Aftercare
Remember:
Tattoos generally heal in 2-6 weeks, sometimes longer or sooner depending on your personal health and hygiene. Scabbing or flaking of the tattooed area is normal, don't panic. If the tattoo itches, apply lotion and massage.
Always keep your hands clean before touching the tattoo. Never let others touch your tattoo or advise you on aftercare. If you ever think something is wrong contact us and we will take further necessary action together.
Remember, only a doctor can diagnose infections.
Avoid:
Swimming until your tattoo is fully healed, exposure to sun, scented lotions, or A&D, picking or scratching the tattoo, do not let the tattoo get dry and do not apply to much moisturizer, that can cause severe reactions.
Apply:
In the absence of a protective medical grade tattoo aftercare waterproof bandage applied by your artist (to remain on for 4-5 days to speed healing), apply Aquaphor (Found at any drug store or grocery store in the lotion or baby section) for the first 3 days. Only use very little! Apply a small amount until the tattoo is evenly and thinly covered, wash your tattoo often when using this product. On the 4th day discontinue the use of Aquaphor and apply Curel or Lubriderm, a NON-scented and NON-advanced healing lotion. Apply the lotion until the tattoo heals.
Preferably, we like clients to make this a part of their everyday routine to keep the skin healthy and the tattoo looking good. After all, "What about when your old?"
Wash:
Wash your tattoo often using non scented soaps such as Dial hand soap or a Castile Soap such as Dr. Bonners Baby Mild Unscented.
In the event of a serious infection, you should see your doctor. He or she can advise you on the best course of treatment. Just keep in mind that your doctor may not be familiar with treating tattoos. We ask that if you do seek medical attention from a healthcare professional that you ask for an actual blood test or swab of the affected site. Most doctors will only look at the area and assume it is infected, which is also what anyone else can do. This is to make sure we ask that you demand a confirmed diagnosis. You can also report all infections or allergic reactions to the Drugs and Medical Devices Group Policy, Standards and Quality Assurance Unit. You can mail or fax your report to: P.O. Box 149347 Austin, TX 78714-9347, or fax (512) 834-6759. After seeing your doctor, you need to bring us the diagnosis and antibiotics so we can do a follow up report with the state. You will also need to provide us with any information that you did to the piercing to possibly cause such infection.