Aftercare

General Instructions (each service will have additional, specific guidelines) for Cosmetic or Paramedical Tattoos:

General Healing Timeline:

  • Days 1–7: Redness, swelling, and minor scabbing.

  • Days 8–14: Flaking and peeling as scabs fall off; color may appear patchy or faded.

  • Weeks 3–4: Skin continues to repair; pigment starts to settle and could be less visible.

  • Weeks 4–8: Final color and results become visible.

Proper aftercare is your responsibility and crucial to ensure optimal healing and outcome. Failure to follow aftercare could cause infection, scarring or less than desirable results. Below are detailed instructions, divided into the initial healing period (first 2 weeks) and the extended period (up to 8 weeks) and what to expect during this time.

First 2 Weeks: The Initial Healing Period

*Important* During this time you have an open wound and you must treat it as such.  Proper care is essential to avoid infections or complications.

What to Do:

Clean Gently:

  • Wait 24 hours before cleaning the tattoo.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the area.

  • Use a gentle, unscented cleanser and lukewarm water to lightly dab the area with clean fingertips.

  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel (NO cloth towels).

  • Air dry 20-30 seconds to ensure no moisture is trapped.

Apply Healing Ointment:

  • Use a thin layer of the aftercare ointment provided. Never use anything petroleum based!

  • Apply sparingly to avoid clogging pores. This is meant to protect the skin. It should not be overly moist . 

*CLEANSING/OINTMENT application WILL BE 2X PER DAY.*  Morning and evening or as needed if the area gets dirty, sweaty or inadvertently touched with unclean hands.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy:

  • Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet to support healing. 

What Not to Do:

NO Picking or Scratching:

  • Do not touch, rub, pick, or peel any scabs or flakes, as this can cause scarring, pigment loss, or possible infection. 

NO Sweating:

  • Avoid saunas, hot showers/baths, hot tubs, working out or any strenuous activities to minimize sweating, which can affect pigment retention.

NO sun or tanning:

  • Absolutely no sun exposure as this could cause scaring or fading and most definitely causes sweating (see above!)

  • If sun exposure is unavoidable wear a large brim hat and large sunglasses.

*SUNSCREEN CANNOT BE WORN AT THIS TIME* 

Do Not Submerge the Area in Water:

  • Avoid swimming, hot tubs, or soaking in baths. Stick to quick showers.

NO Makeup or Harsh Products:

  • Refrain from exfoliants or any active skincare products on or NEAR the area. Not even your daily moisturizer should be used during this time.

  • Absolutely NO make-up! Remember, the skin is OPEN and make-up use could result in infection.

Weeks 3–8: The Extended Healing Period

The skin continues to repair itself and pigment may be less visible for a couple weeks until skin cell turnover is complete at the 6-8 week mark.

What to Do:

Keep Skin Moisturized:

  • Apply a light, fragrance-free moisturizer daily to keep the area hydrated.

Use Sun Protection:

  • After 4 weeks, you may apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to protect the area. This prevents fading and discoloration.

Monitor Healing Progress:

  • Expect the tattoo to appear lighter or uneven as the skin regenerates. Final results are usually visible by week 8.

Follow Touch-Up Recommendations:

  • Attend any scheduled touch-up appointments as advised to refine and perfect the results.

What Not to Do:

Avoid Aggressive Treatments:

  • No microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser treatments near the area until fully healed.

Don’t Expose to Harsh Environments:

  • Avoid extreme heat, cold, or prolonged sun exposure.

Do Not Use Harsh Skincare Products:

  • Avoid retinol, acids, and other strong skincare products around the area until fully healed.

By following these steps, you’ll promote safe healing and achieve long-lasting, vibrant results. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out! If you notice signs of infection (e.g., pus, excessive redness, or swelling), contact me and/or a healthcare professional immediately.