TATTOO AFTERCARE
There are two ways that we advise caring for your new tattoo. The first is if you leave the studio with your tattoo covered in a Saniderm bandage. The second is if you leave with a traditional bandage. Both aftercare instructions are listed below.
Saniderm Bandage
Saniderm is an advanced healing bandage that eliminates the need for traditional aftercare for the first 48 hours after you are tattooed. It’s breathable, hypoallergenic, and waterproof. It is also latex free but does have a mild adhesive.
The bandage should stay in place for the first 48 hours after service. DO NOT be alarmed if after a few hours, the tattoo appears blurry, gooey, or like there is colored water inside. This is part of the healing process. Plasma is a key part of healing and will not hurt your tattoo.
You may shower while Saniderm is applied, but DO NOT soak in water. DO NOT pull upwards when you remove the bandage.
In 48 hours, remove the bandage and begin aftercare. Pull gently from the corners of the bandage towards the center until it’s completely loosened. Doing this in the shower may help. After the bandage is removed, with clean hands, clean the entire area of the tattoo. When it’s no longer slimy, pat dry with a paper towel or allow it to air dry. Apply some unscented lotion or heal salve purchased in the studio.
Click here for more on Saniderm bandages.
If before 48 hours water gets into your bandage, plasma escapes, or the tattoo is exposed to air, remove and immediately start aftercare.
Traditional Bandage
Your bandage may be removed in 2 hours. Wash your hands and tattoo with antibacterial soap and water. Pat dry with a paper towel or let it air dry. The next day, when you wake up, repeat the initial washing process. At this time, after it’s dry, you may use a small amount of unscented lotion. The tattoo should only be as moist as the surrounding area. DO NOT suffocate or smother your tattoo in ointment. Repeat the washing/moisturizing process 2-5 times daily. No tanning or soaking in water for 10 days. After 6 weeks, if you have cared for your tattoo following these instructions, and it needs a touch up, please contact your artist and we will be happy to do so. An uncared for tattoo touch up will NOT be gratis.
PIERCING AFTERCARE
HEALING TIME LINE
ORAL PIERCINGS
– Use alcohol-free mouth rinse twice daily after eating. Don’t overdo it!
– Cold drinks are great during healing.
– Swelling is normal for 2 weeks.
– Eat soft /blended food while healing.
– Do NOT play with jewelry at all.
– Downsize jewelry in 4-6 weeks.
– Rinse with cold water after every meal.
– Stay hydrated! Drink lots of water.
FACIAL PIERCINGS
– Spray 4x daily with STERILE saline. There is no need to rinse off spray.
– You can also rinse 2x a day with saline solution (preferably sterile).
– Do not turn/twist jewellery and DON’T pick at your damn crusties.
– Avoid chlorinated pools or spas.
– Be sure NOT to sleep on piercing!
TORSO PIERCINGS
– Follow FACIAL aftercare.
– Female nipples should be protected with fresh nursing pads for the first 2 months.
– No bodily fluids on healing wounds.
– Piercing can take up to 6 months to settle.
GENITAL PIERCINGS
– Follow FACIAL aftercare.
– Bleeding is normal for a week.
– No unprotected sex during healing! ; )
– Sex can resume when comfortable (4-6w)
– Shower before/after sex during healing.
– Jewelry downsize after 6 weeks.
– Piercing can take up to 6 months to settle.
DERMAL ANCHORS
– Ice 10mins on/10mins off, 3 times a day for first 2 days
– Hirudoid AROUND 2x a day for 4-5 days, or until redness is gone (not inside).
– Come in to let us change your tops.
– Anchors heal in around 3 weeks.
– Do NOT cover or bandage.
– Be careful not to catch!
TROUBLES
– Sleeping on, or bumping the piercing will slow healing and cause lumpy lumps to form.
– Hot chamomile tea bag compress soaks reduce bumps and increases blood flow.
– Low karat/quality gold or sterling silver.
– Oral piercings that are constantly played with will rip and cause white, bumpy scar tissue. Saline rinses and Aspro Clear can help to get rid of the yucky bumps.
– Using alcohol wipes, Dettol, Betadine, Listerine or any harsh products will harm your piercing. Don’t friggin’ use em!
