Aftercare & FAQ's

Aftercare

Tattoo healing time can vary from person to person, but typically will be surface healed after 2-3 weeks and fully healed after 6 months.  During your healing time, appropriate aftercare can reduce the risk of infection and can make your tattoo look better long-term.  It is important to remember to wash your hands before touching your tattoo site.  Typical body reactions to tattooing may include redness, swelling, and minor discomfort at the site.  If after 48 hours more severe complications occur such as increased redness, swelling at the site, pus-like drainage, onset of fever, and/or prolonged pain at the site, contact your personal physician.

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ARTIST OR PHYSICIAN WITH ANY SIGNS OF INFECTION

Recovery Derm Shield (Clear Bandage)

1. The derm shield can be left on your tattoo for 3-5 days.  During this time, you can shower as normal, just ensure not to let any hot water over the area because it can ruin the adhesive and is very painful on the tattooed site.  

2. After 3-5 days, the bandage can be removed in the shower by grabbing an edge of the derm shield and stretching it away from the tattoo, which will release it from the skin, similar to a 3M or Command strip.  You can run cool water between the bandage and your skin to help it release if needed.  

3. Once this bandage is removed, wash the area with a mild antibacterial soap and let air dry 2-3 times daily for 2-3 days following bandage removal and then reduce to once daily.  Use a thin layer of unscented lotion or ointment to combat itching, dryness, and irritation as needed.  DO NOT pick at any scabbing that may occur.

Recovery Derm Shield Tips

• The best way to remove Recovery Derm Shield is to find an edge of the bandage and stretch the bandage while running water between the bandage and your skin.  As the bandage stretches, it will release from the skin.  This can be done in the shower.  Pulling the bandage over itself or upward can be painful and can damage the skin, so it is not recommended.

• Please note that many tattoo artists use similar products to Recovery Derm that may have differing instructions.  Follow the listed aftercare as advised and reach out to your artist with any questions or concerns.
  
  

Aftercare Tips

• Do not use an abrasive material such as a washcloth, loofah, or sponge to clean your tattoo.

• Keep healing tattoos out of direct sunlight and use sunscreen once tattoo is fully healed to prevent damage and fading.

• DO NOT rebandage the tattoo, as the skin could stick to the bandage and cause damage.

• Avoid sunburn and submerging the tattoo in water (salt, chlorine, bath, hot tub, pool, lake) until your tattoo is completely healed.

• In the event mild scabbing occurs, DO NOT pick at or attempt to “wash off.”  Allow the scabs to slough off naturally.  Use a thin layer of unscented lotion or ointment to combat itching, dryness, and irritation as needed.

• When applying lotion or aftercare balm a little goes a long way, don’t over saturate it!

• Please contact your artist or personal physician with any additional questions.

Recommended Aftercare Products

• Available at Platinum Koi

  • Saniderm Foam Soap

  • Saniderm Sanibalm

  • Saniderm Lotion

• Available at most major retailers

  • Aquaphor

  • Bacitracin Ointment

  • A&D Cream

  • Lubriderm (fragrance free)

  • Aveeno (fragrance free)

  • Dial Soap (Antibacterial)

ALL CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE:  Improper aftercare will result in voiding any and all complimentary or discounted touch-ups.  This is including but not limited to poor aftercare; activities that may harm the tattoo such as excessive sun exposure, soaking in liquid before healing is complete, not washing and moisturizing appropriately, etc.  This will be at the artist’s discretion.

FAQ's

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