Black and gray Aftercare Instructions

Aftercare Instructions for a Black/Gray Tattoo:

During Appointment: At the end of our session I will put on a layer of second skin over your fresh tattoo. This should stay on for a minimum of 3 nights and a maximum of 6 nights. (4 nights tends to be the sweet spot) Here are a couple of things to keep in mind during the “second skin” stage of healing: 

• It is totally normal for ink/fluid to build up underneath your RecoveryDerm creating an “ink sack”. Do not poke it, cut it, or drain it. If there is no ink leaking out from underneath the RecoveryDerm, leave it be. In the case there is a leak, you MUST take off the layer of RecoveryDerm immediately and wash your tattoo with an unscented antibacterial soap. 

• If there is excessive weeping of your tattoo underneath your second skin, please remove it, clean the tattoo, and place a new layer over your tattoo. I am more than happy to do this for you as well if you come back to the studio within 24 hours of your appointment. 

• If for any reason you have to take off your RecoveryDerm before at least 3 nights have passed, wash your tattoo after removing it, and pat it dry. Allow it to air out for a few minutes before applying a new layer of RecoveryDerm if you have extra. 

• You can take a shower with the RecoveryDerm, it is water resistant, but keep showers to 10 minutes or less and DO NOT use steaming hot water. Absolutely no pool, no sauna, no submerging in water for 14-28 days. 

• You can go to the gym, but be careful and go light. 

• Avoid sunlight for a minimum of 14 days. 

Once you have removed your RecoveryDerm: 

• For the next 7-10 days wash your tattoo 2-3 times per day with an unscented antibacterial soap (depending on what type of environments you are exposed to throughout your day) pat it dry with a CLEAN paper towel and apply a very thin layer of ointment. Remember, less is more. It’s better to put on too little ointment than too much. 

• If your tattoo is in an area that has high movement/stretching of the skin/or high use (i.e. behind the knee, elbow ditch, hands, fingers, etc.) it may not stay on, if you can’t keep the RecoveryDerm on, switch to traditional healing outlined above. 

Things to keep an eye out for:

-Redness around or on your tattoo 

-Raised skin/swelling lasting longer than 1-3 days 

-Pus/discharge from your tattoo

-Heavy scabbing

It is very important to remember that your tattoo is an OPEN WOUND and should be treated with a high level of care and diligence. Not only for it to age well, but also to avoid infection. 

As previously mentioned, no matter how perfect your aftercare is, some things are out of your control. Just like an open wound, it won’t always heal perfectly and the same. Take it day by day. 

For long term aftercare, I highly recommend using Lubriderm unscented lotion (blue cap) 2 times a day to keep your tattoo looking as healthy and fresh as possible.