Leave the bandage on for 4 days counting the day the tattoo was done. Pockets of plasma build up in the bandage can look gross but is normal. lt contains healing agents and your body will absorb some of this as moisturizer. Leave it alone as much as possible. If it does leak out an edge, dab the leaked moisture with a paper towel and re-stick the bandage as best you can. Though the bandage is waterproof try to avoid water as it might start to become unstuck and roll at the edges.
On the 5th day slowly take off the bandage by stretching it back and forth, away from the tattoo. lt may be benificial to do this in water to prevent it re-sticking. NEVER wash your tattoo in a kitchen sink as there is a lot of bacteria around food. Once the bandage is off soak the tattoo for 20 minutes in hot water, massaging the tattoo under the water. Make sure all the plasma comes off of the tattoo.
Tattoos should not scab. A scab is created from plasma that is left 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 colour. 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, pulling additional layers of skin with it. This will pull out tattoo. If/when your tattoo gets itchy you may slap the area or put something cold on it to take away the itch.
Cleaning
Cleaning you tattoo should occur 2-3 times a day. We recommend using hot water. You can run hot water on a paper towel and hold that to your tattoo like a hot compress for 3 minutes. Then give it a gentle wipe removing the excess moisture from your tattoo. Always make sure your tattoo is completely dry before applying moisturizer.
If you received a leg or foot tattoo it is very important that you stay off your leg or foot for at least three days. If you need to walk or stand be sure to keep it very minimal. If you notice a little swelling be sure to elevate the leg till the swelling subsides. You may also take Advil to help bring down the swelling.
Caring For Your Healed Skin
lt takes about 4-6 weeks for your tattoo to fully heal. lt will look pretty healed in 2 weeks but just keep in mind and be gentle with your tattoo for the first month. Refrain from working out for the first two weeks and NO hot tubs, swimming pools or tanning (beds or sun) for a whole month. Once your tattoo is healed it is very important to always use SPF on your tattoos while you are in the sun. 50 SPF or higher is reccomended. If you have pastel or white tones of ink in your tattoo and it is exposed to the sun, there is a chance it could turn a yellowish brown. Sunlight ages tattoos very quickly. If you treat your skin well, moisturizer and avoid sun exposure your tattoo will look fresh for a longer.
We like to see how your tattoo heals. If you are in the area feel free to stop by and show us. No appointment needed. We can take a quick break and see how your tattoo healed. If it is easier, you may email us a picture. We offer free touch-ups and stand by our work. Once we see the tattoo if there are any touch-ups needed we will know how long to book the touch-up session for. Touch-ups are free as long as we see the tattoo within 3 months of getting the tattoo. That is more than enough time for it to be fully healed and we would see any healing issues.