your film shows signs of leaking in or out, you may remove it. You can take a shower with the film on, but please be cautious for water seeping in. If there are no complications with the film, you may remove it on the 3rd day and wash your tattoo well with hot water and mild soap; lather in a circular motion with your hand so that you do not irritate the tattooed skin. Please pat dry your tattoo - do not wipe. Allow a few hours for your skin to breathe then apply a thin coat of A&D ointment, unscented lotion, or ask your artist for recommended moisturizer

DAY 1 ( Normal aftercare routine): 

  •  Remove the plastic wrap 1-3 hours after it has been applied. If you cannot remove the wrap and tape within that time, make sure to remove it before the end of day and WASH THOROUGHLY.

  • When washing your tattoo, use an antibacterial soap such as Dial (Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap may be used as an alternative). Lather up with your hands and wash your tattoo thoroughly. Please do not use abrasive materials like a washcloth or loofah during the healing process. When drying your tattoo, pat - do not wipe, and wait until your skin is fully dry or till skin feels taut. Allow some time for your tattoo to be free of moisture and ointment; skin is porous and needs to breathe, so suffocating it can prolong healing, or cause breakouts  

  • After allowing time for your tattoo to sit and dry, apply a thin layer of ointment to the tattooed skin. We recommend using A&D, but you may use a non scented lotion or ointment such as aquaphor, Eucerin, Cetaphil, or jergens. Or ask your artist for their preferred product. Only a small amount is needed to cover your tattoo with a low sheen. The skin needs to be moistened, to prevent excess scabbing, caused by dry skin, but still be able to breathe. Applying too much can cause the skin to breakout and possibly cause infection. 

 

DAYS 2-3:

REPEAT the cycle of washing, drying, and applying a thin layer of ointment to the tattoo about 1-3 times per day for the first 2-3 days.  

During these first few days, it is normal for your tattoo to feel sore and tender.  You may also see redness, swelling, and some mild bleeding.

Continue with the routine of washing and applying a thin layer of ointment to the tattoo 1-3 times per day, or as needed. Do not worry if your tattoo feels tender or itchy, these are normal processes of healing. Other common side effects from a fresh tattoo are:

Swelling around ink 

Intense redness

sometimes slight bleeding 

Peeling that resembles a sunburn

Flaking

DAYS 3- Until fully healed:

Once you see that your tattoo’s peeling has reduced you may switch over from the ointment to a water based UNSCENTED lotion such as Eucerin, Lubriderm, Crel, Jergens, or Cetiphil. Please refrain from using fragrance lotions until your tattoo has completely healed and has stopped showing any signs of peeling. During that time apply a thin layer of moisturizer twice daily or when your tattoo feels dry.



 
Jason Brown