TATTOO AFTERCARE
After getting a tattoo, be sure to take proper care of the tattoo site in order to promote proper healing, prevent infection, and preserve the final appearance of the tattoo.
• Wash hands thoroughly* before touching a healing tattoo.
• Remove bandage within 24 to 48 hours of application.
Support Skin while removing bandage and use on of the following techniques to remove:
1. Gently grasp one edge and slowly peel bandage from the skin in the direction of hair growth. Avoid trauma by peeling bandage back, rather than pulling to from the skin
2. Grasp one edge of bandage and gently pull it straight out to stretch it and release adhesion. Remember to pull bandage BACK, rather than pulling it up from the skin.
Do not re-bandage tattoo.
• Gently wash off excess ointment and fluids from tattoo with clean, bare hand and hot water. Pat dry with a clean, single-use paper towel; do not rub with towel. Apply a thin layer of ointment such as AQUAPHOR, Tattoo Salve, BacitracinTM Zinc Oxide ointment, or Vitamin A&D ointment. After applying 3 times a day for 3 days, substitute a gentle fragrance-free and color-free body lotion.
• Repeat the above washing/ointment procedure at least 3 times a day for 1–2 weeks.
• If signs of infection or allergic reaction occur IMMEDIATELY contact your doctor, physician, or healthcare provider, and file the incident with the Athens Clarke County Health Department at (706)-583-2658
NOTE:
• DO NOT pick, rub, scratch, or “help along” the scabbing process. Some scabbing is normal. Excessive scabbing, however, may indicate a poorly done tattoo. Picking at the scabs or flakes may pull the color out and can increase chances of infection.
• DO NOT expose tattoo to sun or a tanning bed until completely healed (At least 4 weeks). Note: After tattoo is healed, use sun block whenever exposed to the sun.
• DO NOT get the tattoo wet for two weeks except for gentle washing; no hot baths, hot tubs, or swimming.
• DO NOT use Hydrogen Peroxide or rubbing alcohol on your tattoo.
• DO NOT wear tight clothing or nylons over your tattoo until healed.
• DO NOT touch your tattoo with dirty hands, clean hand thoroughly before applying ointment or lotion
LOVE HAWK
160 Tracy Street Unit 1 Suite 7
Athens, GA 30601
706.540.6555