Tattoo Care (click to jump to Body Piercing Care)

Proper care of your new tattoo during the healing process is critical.

Remove bandages after one to two hours then gently cleanse tattoo with warm, soapy water. If bandaging is stuck to the tattoo, due to blood drying from the tattoo, do not rip the bandage off. Soaking the bandage in water will allow for easy removal; then proceed to cleanse the tattoo. Pat the tattoo dry, then apply a thin coat of bacitracin, constantly checking the tattoo, and keeping it covered with a thin coating of bacitracin as needed until completely healed (approximately 7 - 10 days).

Do not re-bandage the tattoo. Your tattoo needs air to heal, but must not be allowed to dry out, or to soak in water, until healed. When showering, apply a heavier coat of bacitracin; this will allow the water to bead up and roll off the tattoo, washing around the tattoo area. Remove the excess bacitracin after showering. If the tattoo is allowed to dry out, or to soak in water, a scab will form and color will be lost in the scab.

If you find you must cover the tattoo while it is healing, due to clothing, work, etc., use a gauze bandage, which will allow air to pass through.

If properly cared for while healing, your tattoo will not form a scab. However, a thin film will form which will flake off; much as a sunburn will flake or peel away when healing. The result will be a tattoo which looks as good and as vibrant as when it was first done.

If your tattoo becomes red and irritated, or forms a rash while healing, you may be allergic to bacitracin. If this occurs, discontinue using bacitracin, gently cleanse the tattoo removing all the bacitracin and use A & D ointment instead. However, we recommend using bacitracin, if possible, as it is an antibiotic and will facilitate the healing process, and keep the tattoo from drying out.

Thank you for choosing this studio to do your tattoo work. Enjoy your new tattoo!!! It's a Masterpiece!

Body Piercing Care (Click to jump to Tattoo Care)

• New piercings should be cleaned thoroughly twice a day.
• Always wash hands prior to cleaning your piercing and DO NOT touch piercing unless cleaning.
• Using Q-tips or cleaned hands, lather up a small amount of anti-bacterial or anti-microbial soap first, such as DIAL or DIAL COMPLETE for sensitive skins, and clean your piercing thoroughly. Apply the lather with a Q-tip to your fresh piercing and rinse completely under running water to ensure all soap residue is removed. *you may also use an Ear Care/Saline Solution on facial piercings instead of soaps to protect sensitive skins*
• In addition to your regular cleanings, SEA SALT or SALINE soaks will greatly increase your healing time of your new piercing. SEA SALT/SALINE soaks aid in healing by helping to draw out infections as well as regenerate new tissue in a healing piercing. Mix 1/4 tspn. of iodine free SEA SALT to 8oz. of warm distilled or bottled water. For some piercings you can invert a small cup (a shot glass or Dixie cup will work well) of the solution over the area to form a vacuum and soak for 10-15 minutes. For other piercings, a compress using a gauze pad will work more effectively.

Oral Aftercare:

• Immediately after any oral piercings, allow small pieces of ice to dissolve in the mouth as frequently as possible for the next 3-4 days. This will help reduce swelling as well as aid in pain relief.
• For the next 2-3 weeks, following your new oral piercing, you must rinse your mouth 4-5 times daily with a cleaning solution for 30-60 seconds after meals and at bedtime. It is recommended that you use an alcohol free mouthwash such as BIOTENE or TOM’S of MAINE. To keep your piercing clean and free of infection, you must rinse with the solution after eating, drinking (anything other than bottled water) or smoking.
• You may alternate your cleanings with warm SEA SALT water. (mix 1/4 tspn. of iodine free sea salt into one cup (8oz.) warm distilled or bottled water.) This may be used in conjunction with mouthwash, but not as a substitute for.

Aftercare for External / Oral Piercings

[ie: Labret, Lip, Monroe, Cheek, etc.]
Follow Basic & Oral Aftercare

What is normal?

• Initially: some bleeding, localized swelling, redness, tenderness, or bruising.
• During Healing: some discoloration, itching and secretion of whitish-yellowish fluid (not puss) that will form some crust on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.
• As Piercings Heal: piercings heal from the outside in, and your piercing may appear to be healed when it is not. The tissue on the inside is still very fragile. Be patient and continue your cleaning regiment throughout the healing process.
• Once Healed: the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; do not force it. Wet with warm water to loosen.
• Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after being removed. This varies from person to person; retainers are available if you need to remove your jewelry for any reason.
• If you do not include cleaning your healed piercings as part of your daily hygiene, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate.

Helpful Hints:

Basic:

• DO NOT TOUCH your piercing, except when cleaning. Wash hands prior to doing so with an anti-bacterial or anti-microbial soap.
• The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Proper diet and sleep are always helpful to a good immune system and exercise is fine, just “listen” to your body.
• Make sure bedding is kept clean and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable clothing that does not irritate the piercing.
• Playing with the jewelry, friction from restrictive clothing, excessively vigorous cleaning can cause the formation of scar tissue, migration, or prolonged healing of the piercing.
• DO NOT use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Bactine, or ointments of any kind on the piercing.
• Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing, ie: cosmetics, lotions, etc.
• Avoid swimming or soaking in pools, spas, ponds, public lakes and oceans during your healing. If you must, use a Tegaderm patch to cover the piercing. (can be purchased @ CVS or Walgreens)

Oral:

• You may take Advil or Motrin, since they are great anti-inflammatories and may help to reduce swelling and discomfort from pain.
• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Gently brush your teeth, tongue and jewelry. Once healed, brush jewelry more thoroughly to avoid plaque build up.
• Avoid aspirin, alcohol and large amounts of caffeine
• DO NOT use peroxide, alcohol or any ointments on your piercing.
• DO NOT listen to friends and family when it comes to body piercing aftercare. Call us if you suspect an infection or have any questions regarding the aftercare or condition of your new piercing. Remember that there are no “stupid” questions. The only dumb questions are the ones you do not ask.

Body piercing healing times vary, and depend on various factors such as diet, lifestyle, immune system and irritation to the piercing during its healing. The following list is only an approximation and is only intended as a guideline . We can not give any guarantees or exact times on a piercings healing time or a safe changing time of your jewelry.

The purpose of cleaning a fresh piercing is to remove any dead cells and discharge excreted by your body, as well as any external dirt and bacteria picked up during the day. You are not treating the wound with medicine or making it heal, but rather keeping the area clean while your body is healing itself. Basic hygiene and common sense, with particular attention to the specific area, is all that is required. You are responsible for your healing. Pay attention to your body. It will tell you if you are doing something wrong.