tattoo healing
If you can take time off work to chill out for a day or two after your appointment (especially for larger tattoos) that would be ideal.
Please advise me of any adhesive allergies you may have before we apply the bandage (if you get irritation from keeping a bandaid on your skin, let me know).
HYPAFIX BANDAGE (Vacuum seal sticker)
Day 1
-Keep it on for 8-24 hrs, depending on how much your skin is weeping. If you think/feel it is best to remove before this timeframe, then feel free to do so.
*Remove immediately if you notice redness around the edges of the bandage; you may have a sensitivity to the adhesive.
Day 2
You may do this in the shower or near a sink.
-To remove, carefully peel from the top edge of the bandage downward; SLOWLY. Do not wax it off; this will cause further trauma to the skin.
*You may use coconut oil or olive oil underneath the bandage if you find it is extremely difficult to remove.
-Once bandage is removed, gently wash in cool to lukewarm water with unscented soap.
-Pat dry with paper towel.
-If your tattoo begins to feel dry and tight, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion.
-Wear very loose fitted clothing; the more air your tattoo can get, the better.
Day 3
-Begin the morning and night washing routine as described on Day 2.
-You may begin to feel a dry tightness and scabbing on your tattoo, this is your body’s natural way of healing. Apply a very thin layer of lotion into your tattoo; always with clean hands.
*You may apply lotion as often as needed; always with clean hands. Do not excessively lotion as this may cause an outbreak of pimples on the tattoo. Wait for your skin to feel dry before applying.
Day 4
-Continue with the washing and lotion routine from here on out.
GAUZE BANDAGE (Foam/Cushion sheet)
Day 1
You may do this in the shower or near a sink.
-To remove, carefully peel from the top edge of the bandage downward; SLOWLY. Do not wax it off; this will cause further trauma to the skin.
-Once bandage is removed, gently wash in cool to lukewarm water with unscented soap.
-Pat dry with paper towel.
-If your tattoo begins to feel dry and tight, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion.
-Wear very loose fitted clothing; the more air your tattoo can get, the better.
Day 2
-Begin the morning and night washing routine as described on Day 2.
-You may begin to feel a dry tightness and scabbing on your tattoo, this is your body’s natural way of healing. Apply a very thin layer of lotion into your tattoo; always with clean hands.
*You may apply lotion as often as needed; always with clean hands. Do not excessively lotion as this may cause an outbreak of pimples on the tattoo. Wait for your skin to feel dry before applying.
Day 3
-Continue with the washing and lotion routine from here on out.
HEALING PROCESS
-Drink lots of water, get good sleep and take a bit of vitamin c.
-You may begin to feel extreme itchiness. Totally normal. Do not scratch, slap or rub the tattooed area. Doing so can cause an infection.
-Scabbing, flaking and peeling are completely normal. Do not pick or excessively touch the tattoo. Doing so can cause an infection.
NO-NOs
-Do not excessively touch your tattoo beyond the cleaning routine. This can cause an infection.
-Do not let others touch your new tattoo; friends, family, lovers, partners, strangers, animals, aliens. This can cause an infection.
-Do not partake in the following: swimming, gyms, saunas, tanning, long baths, etc. This can cause an infection.
-Do not use polysporin or spf on a fresh tattoo.
YES
-ONCE FULLY HEALED, please practice sun safety. Wear long sleeve shirts if going out into the sun for long periods of time and/or wear SPF 60+.
-Reapply SPF as instructed by the lotion brand of your choosing.
INFECTIONS
Please keep in mind that once you leave my studio space, I cannot guarantee an infection free environment. Infections do happen and typically are not a big deal.
-You will experience some redness/inflammation and will be sore to the touch for many days. Do not panic.
-Wash the area with unscented soap and pat dry. Do not apply lotion.
-Send me a DM on Instagram @leetropolis or an email @missleeink@gmail.com with a clear photo of the area. I will be here to monitor the area with you.
-Remain calm.
I have experienced infections and they typically will go away on their own with routine cleaning.
If you feel the need to go to the doctors, please feel free to do so and keep me updated.