Aftercare

Recovery Derm Aftercare Instructions:

Leave plastic on for 3-4 days. There will be a layer of fluid underneath, which is normal.

If any fluid leaks out of the plastic, remove the plastic as soon as possible. You will then need to start cleaning and moisturizing immediately. If fluid can get out, dirt can get in, so it's important that is taken care of as soon as it happens.

You can shower with the Recovery Derm shield, but no submerging under water.

After removing the Recovery Derm shield, begin normal aftercare. Removing it with warm water in the shower is recommended, but not necessary.

You will need to wash your tattoo 3-5 times a day with liquid, unscented soap. We recommend Dial. Let the area dry for a minute or pat dry with a clean paper towel. Once it is dry, you can apply a thin layer of moisturizer. Aquaphor is the most accessible, but Hustler butter, Vitalitree, Redemption and the Mad Rabbit soothing gel are all good products to use.

Do your best to not let your tattoo dry out throughout the day.

Once your tattoo is healed, always use sunscreen if it's going to be exposed to the sun for long periods of time.

If you are not using Recovery Derm and we are just using normal plastic wrap:

Leave the plastic on until you get home. Once you are there, you can take the plastic off and clean and moisturize your tattoo. You will need to use a liquid, unscented soap. I recommend Dial unscented or gold. Moisturize with aquaphor, hustle butter, vitalitree or redemption.

For the first two nights, make sure you cover your tattoo with plastic wrap and medical tape before sleeping. It will prevent the tattoo from drying out overnight and keep the tattoo from sticking to your sheets. Always clean it well before you wrap it. This is only necessary for the first couple of nights, but I wouldn't do it for less than that. When you get out of bed, remove the plastic and clean/moisturize.

During the day, just continue to clean and moisturize 3-5 times.  If you would like, you can switch to lotion after about a week or longer. 

Do not:

• Don't pick or scratch your tattoo.

• No submerging underwater (baths, pools etc.) until healed. Showers are fine.

• No bar soap (it collects bacteria).

• No Neosporin or antibiotic cream.

• I don't recommend lotion while the tattoo is still pretty fresh.

What to expect:

It will itch and peel like a sunburn. There may be some swelling and redness. it might develop some scabbing, which is normal. Just let the scabs fall off naturally. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to heal.

What not to expect:

Tattoos are open wounds and infections can happen if they aren't taken care of properly. If you notice any puss or unusual hotness, that isn't normal and I would suggest going to a doctor to get some oral antibiotics. Once an infection has started, discontinue use of any creams or lotions until the infection has cleared, but continue washing regularly.