Tattoo Aftercare

TATTOO AFTERCARE TIPS

At Urban Ink Gallery we take pride in our work, and always do our best to ensure you leave our studio with a tattoo that you love.

HOWEVER, the manner in which you care for your art after having it done is a an important factor in how it will look for the rest of your life.

Please follow these instructions, and always feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

 

  • When your tattoo is finished, your artist will clean and cover it with a sterile dressing.
  • After two hours, you may remove your bandage (unless your artist states something different).
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap before removing the bandage.
  • Gently wash away any residual ink, blood or plasma with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water.  It is very important you DO NOT SCRUB!
  • Gently pat dry the tattoo with a clean paper towel.  GENTLY!
  • Apply a very small amount of Aquaphor Ointment or Aftercare ointment purchased from Urban Ink Gallery 2-3 times a day for the first 3 days, whenever the skin feels tight or dry.
  • Continue washing your tattoo gently and regularly, keeping the area clean and free from dirt.
  • After 3 days, begin using a fragrance-free lotion such as Lubriderm instead of Aquaphor.
  • Continue to moisturize and wash regularly as needed for 2 weeks or as long as it takes to heal completely.
  • Your tattoo may peel or flake like a sunburn. This is normal.

 

WHAT WE DO NOT RECOMMEND

  • Letting your tattoo dry out.
  • Apply too much Aquaphor so your skin can’t breathe.
  • Exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds while healing.
  • Scratch or picking your tattoo while it’s peeling!
  • Soaking or submerging your tattoo in water, such as in a bath, pool, ocean, etc. until your tattoo is fully healed.
  • Wearing tight clothing that may rub or irritate. Go for something loose and preferably a soft cotton or similar.
  • Lastly, we do not recommend taking advice from non-professionals!  If you have any questions, please contact us.

 

GENERAL HEALING ADVICE

Your new tattoo can take between one to three weeks to heal completely. Everyones body is different so please be patient. Some people may experience while healing:

  • soreness
  • light swelling
  • discomfort sort of like a sunburn
  • light scabbing
  • flaking or peeling
  • itching after a few days for several days.  (DON’T SCRATCH IT!)

 

The list above are all normal signs of a healing tattoo.

 

PLEASE NOTE: As stated before, everyones body heals differently and and may also react differently to different methods and products. Please be aware of how your body is healing and reacting to our suggestions and instructions. If need be, you may need to adjust your methods of healing to suit your body as needed.  If you are confused, or need to go over aftercare again for your personal tattoo, please give Urban Ink Gallery or your artist a call. We are always happy to help.

 

THE POSSIBILITY OF INFECTION

As with any bodily injury, there is always the possibility of an infection. The main cause of this is bacteria. Urban Ink Gallery maintains the highest standards of cleanliness and sterilization. Please remember the outside world is not so sterile. Once you leave Urban Ink Gallery, the burden of healing and protection will be on YOU!  Be cautious for the next two weeks and you will be good!

 

SIGNS OF AN INFECTION

Redness or swelling that lasts for more than two days and/or radiates well beyond the tattooed area can be a sign that it is not healing normally. The tattoo area and beyond will feel hot to the touch and pain in and around the area will start to increase instead of decrease. In more extreme cases, you may experience a fever or run-down feeling.

 

WHAT TO DO

We recommend you give us a call or for a better assessment, come in and show us your concerns. It may be as easy as adjusting your healing methods or products. If we are unable to assist you, please call your doctor for a second opinion. If you think you may have any of these symptoms, please call or come by right away so we can assist you in making sure your art is displayed in the best light!

 

 

QUICK REFERENCE

    • Clean Your Hands before Touching Your Tattoo
    • Remove the Bandage and Wash with Antibacterial Soap Only
    • Apply Ointment
    • Allow It to Breathe
    • Let It Heal
    • Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure

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