Aftercare Info
Instructions
We’ve been in the tattoo business for a while now, and this aftercare protocol is what we find works the best.
We recommend our clients follow these instructions to the best of their ability, however if you choose not to follow them, Birds Eye View Tattoo and it’s artists are NOT responsible for any extra discomfort or tattoo damage that may occur during the healing process.
If your artist did not wrap you in Saniderm:
Remove bandages after 4 hours.
Gently wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm water at least 6 times a day. Soap should be fragrance free and without glitter or dyes.
Gently pat (do not rub) your tattoo dry with clean paper toweling, every time.
Apply a thin layer of "Aquaphor Healing Ointment" after each wash for a week. After the first week, apply a fragrance-free and dye-free lotion to the tattoo several times a day and / or whenever the tattoo feels itchy for another 7 days or longer.
If your artist wrapped you in Saniderm:
Leave the Saniderm bandage on for at least 5 days. Some peeling of the edges is expected but leave it alone as best as you can.
After 5 days, gently peel the Saniderm off the tattoo preferably while in the shower or under running water. It is normal for there to be ink on the bandage.
Gently wash the tattoo with clear antibacterial soap.
Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free and dye-free lotion to the tattoo several times a day and / or whenever the tattoo feels itchy for another 7 days or longer.
Please note:
If you are not sure if your artist wrapped you in Saniderm, then they probably did not wrap you in Saniderm.
After aftercare
Maybe you’re past the first week or two of the healing process, but you’re not out of the woods yet, kiddo.
✦ Wear clean, soft, and loose-fitting clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks - nothing abrasive, tight, or irritating. For foot tattoos, go barefoot as much as possible and avoid wearing shoes as much as you can. The first 5 days are critical for healing.
✦ After a few days, your tattoo may begin to peel and itch. Do not pick, scratch, peel, or rub your tattoo EVER. If it itches, lotion your tattoo again or slap the tattoo gently.
✦ Do NOT pick scabs or peel any flakes! We know there are a lot of scab pickers out there but this can pull pigment from your skin and damage your tattoo.
✦ You can (and should) shower but do not wash or scrub your tattoo with body wash or use a loofah / washcloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to extremely hot water if possible.
✦ Do not soak your tattoo for at least 3 weeks. No swimming (any body of water), baths, or hot tubs!
✦ Do not expose your fresh tattoo to the sun or UV light for at least 4 weeks. After that, use a high SPF rated sunscreen to protect the pigments and extend the quality life of the tattoo.
✦ Avoid direct contact with anyone or anything potentially septic and / or bacterial; including animals, rest rooms, bodily fluids, gym equipment, lakes, rivers, etc. If your tattoo is exposed to any of these, wash with antibacterial soap immediately! You do not want your new tattoo to get infected.
✦ Beware of conflicting advice from friends, family, and the internet!
✦ Although rare, if you do not properly take care of your tattoo, it may become infected. Infections generally include excessive pain, excessive heat from the tattoo, spreading bright-red inflamed tissue around the outside of the tattoo that may also have thin red outward radiating lines, it may ooze yellow pus, or bleed abnormally. If you think your tattoo is infected, seek medical attention immediately.