TATTOO PREP & AFTERCARE
HOW TO PREP
While fine line might seem small and like no big deal, it’s still permanent ink AND considered high stress on your body. Trust me, we’ll have fun along the way and there’s no need to stress — for real talk to me if there are concerns and let’s make sure those are resolved before the day of — but there are a couple things I like to recommend to my clients.
⭒ Please avoid alcohol, Tylenol, excessive caffeine, and other substances that can thin your blood, increase your anxiety, and put your body in a stress state!
⭒ Dress comfy, strategic BUT like you! This is a fun and big moment that you’ve invested in, so let’s bring your style to it, too! Dress fun, let’s take pics. If you’re getting a finger tattoo, wear your rings. Getting a wrist tattoo, wear bracelets. Neck / ear, wear earrings!
⭒ You might not be in the chair that long, but we still want your blood flowing and your body at ease. If you’re getting a tattoo on your back or an area that will require you to remove or adjust clothing, make sure that it’s comfortable to access the area and you’re comfortable with whatever level of skin is exposed.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MAY NOT BE TATTOOED IF:
⭒ Breastfeeding, pregnant, compromised immune system, intoxicated, under age 18, are on or have been on accutane within 6 months or have any blood or clotting disorders. If your have the following conditions, with a doctor’s note confirming you are cleared, we may be able to proceed: Hemophilia, Thrombocytopenia, Fibrinopenia, Insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes mellitus or complex type 2 diabetes, oncology or acute inflammatory diseases.
⭒ In general, if you are not feeling well, let’s reschedule! Your body needs to be able to focus on the tattoo, not view it as a critical stressor.
⭒ Do not bring children to your appointment, even though they’re adorable :)
AFTERCARE
When you leave your appointment, I will apply tegaderm (which acts like a skin barrier) over the tattoo, which ideally you’ll leave on for as long as you can (but hopefully 3-5 days).
If it looks like water has gotten underneath, there is fluid building, or the 3-5 days are up:
⭒ Clean the area with unscented antibacterial soap and water
⭒ Dry with clean paper towel or gauze (or thorough air dry)
⭒ Use a cotton swab to apply a thin layer of Aquaphor or other healing ointment
*Of course, please make sure your hands are clean before touching the area — this is considered an open wound.
Steer clear of the following for 3-4 weeks:
⭒ Unscented soaps or lotions to the area
⭒ Swimming, baths, saunas, other types of submersion, etc.
⭒ Direct sunlight or tanning beds.
⭒ Excessive sweat, like hot yoga.
Please note:
⭒ Area may scab or peel evenly (sort of like a sunburn), but DO NOT PICK OR PEEL IT OFF. Let it fall off on its own. Peeling or picking could cause the ink to prematurely leave the site and damage the appearance of the tattoo.
⭒ Color may be dull or uneven during the healing process. If after 10-14 days the area is not fully healed, please reach out to me!
⭒ While rare, the area may experience some redness, swelling, or bruising. This will depend on the area of the body, the size of the tattoo, and your skin sensitivity. If after 2-3 days this is not reduced, please let me know. And please feel comfortable doing that if you have any questions or concerns.
That said, if you feel there is an infection or emergency, seek help from a medical professional.
Touchup: If you feel a touchup is needed, please use the scheduler to book. This must be in the range of 6 weeks to 3 months within the initial appointment. $50