SACKETS HARBOR, N.Y.

"THE CLEANEST & MOST STERILE STUDIO IN NORTHERN NEW YORK"

TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

Do not allow any Tattoo Artist to cover your fresh Tattoo with Plastic Wrap instead of a Sterile Bandage. Click on this link to see why........PLASTIC WRAP

You were tattooed in a modern studio with sterilized instruments and pigments. The Long Life of your Tattoo depends entirely upon the care you give it during the first few weeks while it is healing.  If you have any questions concerning the aftercare of your tattoo, email us  

1. Remove the bandage after 12 hours. DO NOT Remove it to show off your tattoo before the 12 hour period is up.  Removing the bandage too early will expose your new tattoo (which is a wound) to foreign particles which may cause infection.  It takes approximately 24 hours for a wound to start healing properly.  DO NOT Re-bandage the tattoo after the 12 hour period. Leaving the tattoo open to the air after the initial time period will speed the healing process.

2. When you remove the Bandage, wash the tattoo gently by patting (not scrubbing), using an Antibacterial Soap, soft wash cloth or fingers and cool or luke warm water. This is to remove any excess medication, dried blood or excess ink.

3. Dry Tattoo by patting (not rubbing) with a soft, clean towel. Allow to air dry for 10 minutes. Gently apply a very small amount of the tattoo care products recommended for care of tattoos. We recommend Ink Fixx, Tattoo Goo, Tatwax or H2Ocean products. These products are made specifically for the care of new tattoos. Gently apply a thin layer of the product on the tattoo whenever it looks dry and/or at least 3 - 4 times daily for 2-3 weeks. After the first week, you can use the new Ink Fixx Lotion or Tattoo Goo Lotion which has additional healing agents in it.  You can also continue to use these lotions after your tattoo is healed to maintain the bright, vibrant colors and keep it looking new.

DO NOT USE THE FOLLOWING ON YOUR TATTOO: These products will actually clog the skin pores, slow the healing process and cause a loss of ink and color.

a. Alcohol

b. Vaseline

c. Products containing lanolin, petroleum, zinc or zinc oxide.

4. Tiny protective scabs will form in about 2 days. It is perfectly normal to see some oozing of ink or blood during the first 2 days of healing.

5. DO NOT rub, scratch, itch or pick at the tattoo.

6. DO NOT expose the tattoo to direct sunlight.

7. DO NOT swim, soak in a sauna or bath, or steam bath for at least 2 weeks.

8. DO NOT wear colored clothing that will directly touch the tattoo. Wear only WHITE clothing. Colored clothing has dyes in it and the dye can infect your tattoo.

9. After 5 - 14 days, the tattoo may start to peel (this is normal like a sunburn) and scab. DO NOT pick or peel the skin away. Let it fall off naturally during washing or application of the Tattoo Care products. Fresh skin will soon replace the dead skin. Colors may fade during the process but will return when healing is completed.

10. The aftercare products keep your tattoos from drying and the skin areas soft and moist. Always apply sparingly. Too much prevents the skin/tattoo from breathing and can cause leeching of the colors.

11. After a few weeks, all scabbing will be gone but the area may still be sensitive. Continue regular cleaning and application of the products for proper aftercare of your tattoo.

12. Exposure to the sun is the major cause of tattoo color fading. Always use a Sun Block ( at least SPF-30 or greater sunscreen that provides UVA and UVB protection).

13. If you have any questions about the healing process or about your tattoo, call your artist. Do not rely on advice from friends.

RETIRED MILITARY OWNED & OPERATED