Traditional Bandage Aftercare

Supplies list (items can be found at Fred Meyer, Safeway, Walgreens, CVS, etc.):

  • Antibacterial hand soap

  • Liquid fragrance free soap (unscented baby Dr Bronners, dial or softsoap brand hand soap)

  • Ointment/lotion (aquaphor, lubriderm, a&d, h2ocean, etc.)

  • Clean paper towels

General precautions:

  • Be careful with bandage while wearing it; to keep the tattoo clean, leave bandage sealed/do not lift up to show tattoo before removal.

  • Make sure to change bedsheets and provide a clean environment and freshly washed clothing for tattoo healing to prevent infection.

  • Minimum length of time to leave on bandage is 3 hours.

  • Maximum length is 12 hours/overnight as long as bandage is staying sealed down and not leaking.

Cleaning Instructions:

  1. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and dry with clean paper towel.

  2. Remove bandage and gently wash the tattoo with liquid fragrance free soap for 25 seconds. Rinse thoroughly but gently. For the first 1-2 washes after bandage removal, wash until the tattoo no longer feels ‘slimy’ under your fingertips (1-3 minutes) in order to remove the plasma that is attempting to build scabs. Do not soak or scrub. Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel.

  3. Allow tattoo to air dry for several minutes

  4. Apply a very thin layer of ointment or lotion with clean hands. Do not over apply. Apply only a thin layer that will be absorbed immediately. Ointment is heavier than lotion and should be applied more sparingly. Over application is harmful to tattoo healing; you are not helping by applying more frequently than recommended.

  5. For the duration of healing wash the tattoo 2x day and moisturize 2-3x a day until after the tattoo is done peeling (typically around 1.5 - 3 weeks, after all scabs have fallen off). You may continue to lightly moisturize as needed after peeling is finished.

Important cautions with a fresh tattoo:

  1. DO NOT SOAK the tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks after application as this can rapidly fade the tattoo during this period (no baths, swimming, hot tubs, etc). After 3-4 weeks the tattoo is fine to be submerged.

    • Showers: Short showers are fine and the tattoo does not need to be wrapped or covered in the shower.

  2. DO NOT use a tanning bed or subject the tattoo to prolonged sun exposure during healing. Keep it covered for a full 3-4 weeks.

    • After the peeling stage is over (~2 weeks) you may begin to use a high spf sunscreen for extra protection on the tattoo, but this is not a substitute for keeping it covered for the full 3-4 weeks.

  3. AVOID SWEATING Avoid heavy exercise or heavy sweating for a full week after getting your tattoo. Sauna should be avoided for 2-3 weeks. Avoid contact with unclean surfaces such as yoga mats or weight equipment until tattoo is done peeling.

  4. Avoid wearing tight fitting or abrasive clothing over the fresh tattoo. Do not let the tattoo stick to sheets or clothing as this can pull out color. If the tattoo does get stuck to clothes, gently wet the clothing and after the tattoo has softened slowly and gently peel off the clothing layer; do not tug.

  5. DO NOT ITCH or scratch the tattoo. While unpleasant, itching is normal and expected. Most tattoos go through an itchy phase during peeling that can last several days. Itching or scratching will lift out ink and damage the tattoo.

General tattoo healing stages and recommendations:

  • Please be aware everyone heals at a different rate and there will be some variation within these guidelines.

Days 1-3:

  • The tattoo and the area around it may be slightly swollen and red for 3 days and up to a week. The tattoo is considered an 'open wound' at this stage and is susceptible to infection from outside sources. During this period be very careful to protect the tattoo from contact with contaminated surfaces.

  • Change your bed sheets and kick out pets, avoid heavy exercise, the gym, yoga mats, unclean water sources, swimming, hiking, camping, gardening, public surfaces/railings, contact with pets, etc. Use your best judgement and err on the side of caution. If the tattoo still feels wet to the touch at 3 days, give it longer to heal before moving past this stage.

Days 4-7:

  • All bodies heal differently, but for most the tattoo will be past the open wound stage at this point. However, it should still be treated carefully and kept clean.

  • You may resume exercise if the tattoo is no longer weeping, but make sure to wash the tattoo immediately after and avoid direct contact between the tattoo and unclean/public surfaces. Avoid heavy sweating and intense exercise.

Days 7-12:

  • The tattoo will likely be peeling during this time period, although it can start earlier or last longer depending on your body and the amount of work done.

  • Peeling involves a thin scab that forms evenly over the entire surface of the tattoo and should peel similarly to a sunburn. During the peeling stage resist the urge to itch the tattoo as this can damage it.

  • Do not try to remove scabs. Do not make the tattoo peel faster by rubbing or exfoliating the peeling skin. If there are any lingering scabs treat them gently and allow them to fall off when they are ready.

Days 13-30:

  • Continue to avoid soaking the tattoo in water and avoid direct sun exposure for 3-4 weeks post tattoo.

  • Otherwise, in general the tattoo will be mostly healed at this point. If you have some remaining scabs be careful with them and continue to wash the tattoo 2x/day and moisturizer 2-3x/day. If there are no scabs and the tattoo is done peeling, you can go back to washing 1x day and start to taper off the moisturizer.

  • The color may seem dull or uneven while the tattoo is healing but should settle out and be completely healed at 4-6 weeks post procedure. Shading may seem dark at first but will fade up to 40% during healing process.

Signs of infection:

  • Tattoo infections are very uncommon, but you should still be on the lookout for them.

  • Some signs of infection include spreading redness that originates under the tattoo and grows, pain that gets worse, abnormal heat from the tattoo area, fever, pus or pustules, or the tattoo otherwise looking abnormal. Itching is not normally a sign of infection and is usually a normal part of healing.

  • Please contact me immediately for advice if you notice signs of infection or when in doubt. In the meantime, wash tattoo, apply vaseline based antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage.

  • If you are not able to get in touch with me within a reasonable timeframe or feel like you need to be seen quickly, please visit your local urgent care or contact your doctor for advice, especially if you have signs of severe infection such as fever. Use your best judgement and don’t delay care if in doubt.

  • Infection is caused by improper aftercare, and can be avoided with proper aftercare. Tattoos are open wounds, so please be mindful about keeping the tattoo clean during healing and avoid any activities that would expose the tattoo to infection. Healing in a clean indoor environment is the safest option.

Touch Ups:

Not all tattoos need a touch up as a matter of course, but I am happy to offer a touch up when needed. Please give the tattoo one month to finish most of its healing and get in touch via email with a high resolution, well lit photo of the tattoo if you think a touch up may be needed. Touch ups are free when requested within two months of the final tattoo appointment, and are offered at a discounted rate for the first year.