Taking care of your new tattoo

So, you have a new tattoo!  Now it is your turn to take care of it.

Follow the guidelines to ensure that your tattoo heals beautifully and problem-free.

We take care to wrap your tattoo in a sterile dressing.  This is for good reason as it protects your tattoo from airborne dirt and bacteria and to protect from contact with unclean surfaces.

Washing and treating:

You may keep the dressing on for a minimum for 3 hours and a maximum of 24 hours.

Remove the dressing under running, lukewarm water and rinse the tattoo to remove any ink residue or blood to completely clean the area.  You may use mild, neutral antibacterial soap (bought from pharmacies) to help with this step.  Use your clean hand to wash the tattoo and do not use anything abrasive.

Pat (do not rub) the tattoo dry with a clean towel or clean paper towels.  Once dry, apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment.  Do not cover with any kind of bandage or plastic.

Ointment should be applied in small amounts often throughout the day, at least 3 or 4 times a day. The ointment should be applied until the tattoo has stopped peeling, which normally takes between 10 to 15 days.

In a few days you will notice a layer of skin forming over your tattoo and possibly some light scabbing.  This is a normal part of the tattoo healing process.  Make sure you do not scratch the tattoo or pick at any scabs.  This may infect the tattoo or cause loss of ink.

During this period wear light and loose clothing over the tattoo.  Do not drink alcohol for the 24 hours following the tattoo.

A little redness, heat and swelling is normal in the first few days after getting tattooed and the area will be sensitive.  However, if after 72 hours the above has not subsided please contact your local doctor.  Contact your doctor also in case of pus or yellow/green discharge oozing from the tattoo.

While your tattoo is healing you should wash it regularly in the shower.  However, you must not soak the tattoo, so avoid baths, swimming pools and the sea.  Saunas and steam rooms are also to be avoided.  You should also keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight to avoid discomfort and fading of the tattoo.  It is always a good idea to protect your healed tattoo from UV rays by using a high factor sunblock to keep it from aging prematurely.