INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE AFTERCARE OF TATTOOS

Treat your new tattoo as an open wound. Keep it clean. Do not touch healing tattoos with dirty hands.

• Before cleaning the tattooed area, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• Keep bandage on for 1 – 2 hours.  Your tattoo is a fresh wound and you want to keep it clean.
• Remove bandage and wash tattoo with water as hot as you can stand it. Use antibacterial soap ( ie; Dial , Soft Soap).  Rinse the tattoo with cold water then pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
• Let the tattoo stay open to the air for 15 minutes then pat off any fluid that drains during that time with a clean paper towel  (this fluid is what causes scabs so by removing it there should be less chance of any scabbing )
• Apply a very thin layer of “Aquaphor Ointment” (or the ointment your tattooer recommends). Let the ointment soak in for 15- 20 minutes then pat the remainder off completely. (Oxygen is good for your tattoo so by removing the excess ointment you decrease your chance of problems during the healing process)
• Repeat the ointment step 3 – 4 times daily for 3 – 4 days
• After the ointment step is done switch to a “NON SCENTED” Dry skin lotion (ie; Aveeno , Lubridurm , Eucerin). Use the lotion as often as you deem fit or anytime the new tattoo feels dry or tight.
• If you get any scabs DO NOT Pick or Scratch as this will harm the new tattoo and cause loss of pigment .
• Itching is to be expected with any new body art during the healing process.  If you get itchy and can not bare it give the tattoo a brisk slap.  This will help take the itching away or you can use a small amount of Witch Hazel. (Grandma’s old remedy)
• Avoid direct sunlight, salt or chlorinated pool water, hot tubs, saunas and steam baths for the first 2 weeks while the tattoo is fresh and still healing.
• After your tattoo is healed you want to use a good sunblock to help keep it looking bright and vibrant.

• If you have any issues, questions or concerns please contact us at Flesh By Design (978)345-4300.  We are here for you and the only dumb question is one you don’t ask.

Consult a health care provider for :

1. Unexpected redness , tenderness or swelling at the site of the tattoo
2. Rash
3. Unexpected drainage at or from the site of the tattoo
4. Fever within 24 hours of the tattoo

In most situations, please contact the studio first.  In our opinion, we tend to have a better idea of how your body might react to your new body art as we deal with all aspects of the healing process daily.