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Tattoo aftercare

Day 1-2

  1. Wash your tattoo daily with a mild antibacterial soap and pat dry with a soft, clean cloth. Do not rub! 

  2. After washing, apply a very thin layer of lotion.

Day 3-30

Do not scratch your tattoo! During the healing process your tattoo will itch. This is a normal part of the healing process. Scratching may damage the healing skin causing the tattoo to have light spots.

  1. Wash your tattoo daily with antibacterial soap and pat down with a soft, clean cloth. Remember, do not rub.

  2. After washing, continue to apply a very thin layer of your chosen lotion.

DO NOT:

  • Expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight or go tanning for one month.

  • Allow your new tattoo to dry out. Apply lotion several times daily.

  • Soak your new tattoo in water. This means no swimming or baths. Showers are fine, but try to avoid letting your new tattoo get very wet for one month.

  • Scratch or pick at your new tattoo

  • Apply gauze or bandages to your new tattoo for any reason

Remember:

Some redness and swelling are normal reactions to the tattoo/piercing process. Seek medical advice at any signs of infection.

Each artist will have their own aftercare suggestions, these are just general guidelines to refer to. 

How long of a healing time should I expect with my body piercing?

Ear lobe.....................................6 to 8 weeks

Ear cartilage.....................4 months to 1 year

Eyebrow........................................6-8 weeks

Nostril......................................2 to 4 months

Nasal septum...........................6 to 8 months

Nasal bridge.............................8 to 10 weeks

Tongue..............................................4 weeks

Lip...........................................2 to 3 months

Nipple.........................................3-6 months

Navel................................4 months to 1 year

Female genitalia.......................4 to 10 weeks

Male genitalia...............4 weeks to 6 months

More questions?

Piercing aftercare

Navel

  • Clean/disinfect daily and turn ring from one end to the other.

  • Scabs that form on either end of the piercing should be left alone.

  • Avoid saunas, swimming and bathing as the tissue may swell and soften.

  • Do not wear a belt or tight fitting clothing over the navel until the piercing is completely healed. When sitting down, loosen the waistband to reduce pressure on tissue.

  • During the healing process, a scab will form and the puncture site may ooze slightly. This is a sign that the healing is taking place. Remove dried oozing from the ring using warm water.

Eyebrow

  • Clean and disinfect daily.

  • During the first two weeks, apply gauze over the ring before sleeping. Avoid sunbathing, saunas, etc.

  • During the healing process, a scab will form and the puncture site may ooze slightly. This is a sign that healing is taking place. Remove dried oozing from ring using warm water and sterile saline spray.

Tongue/lip

  • During the first six hours, avoid: eating, drinking alcohol and smoking.

  • Gargle with diluted antiseptic mouthwash and drink lots of water.

  • Healing will take five to 10 days, during which you must avoid beer, alcohol and snacks or sweets between main meals. Intimate oral activities should be avoided.

  • Use diluted Listerine each time after eating, drinking or smoking.

  • During the first three days you may experience difficulties speaking, chewing and swallowing as the tongue will be somewhat swollen. Ice cubes are helpful to keep the swelling down. 

  • The hole will close quickly if no jewelry is inserted.

Ear/Earlobe/lip

  • Clean and disinfect daily. Apply disinfectant on both ends of the ring or stud.

  • During the healing process, a scab will form and the puncture site may ooze slightly. This is a sign that the healing is taking place. Remove dried oozing from ring using warm water and sterile saline spray.

Remember:

Some redness and swelling are normal reactions to the tattoo/piercing process. Seek medical advice at any signs of infection.

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