:: Prior to your appointment, PLEASE NOTE:
Do not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs for pain
relief purposes prior to tattoo sessions. Both aspirin
and alcohol thin your blood and promote excessive bleeding.
Aspirin also decreases the clotting of blood, which
will slow down your healing as well. In addition, our
artists do not appreciate dealing with drunks and is
illegal in many states.
:: Regarding our Tattoos
We have a $50 minimum that guarantees you have brand
new needles, ink, and ink caps for each and every person.
Everything is disposable and ‘one-time’
use only. Our artists have completed First Aid,
CPR, and Blood Borne Pathogen classes. They
all possess certificates of completion from the Body
Art Seminars hosted by the Volusia County Health
Department .
“A tattoo is one of the most dynamic symbols
of self expression ever created and it is important
to rely on the expert guidance of your artist for the
proper aftercare of your life-long treasure.”
You were tattooed in a modern studio with sterilized
instruments and pigments and, after the process, the
artist may have dressed the tattoo with a small amount
of Tattoo Goo, Black Cat, or A & D. The long life
of your tattoo depends upon the care you give it during
the first few days and weeks.
1. Do not re-bandage the tattoo
2. Do not apply Vaseline, lanolin or petroleum based
products (no Neosporin)
3. Do not apply alcohol
4. Do not rub, scratch or pick at the tattoo
5. Do not expose to direct sunlight, swim or soak in
sauna, steam bath or tub for 2 weeks
6. Be sure clothing touching your tattoo is clean and
soft
:: A tattoo is considered minor surgery.
It may bleed a bit at first, but it will stop within
a couple of hours. Remove your bandage in one hour.
If the gauze, bed sheets or clothes sticks to the skin,
soak the area with cold water until the gauze, bed sheets,
or clothes loosens, then remove carefully.
Once the tattoo is exposed, wash it carefully in cold
water, gently applying antibacterial soap with fingers
(never use a cloth) to remove all surface blood. Rinse
with cold water. Do not let the water stream directly
hit the tattoo. Pat dry with a clean towel and air-dry
for 15 minutes. Then gently apply a thin layer of Tattoo
Goo ointment sparingly. Massage into your skin. Do not
leave your tattoo wet looking due to excessive ointment.
Repeat 3 or 4 times a day for 7 to 10 days.
After 5 to 14 days the tattoo may start to peel (this
is normal like a sunburn) and scab. DO NOT pick or peel
the skin away, let it fall off naturally during washing
or application of Tattoo Goo. Fresh skin will soon replace
the dead skin. Colors may fade during the process but
will return when healing is completed.
Tattoo Goo lotion keeps your tattoos from drying and
the skin areas soft and moist. Always apply sparingly.
Too much prevents the skin/tattoo from breathing, and
can cause leeching of the colors. If this happens, discontinue
use, wash the tattoo, pat dry, and consult your tattoo
artist at your earliest convenience.
After a few weeks, all scabbing will be gone; but the
area may still be sensitive. Continue regular cleaning
and application of Tattoo Goo lotion for proper aftercare
for your tattoo.
Exposure to the sun is the major cause of tattoo fading,
but after a few months you may sunbathe in moderation.
Always use a sun block (at least SPF-30 sunscreen that
provides UVA and UVB protection).
If you experience any reaction to Tattoo Goo, discontinue
use and consult your tattoo artist. We recommend if
there is an irritation to use Vaseline Intensive Care
Lotion (non-scented) or Lubriderm.
:: Tattoo Aftercare Overview
1. Remove your bandage after an hour.
2. Wash gently with warm water using a mild liquid soap
like Dial. Make sure to wash all the built up plasma
off
3. Rinse for 3 minutes in cool water.
4. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel and then let
it air dry for 5–10 minutes. If a build up of
lymph fluid occurs during drying, pat it off gently
with a clean towel.
5. Apply a “THIN” layer of Tattoo Goo or
Black Cat ointment. Massage in ointment (a little goes
a long way). Blot off excess ointment with paper towel.
It is better to have the tattoo on the dry side, than
to have it too moist. Repeat 2–3 times a day for 3–4 days. Then switch to Tattoo Goo lotion, Black
Cat lotion, or Lubriderm non-scented lotion for sensitive
skin.
:: No soaking in Water
:: No swimming
:: No direct sunlight
:: Do not pick at your tattoo
:: Always use clean hands to wash your tattoo
:: Always use a clean towel to dry your tattoo
It is normal for your tattoo to look like the ink is
‘coming out’ of your skin for the first
few days. Do not be alarmed. This is part of the normal
healing process. Just keep following the healing aftercare
as normal. If your tattoo itches during healing, pat it instead
of scratching it. If you have any further questions,
please feel free to call us at (386) 253-5857 or fax
us at (386) 255-5999. |