Tattoo Aftercare
Sick Tat! But now what? At Paramount Tattoo, we want to make sure your tattoo heals properly, so here’s a guide to what to expect as your tattoo heals. Please note this does not constitute medical advice and if you have any concerns, please consult a medical professional.
The healing time for a new tattoo varies depending on its size and complexity. Here's a general timeline to follow:
Week 1
Your tattoo artist will apply a dressing (like plastic wrap, gauze, or a medical-grade adhesive like Saniderm or Tegaderm). Follow their instructions on how long to keep it on. When you remove it, wash your hands first, then gently peel it off. Wash the tattoo with warm water and a fragrance-free soap, then pat it dry. After a few minutes, apply a thin layer of ointment that your artist has recommended (bacitracin is usually our go-to). It's normal to see some blood, plasma, and ink leaking from the tattoo, and for the area to be red and sore.
The tattoo will start to look duller as it heals, and light scabs may begin to form. Continue to wash the area once or twice a day and apply your recommended lotion or ointment. You might notice excess ink washing off—this is perfectly normal.
If you have a medical-grade dressing, days 4-6 is usually when it's removed. Gently pull the adhesive from the side to stretch it and lift it from the skin. Any redness should start to fade. The scabs will be light, not thick like a cut. Do not pick at the scabs; this can lead to scarring and damage to the tattoo. Keep washing and moisturizing the tattoo as needed.
Week 2
The scabs will harden and begin to flake off naturally. Do not pick or pull at them, as this can pull out ink and cause scarring. The area may become very itchy. Gently apply a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer to relieve the itch. If the tattoo is still red and swollen, contact your artist or a healthcare professional, as this could be a sign of infection.
Weeks 3 and 4
Most of the flaking and scabbing should be gone, though the skin may still look dry and a bit dull. Continue to moisturize until the skin is hydrated again. The outer layers of your skin should be healed, but the deeper layers may take up to 3-4 months to fully recover. By the end of the third month, your tattoo should look vibrant and fully settled.
Remember that ongoing protection from the sun will help stop your tattoo from fading. Wear sun-protective clothing or apply a high-SPF sunscreen to keep your tattoo and its best and to avoid the color from fading
Please note: While some redness, itching, and fluid leakage can be normal at first, worsening symptoms could indicate an issue such as:
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Infection: Signs of an infection include increased redness, warmth, pain, and pus leaking from the tattoo.
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Allergic Reaction: If you are sensitive to the tattoo ink, you may develop an itchy, red rash.
If you are concerned about any of your symptoms, feel free to contact Paramount Tattoo, but if you suspect an infection or allergic reaction then please call a healthcare professional.
Piercing Aftercare
At Paramount Tattoo and Piercing we want to ensure your new piercing heals quickly, if you have any questions please reach out to your piercer.
What to expect during the healing process:
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Initially: It's normal to see some bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or bruising.
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While Healing: You might notice some discoloration, itching, or a whitish-yellow fluid that forms a crust on the jewelry. The skin may also tighten around the jewelry.
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Once Healed: The jewelry may not move freely, and you shouldn't force it. Cleaning your piercing as part of your normal hygiene routine can help prevent the buildup of normal, sometimes smelly, secretions.
Our advice is to be patient in the healing process, because a piercing heals from the outside in, so it may look and feel fine before it's fully healed. Please continue to care for it throughout the entire healing period.
How to Clean:
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Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.
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Spray the piercing with sterile saline (available at Paramount or at a pharmacy). There's no need to rotate or move the jewelry while cleaning.
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Gently dry the area with a clean, disposable product like gauze or a cotton swab to remove any crusty buildup. Avoid using cloth towels, which can harbor bacteria and snag on the jewelry.
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Avoid over-cleaning, as this can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
What to Use:
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Sterile Saline Wound Wash: Use a pre-packaged saline solution that lists only 0.9% sodium chloride and purified water as ingredients. Avoid homemade salt solutions, which are often too strong and can dry out or irritate your piercing.
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Also Avoid: Stay away from harsh products like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, iodine, or ointments. Also, do not use products like Bactine® or anything with Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK).
Important things to remember:
Jewelry: Leave your initial jewelry in place for the full healing period unless there's a problem. Your Paramount piercer can perform a downsize or change if needed, please reach out to the shop for an appointment or walk-ins are available 7 days a week. Always keep jewelry in your piercing, even if it's been there for years, as it can shrink or close in minutes.
Lifestyle:
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Exercise is fine, but protect your piercing from potential trauma and bacteria on gym equipment.
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Showers are generally safer than baths, which can harbor bacteria.
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Oral contact and rough play should be avoided during healing.
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Avoid submerging your piercing in bodies of water like pools, lakes, or hot tubs. If you must, use a waterproof transparent film dressing.
Signs of Trouble: If you suspect an infection, do not remove the jewelry. Instead, consult with a doctor.
Tips for Specific piercings :
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Navel: Use a hard, vented eye patch to protect your piercing from tight clothing or physical activity.
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Ear/Facial: Keep bedding and pillowcases clean. Consider using a travel pillow to avoid sleeping directly on a healing ear piercing, which can cause irritation and angle shifts. Clean items like phones, headphones, and glasses with a disinfectant.
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Nipples: A tight cotton shirt or sports bra can provide comfort and support.
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Genital: Practice hygiene and use barriers like condoms and dental dams to avoid contact with bodily fluids during sexual activity. Showers after intercourse are recommended.