Support and Aftercare

DARK SIDE INK GALLERY TATTOO STUDIO

115A East Main Street, Walhalla, SC 29691 864-247-4698

TATTOO AFTERCARE

The first week is the most important healing time for your new tattoo. Make sure you care for it properly. Below is the healing procedure do's and don'ts that we recommend. Because each individual is different this may not always be the best recommendation for each person. We recommend you follow the advice from your tattoo artist or seek advice from a health care provider first.

  1. Leave the bandage that you received after the tattoo on for 2-10 hours. Tattoos will ooze, this is a normal; part of the healing process. The bandage is there to keep airborne bacteria and any other contaminants in the environment from invading your wound.

  2. Make sure that your hands have been washed thoroughly before you remove the bandage.

  3. After removing the bandage, cleanse the tattooed area with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Do not scrub the tattoo with a brush or towel. (This should not be done until the tattoo is completely healed.) The idea behind the washing is to eliminate any dead cells that may have been allowed to accumulate on the surface.

  4. Dry the tattooed area by gently patting the area with a clean, sterile towel. (like a paper towel)

  5. Let the tattoo dry completely (approx. 10 mins)

  6. Lightly apply lubriderm lotion or light layer of aquaphor.

  7. You do not need to re-bandage.

  8. Repeat steps above for up to 14 days, up to 2-3 times daily. The idea behind this process is to not let the tattoo "dry out." After a few days you may begin to notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Excessive scabbing can indicate a poorly done tattoo, but some scabbing may be normal. It is at this point in the healing process that your tattoo will begin to itch. RESIST THE URGE TO SATISFY YOUR DESIRE TO SCRATCH, RUB, OR PICK AT THE TATTOO. REMEMBER- the first week for a new tattoo is the most important time during the healing process. Make sure your take care of it properly. Consult a physician if you experience symptoms such as excessive swelling, redness, yellow, green discharge or fever.

SOME FINAL DO'S AND DON'TS DO NOT:

  1. Go swimming or soak in a hot tub or bath.

  2. Use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on your tattoo.

  3. Itch, pick, or scratch the tattoo.

  4. Participate in activities that will make you sweat.

DO:

  1. Stay out of the sun until your tattoo completely.

  2. Apply sun block to tattoo AFTER it has healed whenever it is exposed to the sun to protect it from damaging ultraviolet rays.

SC DHEC CONTACT INFO If you may have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the South Carolina Dept. of Health and Environmental Control.Email: info@dhec.sc.gov Phone: 803-898-3432Address: 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201