Tattoo Aftercare - Petaluma Tattoo

Tattoo Aftercare

Congratulations on your new tattoo!Please read below to understand what to expect and how to care of it.

Your tattoo may weep a little ink and blood for up to 48 hours, this is normal. No recreational swimming - such as swimming or soaking in bathtubs, pools, jacuzzis, the ocean, etc. until tattoo is fully healed, at least two weeks. Showers are okay. No gardening. No contact with animals. Do not expose a new tattoo to direct sunlight for one month. Do not apply sunblock to a tattoo until fully healed. Do not pick or scratch your tattoo. It may flake or scab, this is normal. Be conscious of your healing tattoo at all times. do not touch with dirty hands,Do not over sweat. Use common sense and treat the tattoo like you would any skin abrasion keeping it clean. Be aware and contact the shop if you notice signs or symptoms or minor or major infection, including, but not limited to, redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards your heart, elevated body temperature, purulent drainage from the procedure site. These signs and symptoms may indicate the need to seek medical care. It is also worth noting that following each completed tattoo, your artist will go over the same information listed here in somewhat greater detail. Please refer to the images below to understand the type of bandage you have.

dry-lock bandage

• Remove bandage carefully after 4 hours (if the tattoo is finished after 5pm it is ok to sleep with the bandage on).
• Wash the tattoo thoroughly with warm water and unscented soap. Gently work any excess material off the surface of your skin using the palm of your hand, do not use any wash-cloths, sponges or brushes. (shower is recommended).
• Pat your tattoo with a clean towel. For the next 7-10 days, carefully apply a thin layer of unscented plain white lotion or Aquaphor if it feels tight, dry, or itchy. No aloe vera, vitamin E or Vaseline on a healing tattoo. Otherwise, let it air out and heal naturally. You might notice a few layers of flaky skin peeling, this is completely normal.

second skin bandage

• Second skin bandages are a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. Leave the bandage on for 24-48 hours. Do not lift, change, or remove it.

• The bandage will protect your tattoo from infection, abrasion, irritation and contamination while it is going through the most important part of its healing. It will also protect your clothes, sheets and loved ones from coming in contact with the excess ink, blood and fluid that are the normal by-products of healing a tattoo. Do not be alarmed, it’s normal for the tattoo to have layers of blood and fluid visible under the bandage.
• You can perform all your usual activities while the tattoo is covered with this type of bandage. Be sure not to bump or rub your new tattoo excessively, or do anything that will scrape or peel the covering off.
• Showering will not affect a second skin bandage; it is reasonably waterproof. You can shower normaly while healing. However, do not bathe or swim until your tattoo is fully healed.
• After 1-2 days, remove the bandage by carefully peeling it off of your skin. Do not quickly tear it off, as this can cause skin irritation. The easiest way to soften the adhesive is to stand in a hot shower for several minutes and remove the covering in the shower.
• Wash the tattoo thoroughly with warm water and unscented soap. Gently work any excess material off the surface of your skin using the palm of your hand, do not use any wash-cloths, sponges or brushes.
• Pat your tattoo with a clean towel. For the next 7-10 days, carefully apply a thin layer of unscented plain white lotion or Aquaphor if it feels tight, dry, or itchy. No aloe vera, vitamin E or Vaseline on a healing tattoo. Otherwise, let it air out and heal naturally. You might notice a few layers of flaky skin peeling, this is completely normal.