After Care
β¨ IF USING DERM SHIELD* : Leave derm shield on for 3 days
π§Ό Wash twice a day with unscented antibacterial soap
𧴠Lotion twice a day with unscented non-petroleum based lotion
If the derm shield comes off early thatβs ok! Just start the washing and lotioning process sooner.
There will be some fluid under the derm shield, thatβs totally normal and isnβt hurting your tattoo. If it starts to leak though that means the seal is broken and you should take it off and wash it.
*If NOT using Derm Shield: Keep Saran Wrap on until you get home. Wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap and pat dry with a freshly clean towel or paper towel. Lotion with unscented, NON-PETROLEUM based lotion. Start washing your tattoo gently for the next two weeks.
There are restrictions on physical activities while your tattoo is healing, so please refrain from swimming, bathing, using the sauna, gardening, going to the gym, handling animals or any activity that makes you sweat for the next two weeks. And obviously, please keep your tattoo out of the sun while it is healing. We donβt want to traumatize your skin further.
You should seek medical care if any of the following occur: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pain at the tattoo site; pus or excessive drainage; red streaking from the tattooed area; fever or chills; persistent bleeding; or symptoms that worsen or do not improve after several days.
Signs and symptoms of infection, including, but not limited to, redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart, elevated body temperature, or purulent drainage from the procedure site.
A little swelling, redness, sensitivity and warmth are normal after you initially get your tattoo, but if it starts to get worse instead of better after a few days please seek medical care and inform me.
Please contact me if you have any questions or want to book a touch up appointment. π
FAQ
What if the derm shield bandage comes off?
Thatβs ok! Just make sure you start to wash and lotion your tattoo twice a day for the next two weeks. Make sure to keep it clean to avoid infection! It is an open wound after all.
Can I go to the gym?
I HIGHLY ADVISE that you do not. Gyms tend to be dirty and gross and you literally have an open wound on your body. This will also include no swimming, no sauna, no soaking in a bath or any sort of strenuous activity until your tattoo is completely healed, at least two weeks. You also want to avoid sweating. If you do sweat a lot for other reasons and you have the derm shield banding on still, immediately take it off and start the washing and lotioning process for your tattoo early.
If not going to the gym feels highly detrimental to your lifestyle, you can work out a part of the body that is not freshly tattooed (for example, if you got your leg tattooed, only work on the upper body.) Keep the exercise light to avoid sweating. Walking is a good alternative at least for the first week. If you do work out, make sure to wash and lotion your tattoo immediately after to keep it clean.
What if there is a lot of fluid under the derm shield bandage?
Thatβs ok if thereβs a bit. Itβs normal for your body to expel some fluid after getting a tattoo. If it keeps excessive or like a capri sun packet, take the derm shield bandage off and start the washing and lotion process twice a day for the next two weeks.
My tattoo feels itchy! Is that normal?
If your tattoo looks red and angry after 3 days of getting tattooed, that is NOT normal. You might be having an allergic reaction to the ink and/or need to visit urgent care.
If the skin looks normal and is starting to peel while feeling itchy, that is normal! DO NOT SCRATCH your tattoo or peel any of the skin starting to lift off. Let it come off naturally either in the shower or when you wash and lotion your tattoo. Lotion should be helping keep the skin moisturized, which helps with the itching sensation. You can apply a little more lotion if you feel it is necessary.