HEALING YOUR TATTOO

Proper care of your tattoo is VITAL! Not only for the prevention of infection and irritation, but for the longevity of the details of your tattoo. Please read these instructions thoroughly, and contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Failure to adhere to these guidelines, based on your artist’s observation of the condition of the tattoo, may result in denial of your complimentary touch-up.

Contact your Doctor if:

  • There are any signs of infection (fever, increasing redness and swelling, pus/discharge)

  • The site shows signs of allergic reaction (hives, unusual swelling and/or redness)

ALWAYS wash your hands for 30 seconds with anti-bacterial hand soap and dry with a disposable paper towel before touching your tattoo. Ensure that all towels and bed linens in contact with the tattoo are clean.

Total healing time for most tattoos will be 1-2 months. Taking care of your body in general will help reduce your healing time. Get plenty of rest, hydrate, make healthy food choices, avoid alcohol and tobacco.

DO NOT use sunblock until tattoo has peeled completely.

First 5-7 Days

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Soreness, redness, seeping fluid (plasma, excess ink) in first 24-48 hours. Very soft, velvet-like after fluid weeping stops (if unwrapped).

WITH SANIDERM BANDAGE

  • Initial adhesive bandage must stay on for 5-7 days.

  • Leave the wrap on. It will itch, and it’s okay to gently tap it for relief, or use a cold compress. If any corners lift, carefully cut them off with clean scissors to prevent more of the wrap from being peeled off. If you have leakage, large fluid build-up, or if any part of the wrap over the tattooed area peels away, come see us to be re-wrapped.

  • After 5-7 days, carefully remove the wrap in the shower or with soapy water to aid in removal. Gently wash with mild, unscented soap (Dial, Softsoap, or TLC Foam Soap) and pat dry with a paper towel and allow to air dry for 15-20 minutes before applying aftercare salve.

    WITHOUT SANIDERM BANDAGE

  • Remove temporary bandage after 2-3 hours (or 1 hour during very hot weather or when excessively sweaty). Clean gently with mild, unscented soap. Pat dry with a paper towel.

  • DO NOT apply any lotion or aftercare for the first 24 hours, or until the tattoo has stopped actively weeping fluid. Allow the tattoo to breathe, and gently dab any seeping fluid with a clean paper towel. If necessary, it can be covered with a non-stick Band-Aid pad and medical tape to absorb fluid and provide protection.

  • When tattoo becomes dry-feeling and tight, apply a thin layer of suggested aftercare salve, we recommend using all natural products without petroleum such as Tattoo lovers Care

  • Wash three times a day (morning, mid-day and before bed) or more if exposed to dust or contaminates, or if you have sweating. Pat dry and allow to further air dry for 10-15 minutes before applying a thin layer of aftercare salve.

  • Avoid contact with tight clothing or sleeping on the area. Wear loose-fitting clothing while sleeping or cover with non-stick wound pads and medical tape.

Continued aftercare sponsored by REBORN TATTOO CARE

AFTERCARE REBORN

Continued aftercare with reborn tattoo aftercare is simple and just slightly different than basic aftercare!

We use Dermshield on your tattoo for the initial 5 days of the healing process, after 5 days we request you remove your bandage and continue the healing process with complementary aftercare provided by us sponsored by reborn tattoo care! The glide spreads buttery smooth and less is more! You’ll use the glide for approximately 2-5 days and then switch over to an unscented lotion.

If you aren’t using Dermshield, we’ll bandage you up temporarily and then the rest of the process is up to reborn! Use an unscented antibacterial soap or reborn aftercares foam soap. Allow to dry for 20 minutes then apply the reborn aftercare tub provided to you!

Other than that, all aftercare is the same as above!

  • DO NOT SOAK OR SUBMERGE YOUR TATTOO. This includes baths, swimming, saunas, hot tubs, etc.

  • Do not scratch or itch your tattoo, or attempt to peel any flakes or scabs

The Final Stretch of healing

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Slight flaking, shiny skin, slightly raised areas along lines

  • Continue to apply mild moisturizer as needed (salve or aftercare lotion)

  • Once flaking has stopped, feel free to apply SPF 50 sunscreen daily and re-apply as needed if you will be exposed to harsh sunlight. Continue use throughout the life of the tattoo. UV rays WILL fade tattoo ink and will also darken the pigment of your skin over the tattoo, resulting in more dull or muted colors. Reds, oranges, yellows, and browns are especially prone to fading from UV exposure.

  • Avoid prolonged sun exposure to the area for at least 8 weeks. This includes sun tanning or tanning beds. If you will be working or spending time out in the sun for an extended period, consider wearing UV-blocking clothing or a bandage to cover the area.