Tattoo Aftercare

I generally bandage my tattoos with a medical-grade adhesive bandage system that is applied directly after your tattoo is completed. The bandage is clear, flexible and sticks to your skin like a very sticky bandaid. This is a simple, hands-off healing approach that requires minimal work on your part.

• Leave the adhesive bandage on the tattoo for 3-4 days, and go about your life.

• The bandage is waterproof so you can shower normally, but avoid baths, swimming and otherwise soaking the bandage in water.

• When you’re ready to take the bandage off, take a hot shower and soak the bandage for a few minutes before gently peeling it off in the shower. You can use soap, hot water and gentle rubbing to help remove the bandage, which does stick firmly to the untattooed skin.

• After the bandage has been removed, if there is residual stickiness use a small amount of baby oil to remove the adhesive and then wash well with soap and water. Gentle rubbing can also remove the stickiness, but don’t pick or scratch.

• After the bandage is off, wash your tattoo at least once per day (and after any activity that leaves you sweaty) and apply a small amount of any dye- and scent-free hand lotion. Aveeno, Curel, and Lubriderm are all good brands, but any plain, unscented lotion will work.

• Continue to wash and lotion regularly for a 1-2 weeks, depending on how quickly your skin heals.

If you prefer not to use the adhesive bandage or have an allergy to it, I will bandage your tattoo with a layer of ointment and a temporary bandage.

• Leave the bandage on for 2-3 hours, or until you’re in a location where you can clean the tattoo thoroughly.

• Remove the bandage and wash the tattoo well with soap and warm water. Pat gently dry with a clean towel, then air dry the tattoo for 5-10 minutes.

• Apply a light amount of a dye- and scent-free hand lotion, as above.

• Repeat the washing and lotion process 2-3 times a day for the first 3-5 days, decreasing to once per day as the tattoo heals.

• Feel free to take over-the-counter pain killers like ibuprofen or Tylenol in the first few days to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.

• Ice packs on the tattooed area can also reduce swelling and discomfort, especially for body parts that swell significantly like joints and lower limbs. Try applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes 2-3 times in the first few days, or as needed for comfort.

• Don’t pick or scratch at your fresh tattoo; if it itches apply a small amount of lotion instead.

• Keep your fresh tattoo out of the sun as much as possible for the first two weeks, and be sure to use a good sunscreen on your tattoo after that.

• If you have any healing questions or concerns, please email me at JCramerTattoos@gmail.com with a subject line about healing.