AFTERCARE

RECOVERY DERM - HEALING TIME 2-6 WEEKS

You will need:

A mild dye free unscented antibacterial soap
A mild dye free unscented lotion with a thin consistency
A replacement Recovery Derm bandage (provided)

With clean hands remove the first application of Recovery Derm after 24 hours. A buildup of fluid at this stage is normal. Remove your bandage under warm (but not uncomfortable) running water. Start by peeling the bottom corner up then pulling down not away from your body(stretch the bandage like a command strip). Do this GENTLY so as not to damage the still healing tattoo.

If there is no build-up of fluid it is fine to leave the first bandage longer than 24 hours. NO BANDAGE SHOULD EVER BE LEFT MORE THAN 7 DAYS. If at any point the seal on the bandage is broken the bandage should be removed or changed immediately if you have no bandage to replace it with, follow ‘Traditional Aftercare’ instructions.

Once the bandage is removed wash the tattoo thoroughly with warm water and your dye free fragrance free anti-bacterial soap. Make sure you lather well and RINSE AWAY ALL SOAP RESIDUE. Once your tattoo is clean pat it dry with a CLEAN TOWEL (fresh from the dryer) or paper towel (that has not been sitting in an unsanitary environment). Allow the tattoo another 2-5 minutes to air dry before applying a fresh piece of Recovery Derm.

To apply Recovery Derm: Peel the white backing and place the clear portion sticky side down on your tattoo. Do this with as few bubbles as possible. Once in place remove the shiny/top layer of the film and ensure all edges are sealed. You can leave the bandage on for up to 7 days, but 4 is recommended.

To remove the second bandage application follow the instructions above as you did before. Then wash with your anti-bacterial soap, pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel and apply a thin layer of unscented dye free lotion. Wash and lotion your tattoo 1-2 times daily for at least a week.

NOTES:

Never pick at a fresh tattoo
Do not push around the bubbles in your bandage.
Do not use A&D, Aquaphor, Vaseline or any other petroleum based lubricant on your fresh tattoo. This can hinder the healing process, and lead to infection. Additives in petroleum based products can leech or pull pigment from your tattoo causing it to fade before its even healed.
Keep tattoo out of direct sunlight
Minimize physical activity while healing
If you see any redness or rashes CONTACT YOUR ARTIST OR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY this could potentially be allergic reaction or infection.

TRADITIONAL HEALING - HEALING TIME 2-6 WEEKS

You will need:

A mild dye free unscented antibacterial soap
A mild dye free unscented lotion with a thin consistency

Remove any wrap or bandage placed by the artist as soon as you get home and wash your tattoo under warm water with dye-free unscented antibacterial soap and then pat dry with a CLEAN towel. Once COMPLETELY dry apply a thin layer of unscented dye free lotion. Wash your tattoo 2-3 times daily. With clean hands reapply lotion after every time you wash it. Continue aftercare until your tattoo is done peeling at MINIMUM. If your tattoo feels tight or dry throughout the day you can apply lotion with clean hands up to 4 times a day including the lotion applied after washing.

Allow your tattoo to get as much open air as possible. If your clothing covers it make sure the article is loose and breathable. DO NOT use A&D or a petroleum based lubricant on your fresh tattoo (aka. Vaseline or petroleum jelly) this can hinder the healing process and lead to infection. Additionally additives in petroleum based products can leech or pull pigment from the skin causing your tattoo to fade before its even healed. Once the tattoo begins peeling you can switch to a more moisturizing lotion if you choose.

NOTES:

Never pick at a fresh tattoo
Do not use A&D, Aquaphor, Vaseline or any other petroleum based lubricant on your fresh tattoo. This can hinder the healing process, and lead to infection. Additives in petroleum based products can leech or pull pigment from your tattoo causing it to fade before its even healed.
Keep tattoo out of direct sunlight
Minimize physical activity while healing
If you see any redness or rashes CONTACT YOUR ARTIST OR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY this could potentially be allergic reaction or infection.