AFTERCARE

After your tattoo is completed, I will apply a product called Second Skin to your fresh tattoo. Second skin is a breathable adhesive bandage that remains on the tattoo during the first days of the initial healing period. Please keep the second skin on for 5-7 days to allow it the proper time to cover the tattoo.

After the 5-7 days has passed, please remove the second skin carefully. Please remove either in the shower or immediately after the shower, this way the second skin will be much more pliable and will be easy to remove without damaging your tattoo.

Pull gently away from yourself to remove the bandage. Gently wash the area with unscented soap and cold water (I recommend using an antibacterial soap such as unscented Dial Foaming Soap, but any soap is fine as long as it is unscented). Avoid using anything other than clean, washed hands to lather and clean the tattoo.

After the tattoo is cleaned, either gently pat dry with a piece of paper towel or allow it to air-dry. Do not use a towel as there can be pathogens in the material.

I usually recommend allowing the tattoo to air-dry naturally for anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours before applying lotion, depending on how dry your tattoo is.

Healing times differ depending on the size/detail on your tattoo. For smaller tattoos (all linework or linework with minimal shading), your tattoo will typically take a week/2 weeks for the initial healing period. For larger pieces (bigger in scale with linework/heavier shading) your tattoo will typically take 2-3 weeks for the initial healing period.

For the next 2-3 weeks while your tattoo is healing, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion 1-3 times a day as necessary. Apply a thin layer of lotion to the tattoo during each application; you want the area to be moisturized, but applying too much lotion will suffocate your tattoo and affect healing times. Keep the tattoo clean by cleaning once a day with the unscented soap.

If you have pets that sleep in the bed with you, I highly recommend changing your sheets and having your pets sleep separately from you while your tattoo is healing.

For the next 2-3 weeks while your tattoo is healing it is normal to expect itchiness, flaking and and a shiny, scaly texture on your tattoo. It is important not to pick/scratch your tattoo, as parts of the tattoo can be damaged and fall out. The touch-up policy does not cover self-inflicted damage to the tattoo, and touch-ups will not be covered and will require paying the minimum cost.

Scabbing is rare but can happen during the healing period. If your tattoo scabs, do not pick at it. Be diligent and take good care of the tattoo and allow it to heal naturally. It can take longer to heal if scabbing occurs, so you will have to be extra-careful to follow the tattoo healing procedures.

For the next 2-3 weeks avoid submerging the tattoo in water of any kind, including but not limited to baths, pools, hot tubs and even saunas. Showing is completely fine, but avoid rubbing/exfoliating the tattoo when showering.

Avoid as much sun contact on your tattoo as you can while the tattoo is healing. This is especially relevant during the summer. During the fall/winter months the sun is not as strong, but should still be avoided if possible. Try to wear clothing that covers the tattoo when outdoors. Do not apply sunscreen to the tattoo while it is healing.

If you go to the gym, I recommend taking a break or at least avoiding cardio until the second skin is removed. Gyms are rarely a clean environment, and you want to avoid sweat pooling underneath the bandage.

Please allow 4-6 weeks in healing time for your tattoo to be completely healed and settled. After the tattoo is completely healed, if you notice small inconsistencies to your tattoo (fall out of ink, inconsistencies of line weight) please feel free to contact me for a complimentary touch- up! Tattooing is not a perfect science, and everyone's skin/parts of the body takes the ink differently. I always want to make sure that everyone's tattoos are looking as good as possible long-term. Touch-ups are complimentary for the first year after your tattoo is completed. Please note: fine-line tattoos are especially prone to requiring touch-ups.

I highly recommend following a sunscreen/lotion regimen long-term to keep your tattoo aging as well as possible.

Your tattoo will take approximately 4-6 weeks to heal, though everyone heals at different speeds. If you have any questions or concerns, please email eliselamxtattoos@gmail.com or reach out on Instagram.