TATTOO AFTERCARE

The aftercare of your tattoo will greatly determine the way your tattoo will look once it has fully healed. Listed below are our recommended aftercare instructions:

* Avoid the sun, swimming, physical activities, gardening, and contact with pets for two weeks.

* The Derm Shield wrap should stay on for 5 days following your appointment.

* When removing the Derm Shield wrap, it is advised to tug from the corner pulling away from your piece and NOT over the tattooed area.

*If your tattoo was wrapped with a different type of bandage such as a soaker pad, remove after 2-3 hours.

* Thoroughly clean the tattoo with anti-bacterial, non-scented soap such as Dove or Dial. Gently pat dry with a paper towel. Do not rub back and forth.

* Apply a very light layer of Aquaphor or Vitamin A&D ointment enough for the skin to soak without leaving a reflective shine. Depending on how dry your tattoo may get during the day, it may be applied anywhere from 1-3 times a day.

* Tattoos go through a peeling process after 4-7 days. Do not pick or scratch the tattooed area. Once the tattoo has finished peeling, you may apply non-scented lotion such as Lubriderm.

* Depending on how well you take care of your tattoo, the general healing process of the visible part of the tattoo is between 2-4 weeks. The healing process depends on a person’s immune system, ability to fight infections, and aftercare treatment. Completely healing all the layers of broken skin can actually take up to 4 months, even though your tattoo will appear healed before that point. After it has fully healed, you will want to wear sunscreen over it when spending long periods in direct sunlight to keep it looking fresh.