Resources
After Care
The proper aftercare of your new tattoo or piercing is an important step not to be taken lightly. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your new ink or piercing.
TATTOOS
Remove the bandage after one hour. Gently wash your new tattoo with a mild soap and warm water using your fingers only. Make sure to blot dry – do not rub until your tattoo is fully healed. You will not need to apply another bandage.
Apply a thin film of A&D; ointment as often as 4 times a day to keep your tattoo moist for the first 3-4 days. This will prevent a scab from forming over your new tattoo. If a scab does form, do not pick or mess with it. It will naturally fall off in a few days. Afterwards, apply a good quality, fragrance free, skin moisturizer for two weeks or even longer. This will ensure the brightness and quality of your new tattoo to last a long time.
Do not soak in a bathtub, hot tub, and avoid swimming for up to two weeks. If you are going to be outdoors and exposed to sunlight, be sure to cover your new tattoo with clothing or a dry bandage. Make sure to take the bandage off afterwards so your tattoo is able to breathe and heal faster. After it has healed, protect your tattoo from the sun with a good sun block cream.
While your new tattoo is healing, there may be some soreness, swelling, and itchiness. Do not scratch your new tattoo, the skin moisturizing cream can help with the itchiness, after the 3-4 day period of using ointment.
Some products that may be good for your skin, will not help your tattoo heal, it may even damage it, so before you apply something to your skin that is not a recommended product, please call.
BODY PIERCINGS
Wash your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing. Soap (anti-bacterial fragrance free) up to twice a day. lather a pearly size drop of soap to clean the jewelry and the skin around it. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of soap from the piercing. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry through the piercing. Soak for 5 to 10 minutes up to twice daily with Wound Care Wash, a spray which can be found in the first aid section of most any pharmacy.
Some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness or bruising is normal. During healing some discoloration, itching, secretion of a whitish-yellowish fluid (not pus) that will form some crust around the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.
Avoid cleaning with batadine, hibiclens, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, dial or other harsh soaps as they can damage cells. Also avoid ointments as they will prevent necessary air circulation. Avoid bactine pierced ear care solutions and other products containing benzalkonlum chloride (bzk) and benzethonlum chloride (bzt) These can be irritating and are not intended for long term wound care. Avoid over-cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.
Avoid all oral contact, rough play and contact with others bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing. Avoid stress and recreational drug use, including excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of water such as lakes, pools and hot tubs.
ORAL PIERCINGS
To reduce swelling allow small pieces of ice to dissolve in the mouth. Take an over the counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium according to package instructions. Refrain from smoking and the transfer of foreign body fluids until the swelling subsides. Remember to check the jewelry periodically to make sure it is fastened properly.
For lip or labret piercings, wash the same as listed for body piercings but follow with a thorough rinse of inside the mouth using Crest Pro-Health for 30 seconds after meals and at bedtime (4-5 times daily) during the entire healing period. Cleaning too often or with to strong a rinse can cause discoloration and irritation for your mouth and piercing.
TATTOO REMOVAL
The tattoo removal laser treatment may create a superficial burn wound. Some patients may experience bruising or swelling. There is immediate whitening of the treated area, which usually lasts for several minutes. Many clients then develop blisters, crusts, or scabs within 8-72 hours, which may last for 1-2 weeks or more. The treated areas may be pink or pale after the scab separates. Scarring, which can be hypertrophic or even keloid, can occur but is very rare. Loss of skin pigment in the treated area can occur, and is temporary except in very rare cases. Healing is usually complete within 4 weeks, although this may vary.
Keep the treated area clean and dry while it is healing. Clean the area gently with soap and water and then pat the area dry. You may apply a thin coating of antibiotic (Bacitracin or Neosporin is recommended) ointment up to three times a day for the first 4-5 days while the area is healing.
Blistering is common and is likely to occur 8 hours after your treatment. Do not be alarmed, blisters heal very well and are part of the normal healing process. Blisters indicate your body’s immune system is healing the area and beginning to remove the ink from your tattoo. It is natural for blisters to pop, and this helps the skin to heal faster in many cases. Continue to put antibiotic ointment over the blisters once they have popped for at least 24 hours.
You may apply cool compresses as necessary for 24 hours after the laser treatment to help reduce discomfort and inflammation. You may take plain Tylenol, but avoid aspirin (it can increase the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.)
Do not pick at the scab or allow the skin to become scraped, as this may result in infection and scarring. Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is completely healed.
Feel free to shower 2 hours after the treatment, but take care to avoid high pressure water hitting the treated area. Baths, hot tubs, swimming pool, or any form of soaking aren’t recommended until all blistering and scabbing are completely healed, as they may increase the risk of infection.
Exercise is generally safe after treatment, taking into account the other after care instructions provided here.
Wear a sun block with an SPF of 25 or higher over the area for 3 months following the treatment. Do not wear makeup or any cream or medication on or near the treated area unless recommended by us for 48 hours.
Itching is very common due to the dehydrating effect of the laser treatment. Use Aquaphor, vitamin E ointment, aloe, or hydrocortisone cream to the treatment area.
If the area looks infected (honey colored crusting and oozing or spreading redness), if you experience an unusual discomfort or bleeding, if any other complications develop, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact us immediately 518-426-8287.
At our tattoo shop, we understand how important it is to take the time necessary to select the right artist or piercer for your body art. Our team of experienced professionals offers a unique selection of varied designs and techniques to ensure each individual finds just what they're looking for. We strive to provide an exceptional experience for all our customers with outstanding customer service, excellent craftsmanship, and hygiene that meets the highest standards in order to help them express their individuality clearly and wholly. We are dedicated to creating a safe space where everyone can have access to quality tattoos and piercings that reflect their own personal style. Our mission is simple: create timeless artwork with passion and care while providing a memorable experience every time you visit us!