aftercare instructions
clear film bandage aftercare
what happens if I get an ink sack?
Most ink sacks are normal. You are healing in your own plasma, so it's to be expected that you will have some bodily fluids sloshing around under your bandage. It will not harm your tattoo.
You should only be concerned about an ink sack if it leaking or about to burst. If your ink sack does not look like it will make it another day/night, please contact me via email with a photo of the tattoo/bandage.
- Leave the wrap on for 3-5 days, or as directed by me during your appointment.
- Make sure your hands are cleaned thoroughly before removing the bandage and cleaning your tattoo.
- If redness occurs outside of the tattoo bandage, take the bandage off immediately and discontinue use.
- Remove the bandage in the shower or over a sink. Peel a corner of the bandage back SLOWLY. Stretch the bandage diagonally with the skin (like a command strip). TAKE YOUR TIME. Do not rip it off quickly.
- Once the bandage is removed, clean and wash the tattoo and surrounding area with antibacterial unscented soap and water. Use just your fingers to clean the area (no loofas or wash cloths). Rinse the tattoo and surrounding area with cool water. Keep your tattoo out of the direct spray of the shower head or faucet.
- Before applying any aftercare, allow the tattoo to air dry for 3-5 minutes, then dab the excess residue with a clean, wet paper towel. Then, pat your tattoo dry with a clean dry paper towel. Be careful not to rub the tattoo!
- If you needed to take off the bandage before the 3-5 day mark:
- Apply a thin coat of tattoo balm (InkAura) or antibacterial ointment (Aquaphor, Bacitracin, A&D) to the tattoo. Dab off any excess ointment. You should NOT look overly shiny or goopy (only apply thin layer like Chapstick).
- Clean and apply a new coat of tattoo balm or ointment 3-4 times a day for the next 3-4 days.
- If you got all 3-5 days of heal time with your bandage:
- Apply an unscented lotion (InkAura, Lubriderm, Jergens, Eucerin) to the tattoo.
- Clean the tattoo and surrounding area with soap and water 3-4 times a day for the first 3-4 days that the bandage is off.
- Apply lotion 6-8 times per day (approximately every 1-2 hours). The lotion should be applied at least 2 times before the next cleaning.
- Apply lotion to your tattoo regularly for the next 2 weeks. Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized.
- During the healing process, your tattoo will peal or flake, similar to a sunburn. DO NOT pick, itch, or scratch at these flakes. When you clean your tattoo, some of these flakes will come off.
- Wear loose fitting clothing around the tattooed area to reduce the amount of times the tattoo is rubbed against.
- Tattoos generally take 14 days to heal on the outer skin, and 6-8 weeks to heal entirely. This varies from person to person and from tattoo to tattoo.
- If you still have concerns about what to do, please email me! I'm happy to help.
what happens if I get an ink sack?
Most ink sacks are normal. You are healing in your own plasma, so it's to be expected that you will have some bodily fluids sloshing around under your bandage. It will not harm your tattoo.
You should only be concerned about an ink sack if it leaking or about to burst. If your ink sack does not look like it will make it another day/night, please contact me via email with a photo of the tattoo/bandage.