Tattoo Aftercare Advice
Always wash your hands before and after touching your new tattoo!
Your new tattoo has involved breaking the surface of your skin and there is a possibility that, if not cared for properly, your tattoo may become infected. By following the advice provided in this leaflet you will be reducing the chance of anything going wrong with your tattoo.
You must care for your new tattoo by following these guidelines
Leave your dressing on for 1 – 3 hours as discussed with your tattoo artist.
Wash your tattoo well after removing the dressing. Wash your tattoo thoroughly (but carefully) using warm water and a mild fragrance-free soap to remove any excess/dried blood and plasma.
Pat your tattoo dry using a paper towel after cleaning it. DO NOT RUB,
Apply a small amount of aftercare product. Bepanthen is recommended. After cleaning your tattoo, ensure the area is COMPLETELY dry before applying a thin layer of Bepanthen to help moisturise, nourish and protect your tattoo.
Wash and and use your aftercare product on your tattoo regularly every day until fully healed. Some bleeding, plasma, and ink seepage will occur for a few days after your tattoo. This is normal. Continue to wash, clean and use Bepanthen on your tattoo 2 – 3 times a day until completely healed.
Your skin will scab and peel much like sunburn. Remember that your tattoo isn't completely safe from germs and bacteria until it has COMPLETELY finished scabbing and peeling when it becomes fully healed. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH. Picking away at your healing tattoo can delay healing, cause fading, and increase the chances of infection. Continue to wash and use Bepanthen on your tattoo until this point. Your tattoo will be fully healed between 4-6 weeks once this process is complete.
General Advice
Avoid exercise that will expose your new tattoo to a lot of sweat until your tattoo begins to heal (we recommend at least one week). If your tattoo is exposed to sweat then ensure your tattoo is washed and Bepanthen is used as above.
If you come into contact with anything which could bring bacteria or germs to your new tattoo (such as sweat, mud, puddles, snow, animal hair/saliva etc) then please ensure the above washing and Bepanthen application advice is repeated.
Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing which may rub on your tattoo until fully healed,
If you work in a dusty or dirty environment ensure your tattoo is covered until completely healed.
Do not expose your new tattoo to the sun. Including sunbeds or tanning booths. Avoid using sun lotion on the area until it has fully healed.
Showering is fine. Avoid immersing your new tattoo in a bath for a minimum of 2-3 weeks.
Swimming is not advised for a minimum of 2-3 weeks as this may irritate or inflame your tattoo.
Continue to look after your tattoo once healed. Always keep your tattoo well protected from sunlight by using a factor 50 sun cream whenever your tattoo is exposed to the sun. This will help avoid fading. Ensure you continue to moisturise the area regularly. Healthy skin means a healthy looking tattoo.
If you have enjoyed your time in the studio today could you please be so kind as to leave a recommendation on the Icon Ink Facebook page.
Many thanks,
Rachel
If you have any questions or concerns about the healing of your tattoo please contact us. If necessary we may advise you to contact your G.P or pharmacist.
In an emergency or if you think you need urgent attention please contact your G.P, NHS 24 (111) or a hospital A&E department immediately.