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How to Get Your Tattoo to Heal Properly? Following These Tips After getting a new tattoo, proper aftercare will ensure that your tattoo heals correctly and that it looks the best it can. If done properly, it will prevent you from developing an infection and save you from a little scarring; your ink will look healthy and brilliant. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to take care of your new tattoo.
Healing Timeline
Healing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks; even larger or more intricate tattoos may take much longer. Here’s what you might experience: Day 1-3: tattoo will be red, swollen, may ooze blood and ink; skin starting to heal, scabbing begins, itching.
Weeks 4-6: The majority of visible healing is complete although deeper layers take longer to heal
After Care Immediately
Your tattooist will more than likely bandage or plastic wrap the new tattoo. If so, follow their advice on how long to leave it wrapped-most say 2 -24 hours. Once you’ve removed the wrapping do the following:
- Wash hands in warm soapy water before touching the tattoo.
- Gently wash the area in warm water with a light fragrance-free antibacterial soap.
- Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer.
- About Your Daily Care Routine
- For the first 2-4 weeks:
- Wash the tattoo gently 1-2 times a day with fragrance-free soap.
- With a thin layer apply fragrance-free moisturizer 2 to 3 times daily.
- Avoid soaking your tattoo in water. No swimming. No baths.
Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight .
Wear only soft, breathable loose clothes. This will minimize the potential chafing, further irritating your new tattoo.
- Things to Avoid
- To promote healing well:
- Dont pick at scabs and peeling skin.
- Dont scratch, even if the tattoo itches.
Avoid petroleum-based products; they will smother the skin. Stay out of pools, hot tubs, and bodies of water in nature. Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight or the tanning bed
Signs of Trouble
In addition to some redness and swelling,, look for signs of infection that include:
- Excessive redness and swelling
- Fever
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge
- Hot or tender to the touch
- Call your tattoo artist or doctor if you have any of these signs and symptoms.
- Long-term Care of Your Tattoo
- After your tattoo is fully healed:
Use sunscreen to help protect the tattoo from fading. Be sure to use a broadspectrum blocking sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher. Keep the skin well moisturized to keep health of the tattoo.Have the tattoo refreshed with touch ups when needed.
Follow these after-care tips to make sure your new tattoo comes out great and stays a beautiful work of art for years. If you would like more information on the options for tattoo style or would like to schedule an appointment for a consultation, visit us online.
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