Aftercare

Tattoo Aftercare: Your First Week

Days 1-3: Second Skin

  • Keep it on: Leave the plastic covering on for between 48 to 72 hours after your session. It's waterproof and breathable, so showering is okay. After this period, you can remove it and go to the next step (moisturising it)

  • When to replace (during the period of 48-72h): If the second skin peels off from the tattoo or leaks fluids/ink, gently remove it and do the following:

    • Wash the tattoo with mild soap and warm water.

    • Pat dry completely with a paper towel.

    • Then you can either stop using the coverage at this point (only if it's been more than 48 hours from the session), or if you have a spare piece of second skin you can reapply, but remember to do it with clean hands and make sure the tattoo is clean, dry and free of any moist (if you are reapplying the second skin again, do not moisturise it)

    • If you prefer to replace it with cling film that's fine, but remember that cling film is not breathable so you can only keep it on the tattoo for about 4 hours, then you need to replace it with a new one, and always remember to clean the tattoo well and pat dry it before each film change.

  • Total time with coverage is 3 days from your session. Do not keep it covered for longer than that.

  • While you have the film on please avoid exercising.

Day 4 and onward: no more covering

  • Remove the plastic: After three days, take off the plastic and wash your tattoo gently again.

  • Keep it clean: Wash with mild soap and warm water once daily. Pat dry.

  • Moisturise: Apply a thin layer of recommended lotion (like Cicaplast Baume B5 or Easy Tattoo Cream) or any plain moisturiser 2-3 times daily (avoid the ones with alcohol and scents) 

Important for the first month

  • Hands off: Don't scratch or pick, even if it itches!

  • Loose clothes: Help your tattoo breathe and blood flow.

  • The three S's: Soaking, swimming and sun. Avoid pools, hot tubs, long baths, saunas and sun exposure.

  • Stay out of the sun: No tanning or sunblock on the tattoo yet.

Your tattoo should be fully healed between 4-6 weeks, it can be different from person to person.

It's normal to...

  • Feel a bit sore or itchy at first.

  • Look darker than the day you got it (as it creates a crust during the healing process)

  • See some ink and skin peeling off the tattoo around the second week from the session.

Call Your Doctor If...

  • You see swelling, redness, or discharge.

  • The pain gets worse, not better.

  • Your tattoo looks inflamed.

Have questions? I'm here to help! You can always email or message me if you have any concerns.

Any feedback/healed pictures are welcomed and very appreciated.

Larissa Travassos.