In the Next Few Days:
During the evening, upon waking up, and every 5-7 hours:
a. Wash Your Hands:
- Use warm water and antibacterial soap.
b. Remove Bandage or Plastic:
- Expect a film over your tattoo, a mix of natural healing fluids and possibly some tattoo color. This is normal and will wash away.
c. Wash Your Tattoo:
- Use warm water and antibacterial soap, washing gently with clean hands. Avoid using a washcloth or anything abrasive.
d. Dry the Tattoo:
- Pat dry with a fresh, clean towel, avoiding wiping. Be gentle.
e. Wrap the Tattoo:
- After washing and drying, wrap your clean, dry tattoo with a fresh piece of plastic wrap (e.g., Saran ClingWrap). Always use a new piece and rewrap every 5-7 hours. Do not apply ointments or lotions under the wrap.
(Note: The plastic wrap may be slightly inconvenient, but it plays a crucial role in preventing your tattoo from drying out, sticking to bed sheets or clothing, protecting it from dirt/germs, preventing scabbing, and accelerating the healing process.)
After the First 3 Days:
a. Plastic Wrap is No Longer Necessary:
- Wash your tattoo every morning, night, every few hours, and immediately after exposure to anything unsanitary. Keep all pets away from your new tattoo for 7-10 days.
b. Use an Unscented Lotion:
- Apply unscented lotions like Aquaphor or Lubriderm. No more plastic wrap is needed at this point. These lotions will alleviate dryness, tightness, and itching, promoting healing. Apply a few times a day as needed for a few weeks.
General Rules for the First 10 Days:
- Never pick, scratch, or slap your fresh tattoo.
- Avoid soaking in saunas, steam, or tubs.
- Do not use ointments or petroleum jelly.
- Avoid exposure to chlorine in swimming pools, lake or beach waters, and sand.
- Keep your tattoo covered while in the sun for the first 12 weeks, using sunblock thereafter.
Healing Process:
- Expect peeling in about 5-7 days, followed by internal healing and settling over 4-6 weeks. Healing may vary from person to person.
Important:
- I guarantee my work as long as you follow my care instructions. If you have concerns or questions, contact me via email at leegreenetattoos@yahoo.com.
Thank you for choosing me!