GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR NEW TATTOO
Depiction Tattoo
AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
Depiction Tattoo Gallery knows a tattoo the greatest symbol of self-expression ever dreamt up and it’s crucial to rely on the expert guidance of your artist for suitable aftercare. If you follow the instructions outlined below your tattoo should heal quickly and properly. We also carry several aftercare products that can be suggested by our team. Our front counter assistants or tattoo artists are available and always happy to assist clients with any questions that arise, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
QUICK AFTERCARE INSTRUCTION SHEET
Please print our minimum requirements for tattoo aftercare steps... These are the things we ask all our clients to do at the very minimum to ensure your tattoo doesn't heal improperly, get infected and most importantly so it will look its best. Below are some more in-depth tips and tricks to get the most out of your experience at Depiction Tattoos
REMOVAL OF
THE WRAP
After the completion of your tattoo, you can expect your artist to clean the area and then wrap the tattoo in a sticky Saniderm clear bandage or plastic wrap.
If using a sticky clear bandage like Saniderm, you can leave this on for up to 5 days. You can shower with this bandage on, but no baths. You will notice ink and plasma leaking from your tattoo that will fill the bandage. This is normal. When you’re ready to remove the bandage, do so in the shower under warm water. If you kept it on for 4 or 5 days, the tattoo should be mostly healed at this point. Apply lotion to the tattoo to keep it moisturized and help with itching. If the bandage begins to leak during the first few days, remove it while in the shower, under the warm water. Then you can replace it with plastic wrap if needed and follow the cleaning instructions below.
If the artist used plastic wrap to cover your tattoo, leave that on for 1-2 hours then remove it. Clean your tattoo and follow the instructions below.
CARING FOR YOUR NEW TATTOO
It is essential that your new tattoo is kept clean during the healing process. We have outlined the general instructions on caring for your tattoo.
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Wash the tattooed area 2-3 times per day using antibacterial soap and warm water. Gently blot dry with a clean towel or allow to air dry.
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Rewrap your tattoo with clean plastic wrap for the first 5 days to ensure it remains clean and to avoid ink or blood leaking onto your clothes and bedding.
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If leaving your tattoo unwrapped for any reason during the first 5 days, with clean hands, apply a small amount of Aquaphor Ointment or Proteya Lotion and rub in completely to create a VERY THIN layer on your tattoo. Dab off any excess with a clean paper towel if needed.
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Do not submerge your tattoo in a bathtub, swimming pool, hot tub, river, lake or ocean for at least 2 weeks.
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Do not scratch or pick at your tattoo. Gently pat the area to relieve itching.
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Do not shave, wax or tan the area until your tattoo is completely healed.
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Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo for the first two weeks.
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Wear sunscreen after your tattoo is completely healed to protect from sun damage and fading.
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WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR TATTOO
A tattoo causes trauma to your body. Depending on the placement, the size, and an individual’s hygiene, and daily activities, healing is different for everyone. Because a tattoo is an open wound they are susceptible to infections, it is best to follow the aftercare instructions listed above to lower your risk of problems during the healing process. You should expect your new tattoo to be red, irritated, swollen, and possibly bruised. These are normal reactions to the tattoo area. Usually, you can anticipate 1 to 3 days for red or irritated skin to subside. If swelling or bruising occurs, this could last for up to a week, especially if tattooed in a sensitive area such as the feet. Scabbing is a result of the body’s healing process. For some, your tattoo may have some scabbing. If you experience any scabbing, it is imperative that you do not pick at it. Let the scab fall off naturally. You will also want to make sure that you keep the area clean as well as moisturized, but do not over moisturize, follow the instructions listed above. During the final stages of the healing process, typically 3 to 10 days you can expect the skin to start to flake and peel. It is imperative that you do not pick or scratch at the area, this could remove ink from the tattoo and damage it. A light slap, preferable over clothed skin, will give you relief when itching occurs. If during the healing process you experience bubbles forming on the surface, not as common but can occur, stop applying any ointments, the moisture can get trapped and lead to possible scabbing; you want your tattoo to dry out. Make sure to wash the tattoo, pat dry it, and let it dry and peel on its own. Any scabs should fall off on their own, and if no trauma occurred such as scratching, the ink should remain. At Depiction Tattoo Gallery, we stand by our work. If a touch up on your tattoo is needed, our artists will complete it at no additional charge, as long as you return within the first 90 days. If you are not in the area during this time frame, please contact us to explain your circumstance, and we would be happy to extend that period.