AFTERCARE | Ontario | Uxbridge Body Art Studio

CARING FOR YOUR TATTOO:

Remove the bandage within 2 - 4 hours of receiving your tattoo.
Wash thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap and water, pat dry with a paper towel.
Apply a very small amount of either unscented vitamin E lotion, unscented Lubriderm or Stay Gold (which is available for purchase at the studio) to the surface of the tattoo area. Be sure to rub it in completely, leaving a film over the tattoo could block off oxygen and keep it from healing properly.
On average, tattoos tend to take a week and a half, to 2 weeks to heal completely.
Whenever you apply your tattoo aftercare, ensure that you have cleaned your hands thoroughly before each application.

DON'TS:

Do not allow soaking or submerging in water. This could result in loss of colour, scarring or vulnerability to infection.
Do not wear tight or restrictive clothing over your tattoo. This will block off oxygen, as well as trap bacteria in, causing your tattoo to heal improperly.
Do not pick or scratch your tattoo. This will also cause healing complications.
Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning for 2 weeks or until your tattoo is fully healed. After this time, do not expose yourself to any prolonged sunlight without the use of sunscreen. This extends the life of your tattoo. Sunlight kills skin cells; these cells then fall off, causing the colour and quality of your tattoo to fade.
Do not allow your shower to beat directly onto your tattoo during your healing process. Mainly because this area will be sore and this will not make it feel any better.
Do not re-bandage your tattoo. Your tattoo will need all of the oxygen it can get.
Do not use Neosporin/Polysporin. They are drawing agents used to draw out infection. It will treat the ink in your tattoo as an infection and try to draw it out.
Do not use any petroleum based products i.e.; Vaseline, Neosporin, Polysporin etc... They Do not allow the skin to breathe properly, and may cause improper healing.
Do not allow your tattoo to dry out. Keeping it moist at all times will prevent it from scabbing, and eventually losing colour.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:

It is possible for your tattoo to remain red and irritated for a few days after your tattoo has been finished.
It is possible for you to be irritated or allergic to inks or aftercare. Although rare, the possibility does exist. If you do experience an allergic reaction, CONTACT Uxbridge Body Art, and we can guide you into the right direction for how to treat your reaction.
It is possible for areas, such as feet, hands and necks to heal out with light or missing spots. This unfortunately is the nature of those areas, and Uxbridge Body Art cannot guarantee work done on these areas. Instead of the usual free touch-up, touch-ups on hands, feet and necks will cost a minimum of $25.00 + applicable taxes.
Pain, redness and swelling are normal with new tattoos for the first few days; the best ways to cut down on them is to wear non-restrictive clothing and refraining from strain on your tattooed area.
It is possible for infection to occur depending on how the tattoo has been cared for. Signs and symptoms of an infection are; swelling, soreness and redness lasting longer than a few days, fogginess of your tattoo and discharge from your tattoo. If you experience any of these symptoms 48 - 72 hours after your tattoo has been applied, please CONTACT Uxbridge Body Art and we will be able to guide you to a solution, which may include consulting your family physician.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Washing your new tattoo with your fingertips will feel more comfortable for you.
Allow your tattoo to be exposed to oxygen whenever possible, while still keeping it moist. This will cut healing time drastically.
Keep your tattoo clean.
Keep sun block applied to your tattoo when you are in the sun, or tanning after it heals. This will preserve its appearance.
If you feel you may have an infection, CONTACT Uxbridge Body Art.