1) Your tattoo may have been bandaged with Dri-Loc pads and pre-wrap upon completion. Leave this bandage on overnight. These pads will soak up any fluid that oozes out.

If your tattoo is very small or just linework, we probably applied the clear Tegaderm bandage before you left. In this case, skip to step 5.

2) In the morning, carefully remove bandage and gently wash your tattoo with soap and warm water.

3) Pat tattoo dry with a clean towel, or paper towel. Allow it to air dry for an additional couple of minutes.

4) Apply a new Tegaderm bandage to your clean and dry tattoo. Be sure that the bandage has an excess of at least a 1/2″ border beyond the edges of the tattoo to create a good seal in order to protect the tattoo from any potential bacteria. This also creates a better seal and prevents any fluid from leaking out. (Rounding the Tegaderm corners also helps make a better seal and prevents it from peeling off)

5) Leave the Tegaderm bandage on for the next 4 days. There is no need to take it off to shower or wash it. The bandage is waterproof, but still allows the tattoo and skin beneath it to breath. By leaving the tattoo alone under the Tegaderm for a few days, it creates a clean and protected environment for your body to heal the tattoo on its own.

6) After 4 days, remove the Tegaderm bandage and gently wash the tattoo with soap and warm water. At this point, your tattoo should be well on it’s way to being healed. It may feel dry and itchy. With washed, clean hands only, you may apply a very, very small amount of plain white lotion if it feels tight or uncomfortably dry. Please do not apply lotion more than 3 times per day. Only use lotion that is water-based and fragrance-free, such as Lubriderm, Eucerin, Curel, Jergins, etc.

Do not use Aquaphor, A&D Ointment, or any other ointment. These are lubricants and will not moisturize your skin and tattoo. Your new tattoo is not a car engine…

7) Don’t pick, scratch, or touch on/around your tattoo. A tattoo is an open wound, and your hands are almost always dirty.

8) DO NOT soak your tattoo (No swimming, hot tubs, saunas, or baths. Showers Only!).

9) DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight.

10) Your tattoo should be fully healed in about 2 weeks. Some people and different areas of the body heal faster or slower than others. Everyone’s immune system and healing times are different. While your tattoo is healing, your eating, sleeping, and lifestyle choices will affect how well it heals. If you are making choices that boost your body’s immune system, your tattoo will have the best chance to heal as smooth and quickly as possible. Once your tattoo is healed, please keep in mind that your skin will still be fragile for many months after.

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Your new tattoo is essentially an open wound. Any bacteria that gets in there can potentially cause infection and affect proper healing.

Pet hair is one of the major causes of infection for new tattoos. Keep your tattoo clean, don’t touch it, and use common sense!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns about your new tattoo!