At La Bola Tattoo & Piercing shop the healing of your Tattoo is top priority. Below you will find our recommended procedures for helping your tattoo heal beautifully. If you have any further questions or concerns regarding your tattoo, please feel free to contact us.
Now it’s up to you to take proper care of it. The chance of infection or damage to your new tattoo is minimal if aftercare instructions are followed correctly
1. Leave the bandage that you received after the tattoo on for 2 hours. The bandage is there to keep air-borne bacteria and other contaminants in the environment from invading your wound.
2. Before cleaning or touching the tattooed areas, WASH HANDS thoroughly with soap and warm water. Treat your new tattoo as an open wound.
3. Carefully remove the bandage and cleanse the area with mild anti-bacterial soap and water then rinse. Do not scrub the tattoo or rub with washcloth or towel. Pat the tattoo with a clean, dry towel.
4. Let the tattoo dry completely (approx. 10 min).
5. Lightly apply a thin layer of acceptable aftercare products:
- Lubriderm Lotion
- Palmers Cocoa Butter Lotion
- Specialty tattoo products such as TATTOO GOO
You do not need to re-bandage.
For 3-5 days, make sure the tattoo is kept very clean and apply lotion 3-4 times a day by cleansing any old lotion and applying a thin layer of fresh lotion –(only enough to make the skin shiny). Do not put too much on, but do not allow your tattoo too become dry. If a scab does form, do not pick at it, but allow it to heal on its’ own.
Don’t panic if you have a reaction to your aftercare product. You may be sensitive to one of the ingredients. Although not a major problem, it does happen. The skin can react in a few ways, from redness, to irritable itchy skin; to white pimple like spots. If this occurs, stop using your aftercare product. Lightly wash off the remaining product from your skin. A reaction to a product should settle down within 24-72 hours. If you are still experiencing a problem after 14 days, it would be doubtful that the aftercare product was to blame and it may be a reaction to the ink. This is possible even if you have been previously tattooed without any problems. (Should this occur, contact the studio for advice from the artist.) It may also mean a visit to your physician if the problem persists.
Healing generally takes 14 days in a normal healthy adult. As it heals, expect peeling similar to sunburned skin. Itching is expected. DO NOT SCRATCH THE TATTOO!
Do not use Vaseline or other petroleum jellies.
Do not use A&D Ointment
Do not use heavily medicated antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin.
Do not use iodine, peroxide, or alcohol based product.
Most problems or irritations occur from:
Scratching or itching a new tattoo.
Tanning or swimming before the tattoo is healed.
Using inappropriate amounts or types of aftercare products.
You may expect some slight swelling, redness and discomfort around the site. If any of the following symptoms appear promptly consult a health care provider:
Unusual drainage
Excessive bleeding
Excessive pain / discomfort
Excessive swelling/ redness/ feeling that skin is hot to touch
Temperature greater than 101°F within 24 hours of the tattoo
Disclaimer: These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention.