AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS

IF YOU ARE GETTING/ HAVE GOTTEN THE COVID-19 VACCINE:
Please wait at least
• 1 week after your final shot for tattoos smaller than 4in.
• 2 weeks after your final shot for tattoos bigger than 4in.

There is a distinct possibility of poor tattoo healing done directly after receiving a vaccine svhot, due to increase immune system reactivity.

For “Open Healing”:

Your tattoo artist will have applied an absorbent bandage to the tattooed area after completion of the tattoo.  You should keep this bandage on for a minimum of 2 hours, maximum 5 hours. When you remove the bandage, wash your tattoo thoroughly with warm water and an unscented antibacterial liquid soap. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel, and wait dry 10-15 minutes until the skin feels tight.  Apply a small amount of ointment or tattoo cream to the area – just enough to thinly cover the tattoo.  Use just enough to keep the area moisturized – a small amount every 3-4 hours should be sufficient. Repeat this process (wash, dry, and apply ointment) 2-3 times a day for the first 3 days after getting your tattoo.  Starting on day 4 you may reduce the washing to once a day/ as needed, but continue to apply ointment every 3-4 hours.

Applying too much ointment can prevent the tattoo from healing properly. Always wash your hands before applying ointment, and make sure the tattooed area does not come in contact with potential contaminants like clothing, pet hair, or unclean surfaces.

For “Recovery” (clear patch):

After completion of the tattoo,  the artist will apply one recovery patch entirely covering the tattooed area. For small tattoos (less than 3 inches), this patch should be kept on the skin for 1-6 days, according to your artist's instructions. 
Do not keep the covering on your skin for more than 6 days. You may wear it in the shower/ wear clothes over, but do not scrub or wear anything too tight on the area.

If the patch comes off, exposing any part of the tattooed area, remove the patch.  Wash the area thoroughly with an unscented liquid antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel –  do not rub or wipe.  Wait 10-15 minutes until the skin is completely dry.  If your artist has provided you with a second patch, apply it to the clean and dry tattooed area.  If your artist has not provided you with a second patch, or for any reason you choose not to apply a second patch, follow the instructions for “Open Healing” after washing and drying your tattoo.

Allergic reactions to some tattoo inks, as well as the “Recovery” patch are uncommon, but possible.  If you experience excessive redness, pain, or itching in the tattooed area, seek immediate medical attention. 

If you have the “Recovery” patch on your skin and experience redness or itching in the area under the patch, but not on the tattooed area, remove the patch, wash with an antibacterial liquid soap, dry thoroughly with a clean paper towel, and continue to care for your tattoo using the “Open Healing” method for at least 7-10 days from the day you received your tattoo.  If the condition persists for more than a day after removing the patch, you should see a doctor.

It is possible for any tattoo to become infected if not cared for properly.  Infections are caused by bacteria, and can result from contact with clothes, animal hair or saliva, dust, dirt, and any other contaminated surfaces.  If you think your tattoo has become infected, seek immediate medical attention.   In order to reduce the risk of infection, wash your tattoo with an antibacterial liquid soap 1-2 times a day, and pat dry with a clean paper towel.  Always wash your hands before applying ointment, and avoid contact with potential contaminants.