Aftercare
A tattoo is a wound for the first couple of weeks and a piece of art forever. Here's how to get it from one to the other. Placeholder text: edit src/aftercare.md to make this yours.
The first night
- Leave the bandage on as long as I told you at the shop. If it's a clear second-skin bandage, that's usually 3 to 5 days.
- When you take it off, do it in the shower with warm water so the adhesive lets go easily.
- Wash gently with unscented soap, pat dry with a clean paper towel. No rubbing.
Days 2 to 14
- Wash it twice a day. Clean hands, mild unscented soap, pat dry.
- Once it starts to feel tight, use a thin layer of unscented lotion. Thin. It should not look shiny.
- It will peel and flake. Let it. Don't pick, don't scratch, don't let anyone else touch it.
- No soaking: no baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, or the river. Showers are fine.
- Keep it out of the sun. Once it's healed, sunscreen is what keeps it looking good for the next thirty years.
What's normal
Redness, tenderness and some swelling for a few days. A little ink and plasma on the bandage. Itching while it peels.
What's not
Spreading redness, heat, pus, or a fever. If you're worried, message me, and if it looks like an infection see a doctor. Don't wait on it.
Touch-ups
Once it's fully healed, if something needs a touch-up, send me a photo. Small fixes on my work are free within the first few months.
Questions any time: DM @christattooer.