tattoo AFTERCARE

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 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE NEXT 14 DAYS

1. Leave on clear protective cover at least 24 hours. 
2. When removing the clear protective cover, Wash hands with mild soap 
3.  Gently rinse your tattoo with warm water and carefully peel off the clear protective cover 
4. Gently clean area with fingertips with mild soap.
5. Rinse the area
6. Pat the area dry with a clean towel
7. Apply a thin layer of ointment two times a day
8. Repeat steps 1 - 4 in between applying aftercare ointment

AVOID THE FOLLOWING:

• Do not pick, tug, or scratch the area.
• Excessively touching to the area
• Applying makeup on or near the area 
• swimming, large areas of water, saunas
• excessive sweating (exercise, sports)
• Tanning (under the sun or in a salon )
• any tasks that causes airborne debris
• any skin treatment such facials, laser, chemical treatments, peels

WHAT TO EXPECT

First Week:

• Peeling and Scabbing: The tattoo will start to form a thin scab, which will eventually peel and flake off. DO NOT pick or scratch the scab.
• Itching: The tattooed area may become itchy as it heals. Avoid scratching and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer as directed by your tattoo artist.  1.  Tattoos: 7 unexpected skin reactions and what to do about them www.aad.org 2.  Everything You Need to Know About Tattoo Aftercare - Healthline www.healthline.com

Weeks 2-4:

• Continued Healing: The tattoo will continue to heal and the colors may appear slightly duller. 
• Moisturizing: Continue to moisturize the tattoo regularly to keep it hydrated.

Long-Term Care:

• Sun Protection: Always use sunscreen on your tattoo when exposed to the sun to prevent fading. 
• Moisturizing:  Keep your tattoo moisturized to maintain its vibrancy and prevent dryness.

 Healing Time: 

• Complete healing can take several weeks or even months, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. 

Any signs and symptoms of infection, you must seek medical attention!

redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart, elevated body temperature, or purulent draining from the procedure site.