TATTOO AFTERCARE

REMOVING YOUR DERM SHIELD

Derm Shield is a clear, sterile, adhesive bandage that allows the healing fluids your body naturally produces to stay locked in against the tattoo, keeping it hydrated, free from friction or bacteria expediting the healing process, reducing any scabbing or scarring.

A “bubble” of ink, blood, and plasma form – this is normal and will flatten out in a few days as your body reabsorbs it.

It is water resistant and is perfectly fine to shower in – avoid strenuous exercise while wearing it. Excess sweat can bubble up under the bandage.

Leave on for at least 4 days.

Gently peel the Derm Shield by pulling it slowly from the edge back over itself. Do not pull the bandage upwards.

If taken off too quickly, you may see red patchy areas appear around the tattoo.

These will disappear in a few days.

GENERAL TATTOO AFTERCARE

Do not be alarmed if your new tattoo is sore, red or swollen for a few days. This is normal.

However, if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks please contact your physician.

If serious infection occurs contact the ACC Environmental Health Department and report your incident: 706.583.2658

Once Derm Shield is removed, wash hands, clean any dried ink, blood, and or plasma off your tattoo using a gentle, unscented soap. Dove, Ivory and Dr. Bronners make great options.

After washing it, keep your tattoo lightly moisturized using a petroleum-free product. We suggest Redemption Aftercare. You may also use a gentle unscented lotion such as Lubriderm.

Repeat these steps for 5 days.

Do not submerge for at least 2 weeks after being tattooed or post Derm Shield removal.

Do not allow prolonged sun exposure for at least 2-4 weeks after your tattoo.

TIPS FOR HEALING COLOR

• Moisturize any time your tattoo feels tight or dry, especially if it is in a spot with a lot of movement. Always moisturize after washing. Moisturizing when it is very itchy can help with itch, too!

• Make sure to dry your tattoo completely before moisturizing.

• Don’t over moisturize, especially if you use a petroleum-based product (Aquaphor, A&D). A thin layer is ideal: your tattoo needs to breathe! Dap off excess with a clean paper towel.

•  DO NOT pick or scratch. If flakes of skin come off before they are ready, they can pull ink out with them.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing on the tattoo area while it is healing. In the first few days while your tattoo is still very weepy, if your clothing gets stuck to it, remove the clothing very slowly and gently. If necessary, soak the clothing in the shower to help release it from the skin.

• Areas of full color or black saturation can sometimes stay dry or raised after the tattoo is healed. Continuing to moisturize will help; shea butter or coconut oil especially help raised areas go down.

THESE ARE NORMAL REACTIONS

• Swelling in the first 1-2 days, especially if the tattoo is near a joint.
• The area being warm to the touch
• Itchiness
• Peeling/flaking
• Bruising

THESE ARE NOT NORMAL REACTIONS

• Colored pus or discharge
• Foul smelling discharge
• Warm to the touch after the first 5 days
• Red bumps. This can also be a sign that you’re over moisturizing and suffocating the skin.

PIERCING AFTERCARE

Wash your hands before and after.

Gently clean your piercing twice a day with a sterile, pre-packaged saline solution.

For best results, soak your piercing in the solution using a heavily saturated cotton ball/pad for about 3-5 minutes. If necessary, use a cotton swab saturated with saline to remove any dried fluids from the area. This is important for proper airflow to the piercing.

It is important not to touch or play with your piercing during the healingprocess.

DO

• Clean your piercing twice a day.
• Remove all blood and crusties each time you clean it.
• Wash your hands before touching your piercing for any reason.
• Check your jewelry frequently to ensure it is staying secure during your everyday activities.

Be mindful of your new piercing. It is an open wound, and initial jewelry sizes are rather long and easy to snag.

Consult with your piercer if you have any issues during the healing process.
You are not alone on this journey! Your piercer is always here to help.

DO NOT

• Do not touch your piercing unless you are cleaning it.
• Do not clean your piercing with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, contact solution, tea tree oil, or soap.
• Do not play with your jewelry.
• Do not sleep on your healing piercing, this can lead to discomfort and harmful angle migration.
• Do not remove the jewelry to clean the piercing.
• Do not change your jewelry early.
• Do not risk irritation through cosmetics (ex: makeup, spray tans, hair dye, hair products, ointments/ lotions).
• Do not submerge your piercing in dirty bodies of water such as swimming pools, hot tubs, oceans, rivers, and lakes for at least 3-4 weeks.
• Do not self diagnose using the internet.

Always consult with your piercer. They are here to help!

COME BACK FOR YOUR DOWNSIZE!

Downsizing your initial piercing jewelry is critical for healthy healing. Most issues we see with piercings are the result of not downsizing. Most piercings can be ready for a downsized post after 4 weeks of healing. Please make note of when your piercer tells you to come back for a downsize/jewelry change, and call us or book online!