Aftercare

Kenofswords’ Tattoo Aftercare

 

Immediately After Procedure

*Some swelling and redness is normal, especially for the first 24-48 hrs.

*Using an ice pack for pain or swelling is not recommended for extended periods of time. If you use an ice pack, wrap it in a clean towel to prevent direct contact of the ice pack to skin, and do not ice for more than 5 minutes at a time. 

*Drink plenty of water, and rest. I highly recommend not working or doing any activities the day following your procedure, it's best to allow your body to rest.

 

Removing Your Bandage (24HRS after procedure)

*Clients will be given a second-skin (Saniderm or alternate brand) style bandage following their appointment. If you have had any allergic reaction to second-skin in the past, let your artist know so an alternate bandage may be provided. 

*Avoid soaking the tattoo or submerging it under water. This entire process should take 5-10 minutes. Try to avoid the tattoo being wet for an excess period of time. 
*Shower under lukewarm water, wash the rest of your body first, trying to keep the tattooed area out of the direct stream of water.

*Once the rest of your body is cleansed, move the tattoo under the stream of water, slowly peel the bandage off starting from a corner, following the natural direction of your body hair, you may use a light lather of fragrance free soap such as Pears to help ease this process. 

*It is normal and expected to see blood, ink, and lymph fluid on your bandage. 

*After the bandage is removed, make a light lather in your hand of a fragrance free soap such as Pears, and gently cleanse the tattooed area with your hand, gently working in a circular motion. Do not rub or scrub the tattoo. 
*Rinse with water and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Pat the area gently dry, do not rub or scrub. 

*Once the tattoo is completely dry, take a small amount of the provided bacitracin ointment (less is more! 1 rice grain sized amount for small tattoos, pea sized amount for medium, dime sized amount for large) and apply it in a gentle circular motion to the tattooed area.

*If you are allergic to Bacitracin ointment or suffer a bad reaction, discontinue use immediately, you may use a plain unscented lotion such as Aquaphor as an alternative. 

 

Days 1-14

*Wash daily to remove bacteria, build up of product and oils, and dead skin. (Don't worry, THIS DOES NOT REMOVE THE PIGMENT!)

*Gently wash the area each morning and night with water and gentle soap like Pears or an unscented cleanser like Cetaphil. Make a very light lather inbetween your hands, and with a very light touch, use your fingertips to gently cleanse the area in a circular motion.
Rub the area in a smooth circular motion for 10 seconds and rinse with water ensuring that all soap is rinsed away.
*To dry, gently pat (dont rub) with a clean tissue.

*DO NOT use any cleansing products containing acids (glycolic, lactic, or AHA), or exfoliants.

*Once dry, you may apply a tiny, rice grain-sized amount of Bacitracin ointment gently across the area.
Be sure not to over-apply, as this will suffocate your skin and delay healing. The product should be barely noticeable on the skin.
NEVER put the product on a wet or damp tattoo.

*Once the 2 week mark has passed, you may discontinue daily use of bacitracin ointment, and instead switch to occasionally applying a rice grain-sized amount of plain moisturizer or lotion to the area as needed. Make sure any product used is water based, free of exfoliants, acids, fragrances and retinols. Apply lotion as needed to skin that appears overly dry. Oily skin types typically need less lotion applied. Err on the side on caution, a dry tattoo will typically heal better than an overly moist one. 

 

Instructions for Showering

*Limit your showers to 5 minutes so that you do not create too much steam.

*Keep the tattooed area out of the water while you wash your body and hair, then, at the end of your shower, gently cleanse the tattooed area.

*The tattoo should only be getting wet only at the end of the shower, you want to avoid soaking the tattoo excessively. 
*Avoid excessive rinsing and hot water on the treated area. Water should be luke-warm ideally. 

*Pat tattooed area dry, do not rub. 

*It is not recommended to have a bath while tattoo is healing. Tattoo should not be submerged in water for long periods during the healing process.

 

Important Reminders

* Use a fresh pillowcase, sheets and bedding when you sleep, change them often. 
* Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. Picking can cause scarring or loss of colour.
* No facials, botox, filler, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion on or near the tattooed area until tattoo is healed (6-8 weeks)
* Avoid hot, sweaty exercise for one week.
* Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for at least 4 weeks after the procedure. Wear a hat when outdoors.
* Avoid long, hot showers for the first 14 days.
* Avoid sleeping on the tattooed area for the first 14 days. (Ie. if you got your back tattooed try sleeping on your stomach or side)
* Avoid swimming and hot tubs until your tattoo is completely healed (6-8 weeks)
* Avoid topical makeup and sunscreen on the area until it is completely healed (6-8 weeks).
* DO NOT rub, pick, or scratch the treated area.
* Tattoo will go through a flaking stage of healing, allow the scabs to naturally flake and fall off on their own. DO NOT pick them off under any circumstances. 

*Keep an eye out for signs of infection, if any of the following occur, please seek medical attention: Noticeable redness, swelling or irritation persisting for more than 48hrs post procedure. Yellow or green pus. Foul-smelling discharge. Area feeling hot to the touch. Red streaks around the area. Intense persisting pain lasting more than 48hrs post procedure. Fever. Chills.