Aftercare
Ellis Ink Tattoo Aftercare
When your tattoo is finished, your artist will apply a clear, waterproof bandage to cover your tattoo.
- The Bandage will stay on your tattoo for 3 days (the day of your tattoo and the two following days). You will have plasma, blood, and ink build up under the bandage, this is completely normal.
- On the fourth day, you will remove the Bandage in the shower by slowly peeling from the top corner down to the bottom. Try not to allow the skin to stretch when peeling the Bandage off of your skin.
- Once the Bandage has been removed, gently wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap and warm water. Do not allow the shower jets to spray directly on your tattoo and be sure to wash your tattoo after washing the rest of your body.
- When you get out of the shower, you may lightly pat dry your tattoo with a clean towel, but do not wipe or rub it with the towel. You may also let it air dry, or any combination of the two.
- You will now apply a small amount of white, unscented, alcohol free lotion to your tattoo. there should not be any excess left over. Whatever rubs into the skin is plenty. You will do this five to six times a day for the next two to three weeks. It is ideal that you wash your hands and tattoo every time before applying lotion so you do not rub anything into your tattoo(bacteria, germs, debris).
DO NOT soak your tattoo in any water for three weeks (i.e. pools, hot tubs, lakes, ponds, baths, saunas, etc.)
DO NOT allow direct sunlight on your tattoo for the first three weeks (this includes tanning booths)
DO NOT pick or scratch your tattoo as this can cause a vast number of problems such as ink loss and scarring (allow flaking skin to fall off on its own)
DO NOT use creams, lotions, or ointments that were not approved or specified by your artist.
DO NOT remove your Bandage before the specified time to do so, unless the bandage has been compromised. You can wear it into the shower and wash like normal, just wash gently around the edges of your Bandage.
DO NOT apply large or excessive amounts of lotion or ointments to your tattoo. This will prolong healing, possibly cause the tattoo to become saturated with moisture, and can create large and thick scabbing. This often leads to color loss and scarring.
DO NOT sleep with your pets in your bed and make sure you have clean sheets for the first three weeks after your tattoo. Pet hair and dander can cause serious infections.
DO NOT follow any other healing method than what is specified in this aftercare. Many artists have different healing methods that are specific to their application of tattooing.
If at any point you have any questions or concerns, please call the shop immediately so we can provide you with the appropriate information to ensure your tattoo heals properly. Asking friends or other artists will get you a different answer from each one and may not be the appropriate action to take in regards to how your artist applies your tattoo. Remember your tattoo is an open wound and must be treated as such. Just like any open wound, it is prone to infection if you do not properly take care of it. Any signs of redness, scabbing, or oozing can be early warning signs and you should contact your artist to prevent it from getting worse.
Tattoo Aftercare Bandage is hypoallergenic and latex free.
Tattoo Aftercare Bandage has a medical grade waterproof adhesive. Remove immediately if you have any irritations from adhesives.
Tattoo Aftercare Bandage uses the theory of moist wound management which allows the skin cells to migrate without interruption of infection or abrasion, resulting in an improved tattoo experience.