Aftercare and Pre-Service Instructions

What to expect from your tattoo: The tattoo will take 7-14 days to heal. It will be tender for the first few days, then it will develop a light crust of dry skin over the surface. This crust will gradually flake off like a sunburn. During this period, the tattoo may look pale and uneven in color. THIS IS NORMAL. The last stage of healing will have a tight shiny surface. This waxy look will slowly leave and the skin will return to its normal appearance and texture.

Possible Reactions: Immediately following your tattoo there may be some seeping of blood, or plasma. This is why we bandage your tattoo. Some people experience some minor swelling or bruising depending on where the tattoo site is. As the tattoo heals you may also experience some itching. During your procedure you may feel light-headed or dizzy, faint, or even nausea. This too is normal. If you feel any of these symptoms let your artist know immediately. THESE ARE NORMAL REACTIONS.

Potential Complications: Due to the time involved in healing your tattoo there is always a risk of infection.  Good hygiene can prevent most infections from happening.  We will provide aftercare instructions verbally and in writing after your tattoo is complete.  Some people develop a rash as a result of ointments or lotions applied to their tattoo during healing.  If a rash develops, DISCONTINUE USE IMMEDIATELY and refer to care instructions.  Another possible complication could be an allergic reaction or sensitivity to a particular pigment or ink.  This can be caused by exposure to heat or sun during the healing process.  THIS COMPLICATION IS EXTREMELY RARE.

Hot Rod Bettie's uses the highest grade equipment, pigments, and sterilization techniques available.  ALL OF OUR ARTISTS ARE STATE CERTIFIED AS TO THEIR TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION PREVENTION AND STERILIZATION TECHNIQUES. TIPS:  Be well rested and eat a good meal before you get tattooed.  DO NOT DRINK OR DO DRUGS PRIOR TO BEING TATTOOED.  Celebrate afterwards. 

 1.  If bandaged, leave bandage on for 1 to 4 hours.

2.  Wash your hands. If bandaged, remove bandage, wash your tattoo thoroughly with your bare hand with an unscented liquid soap and water, removing any ointment or blood.  Pat dry with a clean paper towel and air dry for 15 minutes.  Apply a VERY SMALL amount of Aquaphor or A&D ointment, less is better (choose one and stick to it - do not switch back and forth).  Repeat this 3-5 times per day for 3 days.  If irritation occurs, discontinue use, wash, pat dry and wait 24 hours prior to applying a new product.

3.  After 3 days wash your tattoo gently with your hand, unscented liquid soap and water. Pat dry and begin to use a good moisturizing lotion (such as Lubriderm, Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion, Working Hands Cream, etc).  Repeat this 3-5 times a day for two weeks. If irritation occurs discontinue use, wash, pat dry, and wait 24 hours prior to applying a new product.

4.  NEVER rebandage your tattoo, and wear CLEAN, LOOSE clothing.

5.  ABSOLUTELY NO TANNING, PICKING, SCRATCHING, OR SOAKING IN ANY WATER (bathtubs, pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes, streams, etc.)  Pat it gently if it itches. Call us IMMEDIATELY if you have any questions or problems.  We will be glad to help you.

TATTOO SANIDERM INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Always wash your hands before caring for your new tattoo.

2. Keep the Saniderm on for 3-5 days. You may see blood or fluid accumulate under the bandage. This is normal.

3. Do not mess with any wrinkles, air bubbles, or fluid accumulation. If the bandage rips, gets punctured, or lifts at any point, remove it. If you are experiencing pain or redness around the bandage, remove it as this may be an allergic reaction.
Take the bandage off slowly under running water and wash the tattoo with unscented, antibacterial liquid soap and water. Rinse and pat dry. Apply a very thin layer of unscented lotion.

4. Wash your tattoo 3-5 times a day and apply lotion for 1-2 weeks.

ABSOLUTELY NO TANNING, PICKING, or SCRATCHING. With the Saniderm intact, you may submerge it in water for short periods of time. Call us IMMEDIATELY if you have any questions or problems.  We will be glad to help you.

THANK YOU for allowing us to share in the creation of your personal artwork.  We look forward to seeing you again.