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TATTOO AFTERCARE
The following advice we have compiled is based on our experience, our clients’ experiences, and advice from other professionals. By following these instructions and the advice of your artist, you will ensure the longevity and beauty of your tattoo. Please contact us if you have any questions. Dressing:
Cleaning Regimen:
Do’s and Don’ts:
It is normal to have some redness and/or swelling as well as minor discomfort for a few days. If you feel that your tattoo is doing something out of the ordinary please call or stop by in person for further instructions. Your artist will be happy to touch-up your tattoo if needed within the first year. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to stop by In The Skin Tattoo & Piercing Studio or call 361-576-2201 PIERCING AFTERCARE Oral Piercings: Swelling, bruising, tenderness, and/or light bleeding is normal for the first 3-5 days. Some swelling may last for 3-4 weeks. Allowing small pieces of ice to dissolve in the mouth and drink cold drinks to soothe and help reduce swelling. It is also recommended to sleep with your head elevated above your heart during the first few nights. It is normal to have a secretion. This would become a scab if the piercing were on the outside of the body and is part of the healing process. Do not remove your jewelry. Especially with new piercings, your body will immediately begin to close the hole. If you must remove it for a medical procedure or work related activity, please contact us. We sell retainers and can provide advice for you. Follow these three simple rules for caring for your piercing: 1. KEEP IT CLEAN- Rinse mouth with non-iodized sea salt solution after every snack, meal, or use of tobacco products. Dissolve 4 teaspoons non-iodized sea salt to one gallon distilled water; store in the refrigerator. If you wish to use mouthwash, make sure that it is alcohol-free. Now is a great time to get a new toothbrush. For lip piercings, you’ll follow the instructions for facial/body piercings as well to care for the outside of the piercing. 2. DON’T MESS WITH IT- Don’t speak or move your jewelry more than necessary and don’t let others touch it. There is no need to twist or turn the piercing. If it is necessary to handle the piercing, wash your hands thoroughly before and after. 3. DON’T PUT IT WHERE IT DOESN’T BELONG- Avoid oral sexual contact, including wet kissing, during the healing period.Please be very careful not to bite the balls while eating. Slowly eat small bites of food placed directly onto your molars, avoiding spicy, salty, acidic, or hot temperature foods for a few days.It will take a while to get used to having jewelry in your mouth-be patient. Avoid chewing gum, chewing on fingernails, and sharing utensils or cups, and watch out for forks! Tobacco products increase the risks and lengthens the healing time. If you must use, try to cut down, and remember to rinse after with the sea salt solution every time. Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours after the piercing. Facial and Body Piercings: Bleeding, bruising, and/ or swelling is not uncommon. You may feel stinging, burning, or aching for several days. Secretion of a whitish-yellowish fluid is normal and forms a crust, like a scab. Your piercing may also secrete a semi-solid white substance as it is healing. Piercings tend to have a series of “ups and downs” during this process. Be patient and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period. Do no remove your jewelry. Especially with new piercings, your body will immediately begin to close the hole. If you must remove it for a medical procedure or work related activity, please contact us. We sell retainers and can provide advice for you. Follow these three simple rules for caring for your piercing: 1. KEEP IT CLEAN- First wash your hands! Any cleaning done will have little effect if you are touching your piercing with dirty hands. Clean your piercing 2-3 times a day with a mild liquid antimicrobial/germicidal/antibacterial soap. Apply the soap to Q-tips, lather the piercing, helping to remove any crusty material from the jewelry, and rinse completely. When cleaning your piercing in the shower, clean your body first and the piercing last. Apply sea salt soaks at least once a day (2-3 times per day for surface anchors) to expedite healing. Dilute 4 teaspoons of non-iodized sea salt to one gallon distilled water; store in the refrigerator. Pour a small amount into a small cup, such as a shot glass and warm the solution if desired. Invert the cup over the piercing forming a vacuum and soak for a few minutes. Use a cotton ball or gauze pad soaked in the sea salt solution for difficult placements areas. AVOID alcohol, peroxide, Betadine, or Hibiclens as they can hinder the healing process. Do not apply ointments because the seal out oxygen and can cause complications. Do not use band-aids, but if necessary use a sterile dressing. For surface anchors, continue saline soaks at least weekly after it is fully healed. 2. DON’T MESS WITH IT- Do not touch your piercing! Every time you touch your piercing you introduce a multitude of germs and bacteria that are on your hands. Treat it like a scab, don’t pick it! There is no need to twist or turn the piercing. If it is necessary to handle the piercing, wash your hands thoroughly before and after. 3. DON’T PUT IT WHERE IS DOESN’T BELONG- Be careful of all contact with possible irritants such as phones, pillows, hair, cosmetics, combs, brushes, towels, and pet hair. Minimize exposure to filth and avoid all contact with others’ bodily fluids on or near your piercing during the healing period. Do not submerge your piercing in water such as swimming pools, hot tubs, bath tubs, lakes and ponds during the healing period because they contain either a great deal of bacteria or chemicals. Take showers instead. It’s okay if your piercing gets wet from rain or sweat. |
