Aftercare
Tattoo
Clear Film Bandage Aftercare
Make sure your hands are cleaned thoroughly before removing the bandage and cleaning your tattoo .
If worn as a bandage:
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Leave on for 8-24 hours. BANDAGE MUST REMAIN INTACT.
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To remove bandage: Peel it back SLOWLY, starting from an edge or a corner. Stretch the bandage with the skin (like a command strip), TAKE YOUR TIME. Do not rip off quickly.
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Once bandage is removed, clean and wash the tattoo and surrounding area with antibacterial soap and water. Using just your fingers to clean the area is sufficient. Rinse the tattoo and surrounding area with cool water. Keep your tattoo out of the direct spray of the shower head or faucet.
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Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Be CAREFUL not to rub the tattoo. Before applying any aftercare (tattoo balm or ointment), allow the tattoo to air dry for 3-5 minutes, then dab with a clean, wet paper towel to remove any weeping. Then pat dry completely.
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Apply a thin coat of tattoo balm (InkAura) or antibacterial ointment (Aquaphor, Bacitracin, A&D) to the tattoo. Dab off any excess ointment. You should NOT look overly shiny or goopy (thin layer like Chapstick). Clean and apply a new coat of tattoo balm or ointment 3-4 times a day.
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Switch to applying an unscented lotion (InkAura, Lubriderm, Jergens, Eucerin) to the tattoo. Clean the tattoo and close surrounding area with soap and water 3-4 times a day. Apply the lotion 6-8 times a day (approximately every 1-2 hours). The lotion should be applied at least 2 times after a cleaning before the next cleaning. Once you start, apply lotion for 10-14 days.
If used as part of the aftercare process:
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Leave on for 3-5 days as directed by your tattoo artist
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If redness occurs outside the tattoo, take the bandage off and discontinue use. Redness will clear up during tattoo healing process once bandage is removed.
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To remove bandage: Peel it back SLOWLY, starting from an edge or a corner. Stretch the bandage with the skin (like a command strip), TAKE YOUR TIME. Do not rip off quickly.
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Once bandage is removed, clean and wash the tattoo and surrounding area with antibacterial soap and water. Using just your fingers to clean the area is sufficient. Rinse the tattoo and surrounding area with cool water. Keep your tattoo out of the direct spray of the shower head or faucet.
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Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Be CAREFUL not to rub the tattoo. Before applying any aftercare (tattoo balm or ointment), allow the tattoo to air dry for 3-5 minutes, then dab with a clean, wet paper towel to remove any weeping. Then pat dry completely.
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Apply an unscented lotion (InkAura, Lubriderm, Jergens, Eucerin) to the tattoo. Clean the tattoo and close surrounding area with soap and water 3-4 times a day. Apply the lotion 6-8 times a day (approximately every 1-2 hours). The lotion should be applied at least 2 times after a cleaning before the next cleaning. Once you start, apply lotion for 10-14 days.
During the healing process, your tattoo will peal or flake, similar to a sunburn. DO NOT pick, itch or scratch at these flakes. When you clean, some of these flakes will come off the tattoo and the rest will be removed from the tattoo in additional cleanings. Wearing loose fitting clothing around the tattoo area can reduce the amount the tattoo is rubbed unnecessarily. Tattoos generally take 10-14 days to heal completely, but this may vary from person to person.
A touch up is a small amount of ink or imperfection due to the healing process. NOT ALL TATTOOS NEED TOUCH UPS. After your tattoo is healed, contact your artist with any questions regarding a touch up. If a touch up is needed there is no charge within the first 6 months of receiving a tattoo.
Our studio is sponsored by InkAura, and we recommend using their products for the aftercare process. InkAura products can be purchased from EpiQue Tattoo Supply: epiquesupply.com.
Piercing
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Make sure your hands are cleaned thoroughly before cleaning your piercing.
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DO NOT USE: Rubbing alcohol, Hydrogen Peroxide, Triple antibiotic ointment, or hand sanitizer to heal your piercing.
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Clean new piercing with either: (*Use one or the other. DO NOT USE BOTH*)
Sea Salt Solution
Mix together:
¼ teaspoon SEA Salt into 1 cup warm water
Mild, PH balanced cleanser. Glycerin or oatmeal based soaps such as Dial or Softsoap.
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Clean new piercing 2-3 times per day. Q-tips are very helpful to properly clean around piercings.
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Crusty and/or sticky material is to be cleaned off of the piercing and jewelry as part of your daily cleaning procedure.
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Make sure to rinse the piercing thoroughly with water after cleaning to ensure proper cleanliness.
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Redness, swelling, and tenderness are all completely normal and part of the healing process.
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Sea Salt Soak: Using the sea salt solution listed above, it may be necessary and helpful to soak your piercing for several minutes a day to help speed up the healing process.
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Applying ice to a new piercing can be very beneficial to manage swelling and provide comfort. In addition, you may opt to take an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen to manage pain and swelling.
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Healing time for most body piercings is 3-12 months, and varies from person to person.
Mouth/Oral Piercing Aftercare
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Clean new piercing 4-6 times per day (do not exceed 10 times), for the first 2 weeks.
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Rinse with an antiseptic mouth wash that is DILUTED (50/50 with water).
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During the first week or so, oral piercings may swell (some people more than others). Manage swelling by applying ice frequently to the new piercing and surrounding area. In addition, you may opt to take an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen to manage pain and swelling.
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Avoiding hot foods, as well as spicy and salty foods, may be advised during the healing process as to avoid unnecessary pain.
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Redness, swelling, and tenderness are all completely normal and part of the healing process.
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Healing time for most oral piercings is 2-3 months, and varies from person to person.