Prepping for your appointment:

  • Make sure you are hydrated, moisturized, and the area is free of any body hair. 
  • Keeping your blood sugar level up is important for pain management, so be sure to eat a good meal beforehand and bring snacks to eat during the tattoo process.
  • Wear the appropriate clothing (black preferably) to your appointment.
- Arms: tank top/short sleeves
- Legs: shorts, shoes that are easy to take off if needed
- Back: button down shirt that can be worn backwards
- Chest: strapless/wide neck tank tops, pasties
- Shoulders: strapless/wide neck tank tops
- Abdomen: button down shirt, pasties
- Hip: skirts, loose shorts, thongs/no underwear
  • If you are using numbing cream, check the processing time and make sure it is done processing by the time of your appointment.
    I recommend the brand Zensa on Amazon. 
Apply a thick layer to the area, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit for 45 minutes right before your tattoo. 
Here is the link!
    https://a.co/d/0i5t7hx

Aftercare:

Leave covering on for 3-5 days
** this bandage is water resistant, not waterproof
  - do not fully submerge in water (showering is fine)
Plasma and ink can pool in bandage
  - this is totally normal and it will wash off
Tattoos may become itchy while healing
** do not scratch
  - leaving the covering on for the recommended time will help reduce the amount of itchiness
REMOVE COVERING AFTER 24 HOURS IF SKIN BECOMES IRRITATED & FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW
To remove covering:
** DO NOT RIP OFF LIKE A BANDAID
  - stretch the bandage off like a Command Strip after soaking in the shower and rinse off excess ink and plasma build up
Once the covering is removed:
  - rinse with unscented, antibacterial soap daily
  - keep tattoo moisturized with A&D ointment, Aquaphor, or a tattoo specific healing balm of your choice
  - DO NOT use Vaseline
  - DO NOT oversaturate the area with ointment 
     - It is important to still let your tattoo breathe in order for it to heal properly. 
  - scabbing is expected, please do not pick
What to look out for:
  - Fresh tattoos are essentially open wounds, so some tenderness is expected. A little redness, minor swelling, and some itching as it heals is normal. You might also see some clear plasma or a little ink weeping from the tattoo, which is also normal.
  - Infection presents differently. Instead of mild redness, you might see excessive redness that spreads beyond the tattoo lines. Swelling can become significant, and the area might feel hot to the touch. Pus, which can be yellow, green, or even brown, is a major red flag. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to seek medical advice.

FAQs

  • After 48 hours, yes!

    Just be aware that sweat can build up underneath your bandage. If your bandage is off, make sure there is a barrier between your tattoo and any gym equipment it may come in contact with for at least 4 weeks

  • Please wait at least 2-4 weeks before getting into any open bodies of water

  • Yes!

    Sun exposure causes your tattoos to fade. Please cover your tattoos with the appropriate clothing as much as possible and use sunscreen after your tattoo is healed a minimum of 4 weeks

  • Yes!

    Unfortunately tattoos will fade a little as they heal and settle into the skin. If fading is significant or inconsistent throughout the tattoo, it can be corrected during your touch up

  • Email me a photo of your healed tattoo at least 4 weeks after your appointment. If a touch up is needed, I will offer you times in my schedule to come in.

    welcome.to.wilt@gmail.com