AFTERCARE

AFTERCARE

TATTOO DIRECTIONS

Your artist has applied a thin bandage, also called derm, to your tattoo.

This will protect your tattoo from any outside interference during its most crucial healing time.

Leave the applied film in place for the next 3 days.

During this time your bandage may have ink/plasma buildup underneath it. Your tattoo is okay, it’s not “moving”, or losing ink. If you remove the bandage early or it falls off, do not reapply a new bandage, just begin the washing process (explained in the next step.)

Remove bandage carefully from your tattoo, using soap and water.

Wash the area with a mild antibacterial soap and pat dry with clean paper towel. Allow area to dry from water completely, then, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or coconut oil (Kortney’s favorite.)

Repeat the washing process twice a day for the next week.

WE URGE YOU TO AVOID:

  • Swimming. Including in the ocean, fresh water lakes and streams, chlorinated pools, a tub or jacuzzi.
  • Direct sunlight.
  • Gardening activities that may expose your tattoo to dirt, fertilizers, etc.
  • Animal contact
  • Itching your tattoo

Your tattoo may flake or lightly scab. Do not pick at your new tattoo. Continue to keep moisturized until this stops.

Some redness around the procedure site immediately after tattooing is normal. This inflammation is a part of the natural healing process. If you notice excessive itching or redness under your derm, you may be having an allergic reaction to the medical adhesive. Just remove the derm and begin the washing process as explained above in Step 3.

PIERCING DIRECTIONS

WE URGE YOU TO AVOID:

  • Harsh chemicals (alcohol, peroxide, etc.)

  • Over cleaning

  • Oral contact
  • Animal contact

  • Playing with, Spinning, or Twirling your piercing.

  • Changing the jewelry too early.

  • Swimming. Including in the ocean, fresh water lakes and streams, chlorinated pools, bathtub or jacuzzi.

Some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, and/or bruising is normal. This inflammation is a part of the natural healing process. Secretions of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) may form a crust on the jewelry.

Approximate Healing Times

Nostril 3-12 mos.

Septum 6-8 mos.

Earlobe 4-6 wks.

Helix  6-9 mos.

Conch 6-12 mos.

Navel 6-12 mos.

Nipples 6-12 mos.

Lips 2-4 mos.

Your artist has given you directions on how to care for your new piercing.

Healing time is different for everybody. Check the table for approximate healing times. Aftercare is crucial to the success of your new piercing. Using saline spray and dial antibacterial soap is highly recommended.

Use Dial antibacterial soap to clean your new piercing.

ALWAYS wash your hands before touching your new piercing. Make a lather and gently clean your piercing. Move your piercing back and forth, don’t spin it. Leave the soap in contact with the piercing for approximately one minute. Then rinse the soap off very thoroughly under running water. Allow to air dry.

Upkeep with saline spray.

Use paper towel to catch any saline spray over flow and then gently, but thoroughly, spray your new piercing. Move your piercing back and forth while spraying and gently clean any crust or fluid off with a clean q-tip. Allow to air dry.

If the piercing is on your lip/mouth, use alcohol free mouthwash for at least 30 seconds once a day.

Repeat the washing process for 2 weeks.

Do not play with your piercing unnecessarily. Make no oral contact with your new piercing for at least 3 months.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF INFECTION THAT INDICATE THE NEED TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE INCLUDE:

  • Reddish purple skin tone
  • Swelling
  • Extreme tenderness at the procedure site
  • Fever
  • Green/Yellow “Pus” at the procedure site
  • Red streaks going from procedure site towards the heart