Aftercare
Fineline tattoos are very delicate, both aesthetically and physically. By nature, they do not go as deep in the skin as traditional tattoos. Due to this, you can expect little to no bleeding and minimal discomfort both during and after the procedure. For these reasons, it is not uncommon for fineline tattoos to need a retouch. Everyone heals differently, and every artist knows best how their work heals. Please follow the instructions I’ve gone over with you in the shop. I’ve listed them here for your convenience, and as always, you can contact me with any questions or concerns.
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Preparing for Your New Tattoo
Before getting tattooed, it's important to properly prepare your skin to ensure the best possible outcome. Be sure to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and blood thinning medications for at least 24 hours beforehand.
Eating a good meal to keep your blood sugar levels steady also helps when getting tattooed. Do not shave over the area, that’s best done during the procedure. When possible, moisturize and lightly exfoliate the area you would like tattooed before you come in.
Second Skin
Your tattoo will be bandaged with a thin layer of clear plastic called Second Skin. This is a is latex-free, waterproof, breathable and hypoallergenic bandage. It should be left on overnight, or for a maximum of 24 hours. If you’re traveling within that timeframe, I suggest you remove it once you’ve reached your destination.
I’ve personally found that whenever someone has an aversion to Second Skin, it’s always because they weren’t properly informed about how to remove it. Hopefully these instructions will help not only my clients, but anyone who’s ever struggled with taking the bandage off.
How to remove Second Skin Bandage
Remove the Second Skin bandage under warm, soapy water. Start by ‘lifting’ the corner closest to you with a clean fingernail. Once you have enough to securely grab, slowly pull the plastic outwards. Try to think of the corners as arrows, and stretch them out in the direction the arrows are pointing.
This process can take a considerable amount of time, so don’t rush. You can also work your way around the bandage by stretching each corner outward. Do not remove it like a regular bandage by pulling one corner across the tattoo to the opposite side. This can not only be painful, but it can damage your skin as well as the tattoo.
Tattoo Care
Once the bandage has been removed, wash with mild soap and water using only your fingers. No body gel or perfumed soap, as they will irritate your new tattoo. Blot dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Let air dry for a few minutes before applying a very small amount of unscented hand cream.
I recommend Neutrogena Concentrated Hand Cream for Dry, Chapped Hands, but any hand lotion without fragrance will do. Gently rub it in until it disappears. Absolutely no vitamin E or coconut oil. Bepanthen Tattoo is also very good, but contains lanolin (non-vegan/wool allergies).
Apply lotion with clean hands 2-3 times a day for the next 2 weeks. Wash twice daily.
Healing Process
Everything you experience with your new tattoo will be normal, even if you’re not used to it.
The skin will stay red and swollen for about 3 days afterwards.
A small amount of plasma may come out of the tattoo while it is bandaged. You may even see excess ink.
Itching and flaking are nothing to worry about. You’re not losing your tattoo. The dead skin on top will flake off, the ink has been deposited underneath.
The tattoo will most likely look healed within 5-10 days, but the skin itself will continue to heal for up to 1 month. If a touch up is needed, it should be done 4 weeks after application, at the earliest.
DOs and DON'Ts
No itching, picking, sun, swimming, baths, sauna, or fake tan applications until the tattoo is fully healed. Do not re-bandage the tattoo once Second Skin has been removed. Wear loose-fitting, clean clothes over your new tattoo until it’s completely healed.
Refrain from wearing jewelry over the fresh tattoo, if in a place where that’s applicable. Shave around (not over) the tattoo for 4 weeks, if necessary. Lastly, do not exfoliate or use exfoliating products after being tattooed.
The better care you take of your new tattoo from the very beginning, the better it’ll look and last!
