BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please be aware that the skin/incisions/scar tissue needs to be healed for a minimum of 6 months before it can be tattooed.  The skin needs to be intact, free from irritation or peeling.  From time-to-time more or less time may be needed for healing before the tattoo can be done.  This will be determined by your artist during your consultation.

If you have scar tissue in the area to be tattooed, you can use an over-the-counter scar treatment cream such as Palmer’s Cocoa Butter or Bio-Corneum Serum (ordered from Amazon) to massage into the scar areas 2 to 3 times per day until your appointment date.  Massage into the skin for several minutes as you want to get the blood circulating in the area.  Dedicated, regimented attention will help soften scar tissue over time and at the same time help the tattoo process.

Clean your bedding!  Especially if there is pet hair present.  Fresh tattoo + pet hair = trouble.  Do not let your pets sleep with you while you are healing your tattoos!

Wash your favorite loose cotton t-shirts/loose comfy pants!  That way they are clean and ready to be worn over your healing tattoo.

Get a good night's rest and eat lots of greens the week before!  Drink lots of water!

Purchase a box of Tegaderm bandages (Walgreens, Wal-mart usually carry).  The preferred size is 4x4 3/4" size.  They come in a box of four.  You can also order them via Amazon and get them quickly in the mail.  The smaller size bandages will work as well, you will just need 3 or 4 for each tattooed breast.

APPOINTMENT DAY

Get Comfy!  Wear clean, comfortable,  loose clothing to allow free movement and easy access to the tattoo site.  Don't wear your best duds either-you may get ink or ointment on them during the tattoo.  If you tend to get cold bring warm long socks to wear.

Relax!  You’re in good hands!!

Be sure to eat a good meal shortly before your appointment. 

For Bi-lateral areola tattoos, feel free to bring pictures of areola colors you might like.  Or if you want to get as close to duplicating your areola from before surgery, provide photos if possible.

The estimated time you will be at the office is two hours.  The actual amount of time spent getting tattooed during that time can be anywhere from 20-60 minutes depending on the amount of work to be done.

Please be aware that your tattoo will typically require 2 sessions, with the first session spent ‘laying the foundation’ and the second session being a quicker touch-up/enhancement/detailing session.  Sometimes there is a need for more sessions depending on how your body heals the tattoo.  Tattoos can heal out up to 30% of tattoo pigment and with the presence of heavier scarring it can vary greatly.  We try our best to not traumatize the skin more than necessary and strive for two sessions.

You may or may not feel the tattoo procedure depending on the level of sensation you have in the area to be tattooed.  There is no numbing beforehand, as the procedure is short and tolerable with relaxation and breathing….and smiling because this is going to be GREAT!

NO-NOs

Heavy drinking within 24 hours of your session.

Drinking heavily after your tattoo session; can increase bleeding, swelling and/or discomfort.

Self-medicating:  Pain meds don't really help with the pain of getting a tattoo and can cause excessive bleeding which can make your tattoo more difficult during and/or after the tattoo process.

HEALING TIME

Healing time is different for everyone and is affected by man factors, but typically, your tattoo willpeel within 5 to 8 days.  Once it has peeled it is still healing the freshly generated skin, but will no longer be an open wound to care for.

CARING FOR YOUR TATTOO

Tegaderm Bandage Healing Method

Your artist will apply the Tegaderm bandage once the tattoo session is complete.  You will leave this first bandage on for 24 hours-48 hours.  To change the bandage, get into a nice hot shower and wash all your body and hair first, allowing the heat of the shower to help soften the adhesive of the bandages.  Wash your hands and then start by peeling up a tiny bit of each corner of the bandage.  

Loosen one corner of the dressing to allow for a piece to grip. Instead of pulling the dressing backward, pull and stretch it horizontally in the opposite direction of the wound. Stretching the Tegaderm causes it to release easily from the skin. Repeat on each side until the Tegaderm fully releases.  Keep stretching each corner until the bandage releases with ease.  Wash your tattoo with hot water and liquid antibacterial soap for about 30 seconds.  Rinse.  Once out of the shower, pat the tattooed area and surrounding skin with clean paper towels until totally dry.  Wait a couple minutes and then reapply Tegaderm bandages as instructed by your artist.  Leave those bandages on for four days.  They are breathable, but won't let germs in.  You can go about your regular activities, just no submerging the tattooed area while the bandages are in place.  Showering is totally fine.

Traditional Healing Method

To prevent infection, wash your hands before you touch your tattoo. Every time. DO NOT ALLOW ANYTHING OR ANYONE to touch your tattoo unless it’s clean.

You may remove your bandage after a few hours or as instructed by your artist.  If you have an evening appointment, you may wear your bandage overnight.  If you remove your bandage the same day, you will need to get a few washes in before going to sleep.

Wash with hot water and LIQUID ANTIBACTERIAL HAND SOAP.  You may use your CLEAN hands or you may use a few paper towels that are wet and soapy;  thoroughly clean your tattoo.  The goal is to completely wash away the slimy coating. Rinse. Using clean paper towels, PAT YOUR ENTIRE TATTOO for a couple minutes UNTIL IT STOPS OOZING.  Let your tattoo air dry for a few minutes; blot away any fluids that appear.   Apply the lotion or ointment recommended by your artist.  Use small amount of ointment and RUB IT IN THOROUGHLY. Blot away excess.

*****The following may be used for healing/moisturizing: Redemption Tattoo Ointment (Amazon) OR “Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly” (from Whole Foods) or Palmer's Cocoa Butter

CLEANSING/CARE SCHEDULE After removing your bandage:

Day 1:  Every 3-4 waking hours or 4-5 times per day.

Day 2:  Every 3-4 waking hours or 4-5 times per day

Day 3:  Morning, midday, and before bedtime

Day 4:  Morning, midday and before bedtime

Day 5:  Morning and before bedtime

Day 6 thru Complete Peel:  Your tattoo should start to peel or show signs of peeling/flaking.  Just wash the surface lightly with your hand only when you shower, but moisturize lightly and gently whenever it feels tight/dry/itchy, usually 4-5 times per day.  DO NOT PICK/PULL/TOUCH OR WASH/SCRUB THE FLAKING SKIN OFF – DON’T!!!  

Once the tattoo is peeled you should continue to moisturize a couple times per day for another 10 days; that fresh baby skin layer still needs protection and care. Keep the tattooed area out of the sunlight for 2 more weeks.

OTHER NO-NOs for TRADITIONAL HEALING METHOD: No swimming/soaking/tub bathing; Don’t wear clothing over the tattoo at night to “keep the tattoo protected” as the tattoo may leak plasma and become stuck to the clothing; No tight/irritating clothing (i.e. if you have a tattoo in an area where your bra will rub, don’t wear a bra until the tattoo peels); No pet hair; No scrubbing, scratching or picking; Working out is fine as long as you stay away from germy gym equipment.

If you have ANY concerns, issues or questions (no matter what the question), contact your artist