Things to do before your appointment
DO:
Moisturize/exfoliate for a few weeks before the tattoo
Stay hydrated!
Eat before the appointment
Wear loose, comfortable clothing appropriate for the area to be tattooed
Bring snacks/drinks with you!
Ensure you are clean/showered
DO NOT:
Drink alcohol for 24 hours before the appointment
Tan before the appointment (or directly after)
Get tattooed while on antibiotics (speak with your doctor)
Get tattooed while pregnant, breastfeeding or pumping
Some skin is not safe/ideal to tattoo. Please inform me of any of the following:
Sunburnt skin/peeling skin
Active breakouts (acne or rashes)
Damaged skin (cuts/bruises/swelling)
Varicose/spider veins
Fresh scars
If you have a heart condition, are on blood thinners or have a compromised immune system,
please consult with your doctor before inquiring.
TATTOO AFTERCARE
DAY 1:
Remove wrap after 1-2 hours (If using RecoveryDerm, remove as instructed at your appointment & skip to Day 2 instructions)
Wash hands, then wash tattoo with ANTIBACTERIAL hand soap
Pat dry with clean paper towel (Do not use your bath towel to dry the tattoo until healing is complete)
Leave to air out for the rest of the day
For heavily saturated tattoos, you may wish to re-wrap with clear wrap for the first night only.
Do not use anything but your hands to wash the tattoo during showers.
DAYS 2-7:
Remove wrap (if you re-wrapped overnight)
Wash hands, then wash tattoo with ANTIBACTERIAL hand soap
Pat dry with clean paper towel and allow skin to air dry for 10-15 minutes
Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or a tattoo aftercare product 2-3 times per day. Be cautious not to over moisturize.
What To Expect during healing
You may experience your tattoo "leaking", flaking, peeling, minor scabbing, raised lines and itching during the healing process. This is normal. Avoid picking at or scratching your tattoo.
Some people have allergic reactions to different inks. This can result in swelling, redness, fluid buildup around the tattoo, scaly appearance or itching around certain colors. If you notice this, please consult me as well as your doctor.
Infections can occur during the healing process. Your tattoo is an open wound until it's healed. Exposure to pet fur/saliva, dirt, or other unsanitary conditions can cause an infection. Consult your doctor if you suspect your tattoo is infected.
Avoid baths and swimming for 2 weeks after getting your tattoo.
Avoid tanning or direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks after getting your tattoo.
For best long term results, apply sunscreen when outside for extended periods of time.
Touch up policy
Most tattoos include a free touch-up within 6 months of the original appointment. Touch-ups due to poor aftercare will be done at my minimum charge.
Tattoos that are not eligible for free touch ups are hands (situation dependent), fingers and feet, or places we previously discussed may not settle as intended.