Tattoo Aftercare

Aftercare of your tattoo will greatly determine the way your tattoo will look once it has fully healed.

  • Wear your bandage for approximately 2-3 hours then remove it and wash the tattoo gently with DIAL Antibacterial soap.

  • Gently pat dry with a paper towel. DO NOT WIPE BACK AND FORTH. Apply a very thin layer of vitamin A & D ointment to your tattoo after washing.

  • Pat (do not wipe) o extra ointment if you apply too much. You should have no build up of ointment on your tattoo.

  • Re-apply ointment as needed 2-3 times a day for 3-5 days. Moving to a fragrance free lotion for the remaining healing time of approximately 7-10 days. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH SCABS ON YOUR TATTOO!

  • Picking at your tattoo will cause your tattoo to bleed, pull ink out and leave scars. Avoid bodywash, lotions and shampoos that have fragrances for the first week of healing.

  • Do NOT swim or go into a hot tub for at least 2 weeks.

  • Avoid direct exposure to the sun.

  • After the tattoo has fully healed, you will want to wear sunscreen over it when spending long periods in direct sunlight to keep it looking bright and new.

  • Do NOT put any sunscreen on a tattoo that has not fully healed.

  • Wear loose clothing over your tattoo while it heals to avoid any rubbing that may pull on scabs.

  • If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us directly.

pIERCING Aftercare

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CLEANING SOLUTIONS

Use the following solutions during the healing process:
• Non-Iodized sea salt mixture: Dissolve 1/4 tsp. of non-iodized (iodine-free) sea salt into one cup (3 oz.) of warm distilled or bottled water. Stronger is not better! An overly strong mixture can dry out and irritate your piercing.
• Mild liquid antibacterial soap at the least, preferably anti-microbial or germicidal if possible (Dial Gold works, but that is bare minimum).

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR BODY PIERCINGS

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing for any reason.
• Saline soak for 3-5 minutes, 2-3 times daily. Invert the cup containing saline mixture over the piercing if possible or use a piece of gauze/clean paper towel/Q-Tip saturated with solution. Rinse well once finished.
• Soap 1-2 times daily, plus any additional times the piercing comes into contact with any object or is touched. Lather up a small drop of liquid soap to clean the jewelry and the base of the piercing and leave lather for 15-30 seconds. For Oral Piercings, you will also need to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap/salt residue from the area of the piercing. DO NOT spin jewelry or pull any scabs/crust if still attached to skin.
• Dry by gently patting piercing site with a clean, disposable paper product. Q-Tips work great. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria, and can snag on the jewelry.

WHAT IS NORMAL?

Initially: some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, bruising, general irritation. During healing: some discoloration, itching, secretion of a clear or whitish-yellow fluid (similar to what you would see from a blister) that can form a crust on the jewelry. Tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals. Once healed: the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; DO NOT force it. If you don’t include cleaning your piercing as part of your daily routine, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate. A piercing may seem healed before it truly is. This is because the body heals from the outside in, so while the surface may look and feel completely healed, the tissue inside is still new and delicate. Be patient, and continue caring for your piercing during the entire healing period. Even fully healed piercings can shrink or close entirely in just a few minutes, whether they just finished healing or they’ve been there for years. If you want to keep the piercing, do not leave it empty!

WHAT TO AVOID

Avoid cleaning with Betadine, Hibiclens, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or other harsh cleansers. Remember, stronger is not better! Avoid using ointments, they can clog the pores of the skin around the piercing and cause complications during healing. Avoid Bactine pierced ear care solutions and any other products that contain Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK). These can be irritating and aren’t meant for long-term wound care, plus they’re unnecessarily harsh on new tissue. Avoid over-cleaning: The more you clean a piercing, the more it’s being moved around. If it’s being moved, it’s being irritated. Do not change the jewelry before your piercing is ready! Avoid applying any kind of cosmetic, lotion, or any other beauty/personal care product on or near your piercing. Avoid hanging charms or any other object from the piercing until it is fully healed. Avoid submerging the piercing is pools, hot tubs, lakes, ponds, etc. until healed. If you do go into one of these types of locations, be sure to cover the piercing with a waterproof, wound-sealant bandage (i.e. 3M Nexcare Clean Seals). You can find these at your local pharmacy.

IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL CARE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, CONTACT US DIRECTLY