Aftercare

What to expect

• Your tattoo will be tender and warm for a few days, similar to a sunburn.
• Plasma, a semi-translucent fluid, will ooze from your tattoo for 12-24 hours. This is your body's way of healing itself! Plasma may mix with the fresh pigments and become darker in appearance.
• Some swelling is normal, and can be exacerbated by activity.
• After a few days your tattoo will begin to peel. You will experience dry, itchy, skin during this time.

What to do with plastic

• Leave your wrap on for 2-8 hours. If tattooed late in the day, you can leave your tattoo wrapped until morning.
• Remove your bandage using only clean hands.
• Wash your tattoo using warm water and an unscented, antibacterial soap. Use only your fingertips when washing a healing tattoo.
• Pat dry with a clean towel or let air dry. Do not rub your tattoo with a towel.
• Once dry, moisturize lightly with ointment (Aquafor, CeraVe Healing). Rub the ointment in like a lotion. Your moisturized tattoo should have a sheen to it, but should not be tacky or sticky to the touch.
• Repeat washing and moisturizing 2-3 times per day.
• After 3-5 days, you can switch to an unscented lotion or coconut oil as needed to moisturize.

What to do with Adhesive Bandages (Saniderm, Tegaderm, Derm Shield, Second Skin)

• You can leave this bandage on for 3-5 days. Remove immediately if you notice any redness, irritation, rash, or discomfort.
• This bandage is waterproof, but submerging in water is not recommended.
• If your bandage is no longer airtight, remove it as soon as possible and continue with standard aftercare (listed above).
  • If plasma leaks out from under the bandage.
  • If an edge rolls or pops up, exposing the tattoo to air.
• Remove your bandage using only clean hands. Many people like to do this under warm, running water or in the shower. Sometimes it is easier to remove if pulled straight up or down, rather than away from the body.
• Wash your tattoo using warm water and an unscented, antibacterial soap. Use only your fingertips when washing a healing tattoo.
• Moisturize with an unscented lotion.

What not to do

• Do not scratch your tattoo. Scratching can pull away tissue and pigment.
• Do not use a wash cloth or loofa on a fresh tattoo.
• Avoid sun exposure. Do not use sunscreen on a fresh tattoo, rather keep it covered or stay out of the sun until healed.
• Do not go swimming or submerge in a bath.
• Do not use scented lotions or soaps until your tattoo has peeled.
• Don't shave the area of a fresh tattoo until after it has peeled.
• Avoid contact with pet fur and dander.

Contact a healthcare professional at the first sign of infection. This may include inflammation, swelling, redness, or increased tenderness after several days. 

To file a complaint, visit http://chs.health.ok.gov or email ConsumerHealth@health.ok.gov. Filing a complaint gives the Health Department knowledge that a tattoo establishment or artist may be in violation of OK Title 310:233.