TATTOO AFTERCARE
- Remove bandage in about two (2) hours or as soon as it is convenient.
- Wash gently but thoroughly with water, mild soap and your hand (DO NOT SCRUB!). Continue to rinse until all surface blood, ointment and soap is removed.
- Dry by blotting very gently with a paper towel or clean towel. Air-dry for as long as feasible before putting a bra back on.
- Apply ointment or lotion in a thin, light coating – rubbing completely into tattoo. If there is any excess, remove it gently with a paper towel. Tattoo should feel moistened but not heavily coated or slimy.
- If tattoo feels dry or tight, reapply a light coating of ointment or moisturizer.
- While your tattoo is covered it is healing at a much slower rate – so whenever possible, expose to air or cover with loose-fitting, soft clothing instead. NEVER bandage with gauze or any absorbent material (tattoo will heal to bandage if this is done!).
- Continue washing and ointment treatments until tattoo starts to “peel”. This looks very much like a sunburn peel and should happen in 3-7 days. It may have a waxy or shiny appearance when it first peels – this is normal. Once tattoo begins to peel you can switch to a hand lotion or stop using ointment. Do NOT help the flakes or peels come off.
- DO NOT expose tattoo to sun (yes, this includes tanning beds), salt water, chlorine, dust, dirt, or any other substance which could dry out or infect tattoo until after the tattoo peels.
- Ointments I recommend are Aquaphor® or Bacitracin®. If the ointment burns or hurts stop using immediately.
- Days 1-4: Apply Neosporin® three (3) times a day, rub in and wipe off excess (in it, not on it).
- Days 5-7: Apply a thick lotion (i.e., Cocoa Butter, Cetaphil®, Eucerin®) – use as much as you want.
- Flaking is normal (DON’T PICK!).
- Showering: IN and OUT!
- If you wear a bra use Telfa® pads, when you are home open to air.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the tattooing, please feel free to
call Melanie Morreale at Rite of Passage Tattoo, (585) 742-2280.
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