TATTOO AFTERCARE

DAY ONE

Your artist will clean the tattooed area and may or may not cover the tattoo, depending on your preference. If your tattoo is covered, you may keep the covering on for three to four days. If the tattoo remains uncovered, wash the tattoo daily with antibacterial soap and warm water, then pat the area dry with a clean paper towel. When your skin is dried from the wash, you may apply a thin layer of the recommended aftercare recovery cream or ointment over your tattoo. Rememeber not to oversaturate the tattoo, as this can delay the healing process.

WEEK ONE

The skin of your tattoo may become dull as your skin recovers. Scabs will begin to form over the tattoo - remember to allow these to flake off naturally. Do not pick at scabbing, as this may cause ink to peel out of your skin before healing has occurred. Remember to apply your cream or ointment at least twice a day, or as needed if the skin feels excessively dry. Again, do not oversaturate, as this may suffocate any scabs that form and further delay the healing process.

WEEKS 2 AND 3

As your skin continues to heal, you may notice a thickening of your scabs. It is imperitive to the integrity of your tattoo that you do not pick these scabs. Picking scabs increases your risk of pulling out color, opening a fresh wound, and causing infection. Continue to lightly moisturize as needed.

WHAT'S LEFT

Although your tattoo may seem healed at this point, you should continue to protect your skin. Do not expose your tattoo to significant sunlight without applying sunblock with an SPF of at least 50. Do not submerge the tattoo for at least two weeks after your appointment.

PIERCING AFTERCARE

AFTER YOUR PIERCING

Redness, localized swelling, and tenderness is typical for up to at least a week, and in many cases can last much longer. During the healing process, you may notice some discoloration, itching, white or yellow drainage, and tightening of the tissue around the jewelry. These are all normal reactions.

Wash your piercing twice daily with pressurized, sterile saline solultion. Avoid the use of Bactine, Neosporin, any pierced ear solutions not provided by your piercer, or hydrogen peroxide. These are not appropriate for long-term skincare. Please also avoid over-cleaning the area, as this can cause "moisture bumps" and delay healing.

Rotating the jewelry is unnecessary and may in fact continue to damage the inner tissue of the ears. The best course of action for a healing piercing is to gently wash, pat dry, and be as hands-off as possible.

Sleeping on a healing ear piercing can cause irritation, shift in the piercing angle, and pain. Sleeping with your ear in a travel pillow and allowing the pillow to hold the weight of your head will greatly reduce your risk in these scenarios.