Healthy Skin Association

Tattoo AfterCare

There is a large and varied number of opinions on the proper steps to tattoo aftercare. One thing we know from studying the anatomy of a tattoo is that improper tattoo aftercare can lead to infection, fading of ink and loss detail and definition to a tattoo that quite possibly is a very expensive piece of body art. In a worst case scenario you could even end up with a very costly scar. Many people believe that once the needlework is done all you have to do is wait for the wound to heal. Nothing could be further from the truth. You don’t need to stay in an ICU ward at the local hospital, but there are certain things that need to be done to protect your investment.

AfterCare Procedure

Although there are many opinions on how to treat your new tattoo most artists agree that the original bandage should remain in place for the first 6 – 12 hours unless the artist covered the area with some kind of plastic or Saran Wrap. The plastic/Saran Wrap prevents air from getting to the “wound” and lack of air is detrimental to proper healing. In this case the plastic should be removed as soon as possible and replaced with with a proper bandage for the next several hours.

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