Leave the bandage on for 4 to 7 days counting the day the tattoo was done.  Blood, lymph and excess ink will collect under the bandage, this is perfectly normal.  It contains the healing agents  and your body will absorb some of this as moisturizer.  Leave it alone as much as possible.  If it leads out of an edge, dab the leaked moisture with a paper towel and readhere the bandage as best as you can.  Though the bandage is waterproof try to avoid water as it might become unstuck and roll at the edges.  Feel free to shower, but no baths while the bandage is on.

 

On the day you take off the bandage have a hot bath, as hot as you can stand it, right before bed. Peel up a small corner of the bandage before getting into the tub to make it easier to remove.  Once the bandage is off soak the tattoo for 20 minutes under hot water, after 20 minutes, massage the tattoo underwater and make sure all of the plasma comes off of the tattoo, until all of the slim is gone.  There may be some stickiness around the tattoo from the adhesive, that's normal and will come off in the next day or so like band aid adhesive.  Do not scrub your tattoo trying to remove that stickiness.  After you get out of the tub dry off like you normally do, but do not dry the tattoo, let it air dry.  After it is dry apply a very thin coat of the lotion I provided.  This lotion is specially designed for tattoos.

 

The redness around the tattoo is normal.  If you have a reaction to the bandage you will have a brighter redness out near the edge of the bandage and radiating out.  If this happens remove the bandage immediately by following the previous instructions on this sheet and consult a doctor.

 

Tattoos should not scab.  A scab is created from plasma that is left to dry out on the tattoo.  A few days after the bandage comes off, your tattoo may start to flake like a sunburn.  This skin flaking will also contain color.  This is normal.  DO NOT pick or scratch your tattoo.  If you do, you will take skin off before it is ready to come off, potentially pulling additional layers of skin and ink with it.  When your tattoo gets itchy you may slap the area or put something cold on it to take away the itch.

 

I offer free touch-ups and stand by my work.  After a month your tattoo is fully healed, and if you feel it needs a touch up please send me a photo.  Once I see the tattoo if there is any touch ups needed I will know how long to book the session for.  Touch ups are free as long as I see a photo of the tattoo within 3 months of getting the tattoo.  It does not need to be booked within this time, I just need the photo.

 

Refrain from working out until the bandage is removed as salty sweat will be trapped under the bandage drying out your tattoo.  No hot tubs, swimming pools or tanning beds or sun for at least two weeks.  Once your tattoo is healed it is very important to always use sunscreen on the your tattoos while you are in the sun, 30 spf is adequate.  Use the same amount of sunscreen as you would on any area of your skin.  If you have pastel or white tones of ink in your tattoo and it is exposed to the sun, there is a high chance it could turn a yellowish brown.  Sunlight ages tattoos very quickly.  If you treat your skin well, moisturize and avoid sun exposure your tattoo will look fresh for years longer.

 

IF AT ANYTIME YOU HAVE AN ADVERSE REACTION WHILE HEALING BE SURE TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.