Prep & Aftercare for Tattoo & Permanent Makeup

BODY TATTOO:

FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE RULES FOR THE BEST RESULTS! HOW YOU PREPARE AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR FRESH TATTOO GREATLY AFFECTS THE HEALED OUTCOME. See the Permanent Makeup section below.

TATTOO PRE-CARE INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare for your upcoming tattoo by avoiding all NSAIDS ( Asprin, Motrin and Alleve) products for 48 hours or more. You will be allowed to take Tylenol and use a cold compress if necessary AFTER the appointment. Avoid any vitamins that can cause bleeding like fish oil for one week. Do not allow sun exposure: no sunburns, tans or spray tans for two weeks. Refrain from Caffeine as it can make you jittery. Eat a meal and stay hydrated. Wear comfortable clothes in dark colors. If you would like a topical numbing lotion, do not apply it in advance without discussing it with Cheryl first. She does offer to apply numbing herself to clients who are nervous. If you have recently had surgery or illness, you must be off antibiotics before your appointment.

Proper care following ALL tattoo procedures is necessary to achieve the best results. Keep in mind that in many cases, some unevenness of color is to be expected. This is the purpose of the touch-ups visit (occasionally, client may need more than one session due to stubborn skin, improper aftercare, Most tattoos will come with a free touch up. All Hand and Feet tattoos require a minimum $50 for touch ups.) Please review the following directions and refer to them as necessary. You may experience some tissue irritation. If during your healing process you have ANY questions or concerns please contact Cheryl at 952 221-3589. If you experience any infection, please consult a health care professional.

TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS:

To ensure that your new tattoo heals properly, please read and complete the following instructions listed below. After receiving your new tattoo, it is also important to avoid excessive exercise and sweating (for five days), swimming, soaking, hot tubs or sun-bathing (for two weeks). If you do find yourself to be in the sun, try to keep your tattoo from being exposed to the sun and make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen.

1. You will be sent home with a Saniderm adhesive wrap on our fresh tattoo. Wait at least 24 hours before removing the wrap. Cheryl will discuss whether to leave it on for up to a week or take it off and replace it with a second bandage after the first 24 hours. The next day, your fresh tattoo may look oozy or look like it has an ink pocket, this is a normal part of the healing process. The Steristrip is there to keep airborne bacteria and any other contaminants in the environment from invading your wound.

2. Once the Steristrip is ready to be removed, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry hands well, then gently take a corner of the Saniderm wrap and slowly pull it off the tattooed area. This can be easy to do in the shower.

3. With a clean paper towel ( do not use cloth towel), take lukewarm water and the Dial antibacterial soap (make soap suds with hands and then rub on the washcloth) and then gently tap on the tattooed area. NO RUBBING. Repeat with just lukewarm water to get some of the soap off.

4. Using a clean paper towel, gently pat the area dry. Make sure that both the tattoo and surrounding inch of skin is completely dry.

5. Once dry, you might be given a second Saniderm wrap to reapply over the tattoo. Try to avoid any air pockets in the strip as this will help it stay on longer. Small tattoos do not necessarily require changing of the wrap. You will be instructed on whether to change it or just leave the first one on for 5 to 7 days.

6. Once your Steristrip does come off, repeat steps 3 & 4 over the course of 10-14 days (or longer if you so choose). You should wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day.

7. Scabs may form or skin may peel a bit, DO NOT PICK or rub at it. Remember that tattoos are an open wound. Irritating the skin will not help in your tattoo healing process.

8. In addition to washing your tattoo with steps 3 & 4, you will apply a thin layer of ointment (we recommend hustle butter, tattoo goo and Aquaphor) to your tattoo with clean hands. This will help with hydrating and speeding up the healing process as well as making you more comfortable. It is recommended to apply a thin layer of Aquaphor up to 4 times a day.

9. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection, including but not limited to, redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart, elevated body temperature, or purulent draining from the procedure site. Be sure connect with Cheryl and seek professional medical attention if signs and symptoms of infection occur.

Remember to keep your tattoo clean, safe and enjoy it!

How to prepare for Permanent Makeup sessions:

WATER & EXERCISE RESTRICTIONS: Most permanent makeup comes with water restrictions so it’s a good idea to wash your hair the morning of your appointment. Exercise will also be restricted so get a good work out in before your treatment. All tattoos including permanent makeup restrict baths, hot tubs, swimming pools for 2 weeks.

SKIN PREP: 48 to 24 hours prior to brow or lip appointment, gently exfoliate the brow or lip area to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment, not on the day of. If you have oily skin, apply witch hazels to brows for a few days before your appointment to help dry your skin and clear pores. Wash your pillow case to ensure a you have a clean surface for recovery. Avoid using Retinoid products for 1 month prior to treatments (Accutane for 1 year). Limit sun exposure for 2 weeks. LIMIT NSAIDS (asprin, ibuprofen and Alleve), Vitamins that contain fish oil and alcohol for 48 hours. Hydrate often. If you have recently had surgery you must be off antibiotics before receiving services.

Brows : NO Botox within 2 weeks of your first appointment as this can affect your symmetry. Bring photos if you had favorable brows in your past. DO NOT tint, wax or pluck before the appointment.

Eyeliner treatment: REMOVE contact lenses and come in wearing glasses. Avoid caffeine on the day of as it typically makes your eyes jittery. Discontinue the use of lash enhancement serums and eyelash extensions for 2 weeks. Lashes should not be reapplied for 1 month following services.

Lips : Leading up the treatment, begin a lip ointment and exfoliation routine for 1 week. The condition of your lips will affect the healed results. Bring your favorite lip colors with you to the appointment. Stay hydrated.

Cheryl will provide you will aftercare instructions at your appointment. You will be expected to keep the area clean, dry and gently treated with aftercare that she supplies. There is no down time other then mild swelling that usually resolves with in the first 24 hours.