Aftercare Instructions
Tattoo | Standard Body Piercings | Oral Piercings | Laser Tattoo Removal
Tattoo Aftercare (Pre and Post care)
I. for at least two weeks, minimize exposure to the sun, and discourage swimming in fresh, salt, or chlorinated water;
I. properly cleanse the tattooed area;
IIl. apply antibiotic ointment or cream;
V. use sterile bandage(s) or other sterile dressing(s) when necessary;
V. the client shall consult a health care practitioner at the first sign of infection or an allergic reaction, and report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or adverse reaction resulting from the tattoo to the artist and to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Tattoo and Body Piercing Program at (512) 834-6711.
Pre-Procedure Instructions:
The day before you tattoo, moisturize the desired tattoo area with unscented lotion and keep the desired tattoo area out of the sun. We cannot tattoo on sunburns. If your desired tattoo area is in an area that you do not normally shave, please allow the artist to shave the area you when you come in for your appointment or shave yourself carefully the day of your appointment. BE SURE to drink plenty of water up to the appointment time. DO NOT NOT consume alcohol or any drugs before the procedure. Wear comfortable clothes that make the area easily accessible and that you don’t mind possibly getting stained. To help reduce swelling and irritation, you should take Ibuprofen or similar NSAID an hour or two before the appointment (only if you are not allergic to the substances).
Numbing Cream/Spray
Numbing Cream may be used prior to receiving a tattoo. After applying a small test patch. We recommend applying 2 hours beforehand and sealing with a plastic cling wrap to ensure the product soaks into the pores.
Easy Aftercare Process:
1. Remove Dri-Lock 1-2 hours after your appointment or remove water resistant seal 24 hours after your appointment
2. H2Ocean® - BLUE GREEN FOAM SOAP: Squeeze a small amount of soap into the palm of your hands. With warm water, gently pat the soap and water mixture to clean your tattoo ensuring any dry blood/ink is removed. Pat dry with a clean, dry paper towel. (Repeat 3-5 times daily for the first 2 weeks).
3. H2Ocean® - AQUATAT OINTMENT: Squeeze a small amount of the Aquatat onto your clean fingers or new q-tip. Spread a thin, even layer over the entire tattooed area, absorbing into the skin. Avoid using too much, as excessive ointment can suffocate the skin and delay healing (Repeat as needed)
Optional Post-Healing
H2Ocean® OCEAN FOAM BARRIER: Once your tattoo stops oozing plasma (usually 1-2 days) you can begin using Ocean Foam for tattoo aftercare. Shake can of Ocean Foam and use a golf ball size amount of foam to apply directly to the tattoo and gently rub in until absorbed. Use Ocean Foam 3-5 times daily as needed.
H2Ocean® OCEAN CARE CREAM: Squeeze a small amount of Ocean Care on your fingertips and gently apply a thin layer on your tattoo until absorbed. Reapply as needed throughout the day. Once your tattoo is fully healed this can be used everyday as a daily moisturizer.
Swimming and Submerging
Showering: You may shower the same day as your tattoo appointment. Wash your tattoo using H2Ocean® BLUE GREEN FOAM SOAP or an equivalent unscented antibacterial soap. If you use body wash on the rest of your body, make sure to thoroughly rinse away any soap runoff before finishing your shower, as scented soaps may irritate your fresh tattoo. AVOID HOT WATER. Use lukewarm water instead. Gently cleanse the tattoo using clean hands—do not scrub. Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry. DO NOT rub the tattoo with a bath towel.
Submerging: Do NOT soak your tattoo until it is fully healed (typically 4 weeks). Avoid: Swimming pools, Hot tubs, Lakes, Rivers, Oceans and Baths. Excess moisture and bacteria can increase your risk of infection and may cause your tattoo to heal improperly or lose ink. If your tattoo is accidentally submerged, gently wash it with an unscented antibacterial soap, pat it dry with a clean paper towel, and continue your normal aftercare routine.
Exercising
Light exercise is generally okay as long as it doesn't irritate your tattoo.
During the first 48–72 hours: Avoid heavy sweating whenever possible. Avoid exercises that excessively stretch or repeatedly rub the tattooed area. Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing to minimize friction.
During the first 2 weeks: Avoid contact sports or activities where your tattoo may be bumped, scraped, or exposed to shared gym equipment. After exercising, shower as soon as possible and gently clean your tattoo using H2Ocean® BLUE GREEN FOAM SOAP or an equivalent unscented antibacterial soap. If your tattoo becomes excessively sore, swollen, or irritated during a workout, allow it additional time to heal before resuming that activity.
Standard Body Piercings Aftercare:
I. Properly cleanse the pierced area by using antibacterial or antimicrobial soap for the external skin and or an antiseptic or salt water mouthwash for the oral cavity;
II. For at least the first six weeks, minimize exposure to filth;
III. Use sterile bandage(s) or other sterile dressing(s) when necessary;
IV. The client shall consult a health care practitioner at the first sign of infection or an allergic reaction, and report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or adverse reaction resulting from the body piercing to the artist and to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Tattoo and Body Piercing Program, at (512) 834-6711.
Cleaning Process
To take care of your body piercing(s), wash hands before touching the pierced area, and clean with saline spray and gently pat dry twice a day.
General Care:
- DO wear clean, breathable clothing to reduce irritation and friction on body piercings
- DO rinse piercing well after showering with shampoo/soap to remove residue
- DO be patient—healing can take months
- DO NOT swim for at least 4 weeks. Avoid pools, lakes, hot tubs, and bathtubs as standing water breeds bacteria
- DO NOT sleep directly on fresh piercings (especially cartilage piercings). Ensure bedding is cleaned routinely throughout the healing process.
- DO NOT wear makeup, lotion, sunscreen or perfumes directly on or near the piercing during healing.
- DO NOT snag, tug, bump, or apply pressure to piercing
Jewelry Change:
If downsizing is needed, Body Piercing jewelry may be changed 3 months after the initial piercing date. Otherwise, leave the initial piercing jewelry in for 6-9 months from the initial piercing date, depending on the piercing. We recommend speaking with a piercer prior to any change.
Oral Piercing Aftercare
I. Properly cleanse the pierced area by using antibacterial or antimicrobial soap for the external skin and or an antiseptic or salt water mouthwash for the oral cavity;
II. For at least the first six weeks, minimize exposure to filth;
III. Use sterile bandage(s) or other sterile dressing(s) when necessary;
IV. The client shall consult a health care practitioner at the first sign of infection or an allergic reaction, and report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or adverse reaction resulting from the body piercing to the artist and to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Tattoo and Body Piercing Program, at (512) 834-6711.
Cleaning Process
For oral piercings, use alcohol free mouthwash and toothpaste and brush around the piercing. Brush teeth and tongue gently twice a day using a soft-bristle brush to avoid irritating surrounding piercings. With oral piercings, DO drink plenty of water and stick to cool, soft foods the first couple of days. DO NOT consume any bread, dairy, beer or malt liquor as this can lead to a yeast infection in the mouth. Hot, spicy, acidic and crunchy foods can irritate or damage tissue around the oral piercing(s). Avoid kissing and oral sex for 3-4 weeks.
General Care:
- DO drink plenty of water and stick to cool, soft foods the first couple of days
- DO NOT consume any bread, dairy, beer or malt liquor as this can lead to a yeast infection in the mouth.
- DO NOT Hot, spicy, acidic and crunchy foods can irritate or damage tissue around the oral piercing(s).
- DO NOT Avoid kissing and oral sex for 3-4 weeks.
Healing Process and Jewelry Change:
1. Initial Swelling: Can last 14-21 days; sometimes longer
2. Exterior Healing: 4-6 weeks: for tongue piercings; 6-8 weeks: lip, cheek, frenulum
3. Interior Healing: Oral piercing(s) may take up to 12 months to heal.
4. If downsizing is needed, jewelry could be changed 3-6 months from the initial piercing date. We recommend speaking with a piercer prior to any change.
Comfort During Swelling and Irritation:
To help reduce swelling and irritation you can use the following for comfort
- Cold compresses: For oral piercings, you may suck on small ice chips or sugar-free popsicles to reduce swelling. In addition to this, limit mouth movement and do not play with the jewelry.
- Ibuprofen or similar NSAID (acetaminophen will not help with swelling but can help with discomfort) for the first 3-4 days as directed on the packaging. Consult your primary physician before taking any medication.
Post Sexual Activity (After Healing Process):
Use a gentle non-scented soft soap immediately after any sexual activity; pat with non-scented wet wipes.
Genital Piercings (Female & Male):
I. Properly cleanse the pierced area by using antibacterial or antimicrobial soap for the external skin and or an antiseptic or salt water mouthwash for the oral cavity;
II. For at least the first six weeks, minimize exposure to filth;
III. Use sterile bandage(s) or other sterile dressing(s) when necessary;
IV. The client shall consult a health care practitioner at the first sign of infection or an allergic reaction, and report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or adverse reaction resulting from the body piercing to the artist and to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Tattoo and Body Piercing Program, at (512) 834-6711.
General Care
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- After urinating, gently rinse the area with a peri bottle or clean water, then pat dry if needed.
- DO NOT engage in vaginal, anal, or oral sexual activity for at least 4 weeks, or until your piercer confirms it is safe based on your healing progress.
- Wear clean, breathable underwear and avoid unnecessary friction or tight clothing.
Cleaning Process
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- After urinating, gently rinse the area with a peri bottle or clean water, then pat dry if needed.
- Do not engage in vaginal, anal, or oral sexual activity for at least 4 weeks, or until your piercer confirms it is safe based on your healing progress.
- Wear clean, breathable underwear and avoid unnecessary friction or tight clothing.
Healing Process and Jewelry Change:
Genital piercings may take up to 1 year to fully heal, although healing times vary depending on the piercing and the individual.
If downsizing is recommended, jewelry may typically be changed 3 months after the initial piercing, as directed by your piercer. Otherwise, leave the original jewelry in place for 6–9 months, depending on the piercing.
Always consult your piercer before changing your jewelry.
Sexual Activity (After Healing)
After any sexual activity, thoroughly clean the piercing to remove bodily fluids.
Rinse the area with clean water or use a peri bottle, then wash with an unscented antibacterial soap if appropriate.
Gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry.
Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare
Within the First Few Hours
In the first few hours, the treated area may feel similar to a sunburn. Applying cool compresses can help ease some of the discomfort and inflammation from the treatment.
How to Maintain the Area
- Keep the treated area clean and dry while it is healing. Clean the area gently with soap and water and then pat the area dry. You may apply a thin coating of ointment (i.e. Aquaphor, Petrolatum, Neosporin) up to three times a day for three days while the area is healing. Keep the area covered with a sterile dressing at that time.
- Wear a sun block SPF of 25 or higher, protecting against UVA/UVB rays over the area for the full time between sessions while removal is performed. Limiting sun exposure between treatments will reduce the amount of tan in the area, thereby reducing the risk of side effects. Do not wear makeup or any cream on the treated area unless recommended by our office for 48 hours.
Healing
- Itching is common due to the dehydrating effect of the laser treatment. Use Aquaphor, vitamin E ointment, or hydrocortisone cream to the treatment area. Itching resulting from an allergic reaction is rare, but also possible. Notify us if itching or swelling persists for more than a week after treatment.
- Blisters are possible and likely to occur within the first 8 hours after treatment. Don’t be alarmed, as well cared for blisters heal very well and are part of the normal healing process. Be sure to keep them clean and disinfected by applying a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water to the affected area with a cotton ball. DO NOT pop, rip, or pick at the blister(s). This could introduce bacteria and possibly cause a severe infection.
- Should you scab, don’t pick or expose the scabbed area, as it may result in infection, scarring, or permanent pigment change. Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is completely healed.
Showering, Submerging and Excercise
- It is ok to shower after the treatment, but take care to avoid high pressure water hitting the treated area. Baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, or any form of soaking are not recommended until all blistering and scabbing are completely healed as they may increase the risk of infection.
- Exercise is generally safe after treatment taking into account the other after care instructions provided here. Some bruising may be experienced if muscles underneath the treated area are exercised.
Look Out for These Signs
- If the area looks infected (honey colored crusting and oozing or spreading redness), if you experience an unusual discomfort or bleeding, if any other complications develop, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact the office immediately.
- Of course, if you have any extreme reaction, call 911 or visit the emergency room at the nearest hospital.
Please consult a health care practitioner at the first sign of infection or allergic reaction and to report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or adverse reaction to the Texas Department of Health, Drugs, and Medical Devices at 1-888-839-6676 and the shop owner at 210-310-6232.
(If you need immediate assistance regarding aftercare for your tattoo or piercing, you can text 210-310-6232 any time and we will get back to you as soon as possible.)