TATTOO AFTERCARE
Careful steps have been taken to prevent infection during your tattoo procedure. Infection is still possible during the healing process. To properly care for your tattoo and reduce the risk of infection after the completion of your tattoo, please be sure to follow these aftercare instructions:
- Gently wash your tattoo with warm, soapy water and pat dry with a soft towel
- Let tattoo air out for 20-60 minutes after washing
- Apply a small amount of vitamin A&D ointment (original formula only), Tattoo Goo, TAT Wax, or Aquaphor by Eucerin
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for approximately five days
- After approximately 3-5 days, switch to a hypoallergenic skin lotion (for example Lubriderm, Curel or Eucerin)
- Continue to apply skin lotion for up to two weeks
Important DO NOT information
- DO NOT swim or soak in water
- DO NOT wrap up your tattoo after leaving unless otherwise instructed
- DO NOT expose your UNHEALED tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning booths
- DO NOT scratch or pick the tattoo
- DO NOT use Vaseline or Bacitracin on your tattoo
- DO NOT RELY ON INFORMATION FROM YOUR FRIENDS!!!
CALL US AT 978-263-7763
PLEASE consult a health care provider for:
- unexpected redness, tenderness or swelling at the site of the body art procedure;
- any rash;
- unexpected drainage at or from the site of the body art procedure; or
- a fever within 24 hours of the body art procedure
Piercing Aftercare - Face & Torso
Eyebrow: 3 to 5 months Healing Time
Nostril: 2 to 4 months Healing Time
Ear (lobe): 6 to 12 weeks Healing Time
Ear (cartilage): 4 to 8 months Healing Time
Bridge: 4 to 6 months Healing Time
Septum: 4 to 6 months Healing Time
Navel / Nipple: 6 to 8 months Healing Time
Surface: 8 to 12 months Healing Time:
Directions for Cleaning: Wash piercing at least once daily in shower with a mild, liquid antimicrobial soap such as Satin or Dr. Bronner’s castile soap. Do this by lathering on and around the piercing, rotating jewelry gently, then rinsing. Clean 2 to 3 times a day with H2Ocean by spraying directly onto area and dab off excess with a clean paper towel or tissue or use after piercing lotion (ear solution) on a cotton swab (make sure you wash your hands prior to touching or cleaning). Do not over clean.
Suggestions: Never touch piercing unless you’ve just washed your hands with anti-bacterial soap, or the piercing could become irritated or infected. Do not use alcohol, peroxide, hibiclense, or any form of iodine to clean your piercing. Taking vitamin C and zinc orally can speed up healing time. Do not change jewelry until all soreness and swelling is gone. Do not remove the jewelry until piercing is COMPLETELY healed. Using a mixture of sea salt and water can also help healing (1/4 tsp to 8 oz. of very warm water, rinse and count to 10, and repeat until all 8 oz. are gone). Do not play with your piercing, only touch it to clean it. Slight swelling may occur in freshly pierced tissue, along with tenderness and slightly red coloration. This is all normal. Do not submerge piercing in chlorinated (pools) or salt water for at least 3 weeks and for fresh water (rivers/lakes) for at least 3 months.
Sea Salt Instructions: Once daily, pour sea salt/water mixture into a shot glass and heat shot glass for approximately 8 to 10 seconds in microwave. Create a seal around the piercing with the shot glass for 15 minutes or take the heated shot glass and dip a folded towel and do a hot compress and repeat. If you have any questions, please stop in our shop or call 978-263-7763.
Piercing Aftercare - Oral
Tongue: 3 to 6 weeks Healing Time
Lip / Labret: 4 to 8 months Healing Time
Cheek: 6 to 10 weeks Healing Time
Monroe: 3 to 6 months Healing Time
Directions for Cleaning: Rinse with Tech 2000 or Listerine (be sure to dilute Listerine half-and-half with water) after every time you eat, drink or smoke (this applies to anything other than bottled water). With all piercings excluding the tongue, treat with H2Ocean by spraying it on inside and outside or After Piercing Lotion on a cotton swab three times a day and cleanse with antibacterial soap such as Satin or Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap once daily. Do not over clean.
Suggestions: Never touch piercing unless you’ve just washed your hands with anti-bacterial soap, or the piercing could become irritated or infected. Do not use alcohol, peroxide, hibiclense, or any form of iodine to clean your piercing. Taking vitamin C and zinc orally can speed up healing time. Do not change jewelry until all soreness and swelling is gone. Do not remove the jewelry until piercing is COMPLETELY healed. Using a mixture of sea salt and water can also help healing (1/4 tsp to 8 oz. of very warm water, rinse and count to 10, and repeat until all 8 oz. are gone). Slight swelling may occur in freshly pierced tissue, along with tenderness and slightly red coloration. This is all normal. To help with swelling, keep your mouth cold by sucking ice chips or popsicles. Do not play with your piercing, only touch it to clean it. Do not let the piercing come in contact with anything other than cleanser or food while healing. Try to sleep with your head elevated, this will help your blood circulate and reduce swelling. It is also recommended to replace your toothbrush, since an old one is likely to have bacteria on it. Do not submerge piercing in chlorinated (pools) or salt water for at least 3 weeks and for fresh water (rivers/lakes) for at least 3 months.
If you have any questions, please stop in our shop or call 978-263-7763.