Orchard City Tattoo Company

Aftercare Instructions.

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Before I get into aftercare instructions, I would like you to read some Major Concerns you must be aware of during the early stages of healing.

DO NOT SUBMERGE THE TATTOO UNDER WATER!

Showers are fine, but try not to let the water run constantly for long periods of time directly on the tattoo.

Lakes, Streams, Rivers, Creeks, Oceans, and other bodies of water.. even baths, are NO GOOD for a tattoo during its healing process. When a tattoo gets submerged, it becomes soggy. It then opens up the top layers of skin that your body has been working so hard to recreate. Now your exposed to the real nasty stuff. Lakes and streams and even oceans carry microscopic Larvae, Bacteria, parasites, and other potential Host seekers that would love to get to your fresh tattoo.

Steam Rooms, Hot Tubs, Tanning Beds, and Spray Tans are all bad for tattoos during its healing process. You can pick up infection from these places, but the chemicals used in these environments can also induce or cause infection.

The Ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds will not only irritate the exposed healing of the tattoo, but overtime, excessive exposure to the SUN or other ultraviolet sources will fade the pigment that is tattooed into your skin. Try Using at least a SPF30 sunblock if your tattoo is going to be exposed to excessive amounts Sunlight. DO NOT put sunblock on a tattoo during its first few days of healing, as it may still be open. The chemicals used in most sunblocks may irritate a freshly healing tattoo.

Now that I’ve bored you with the obvious but equally important concerns, here’s how to maintain your new work of art:

CLEANING AND MAINTAINING YOUR NEW TATTOO

Disposable bandage or plastic wrap:

If your tattoo was covered in a disposable bandage or plastic wrap, you’ll need to remove the bandage after an hour or two from your tattoo session. Do not let the bandage stay on longer than two hours. Remove the bandage and dispose of it. DO NOT reuse the bandage. Wash your hands and gently wash the tattoo with warm water and a mild soap. Dry off the tattoo with a paper towel or clean towel. Let the tattoo breathe and avoid bumping the tattoo or touching the tattoo with your hands. Avoid pet dander, hair, and animal saliva from licking the tattoo. Wear loose fitting breathable clothing once the bandage has been removed. Your new tattoo must be able to breathe. This is a crucial time during the tattoo healing process, as the tattoo is now exposed and susceptible to the outside elements. Now would be the best time to apply a first aid ointment like Aquaphor. Please note: your tattoo must be able to breathe. DO NOT apply a thick layer of ointment on your tattoo. Use a small amount and rub it into the tattoo thoroughly until the ointment is almost non existent.

Try to wear loose fitting CLEAN clothes over the tattoo for the first couple of days (if you can). If the tattoo is in an area that cannot be protected by a loose fitting clean garment, you will have to be sure not to bump or rub up against things with your exposed tattoo, as you can potentially pick up bad bacteria or WORSE.

Wash the tattoo twice a day and when it is exposed to foreign elements. Examples of this would be:

▪ Places or Activities that require you to work in non-sterile environments.

▪ Pet Dander,

▪ Pet Hair or Pets Licking the tattoo can potentially cause infection if left untreated by washing.

▪ Sweat or perspiration. Make sure sweat or perspiration from working out or doing other physical activities is washed away after.

Your tattoo should form a light dry scab that will fall off in 7-10 days. Do not touch or pick at scab. Signs and symptoms of infection include, but not limited to, severe redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart, elevated body temperature, or purulent drainage from the procedure site. Discharge from site may be green/yellow in color and foul in odor. If you have any further questions regarding aftercare, please do not hesitate by calling the shop @ 916-312-8282. Thank you for your business!

Saniderm air tight water tight adhesive bandage:

If your tattoo was covered in Saniderm, you will need to keep the bandage on for 3 to 5 days. After that time, it may be slightly difficult to peel the bandage off. Running warm water over the bandage will help loosen the adhesive while peeling the bandage off.

Get yourself some antibacterial hand soap or a mild bar soap (Something free of fragrances and perfumes), a CLEAN dry towel or paper towel, and some running lukewarm water. You may also want to get a first aid ointment for minor cuts and scrapes like Aquaphor or Neosporin although this is not necessary. If you have any further questions regarding aftercare, please do not hesitate to call the shop at 916-312-8282. Thank you for your business!