General Aftercare
Cosmetic Tattoos
For a quick, uneventful healing process - I have seen the best results by having my clients do a mixture of “dry healing” and applying a colloidal silver gel (that I will supply to you) to their new cosmetic tattoos. Allowing your skin to breathe and your body to heal itself will allow your tattoo to heal without excess swelling, “weeping” or scabbing. The gel I supply will help to sooth and protect from bacteria. Following these instructions to your best ability will result in optimal healing for your body and your new tattoo.
Within minutes after your procedure the tattooed area will begin to oxidize and appear darker. You may experience minimal swelling and localized redness depending on your sensitivity level and overall health. Don’t panic! This is your body forming the protective barrier (an epithelial crust or scab, for a lack of better words) that will allow your new tattoo to heal underneath. Swelling and redness should subside within 24-48 hours. Once the dark area begins to flake off – which can begin to happen as soon as a couple days after your procedure – that area will appear lighter, even lighter than what it looked like immediately after your procedure! This is because there is a shiny, foggy layer of new fresh skin on top of your eyebrow tattoo that needs to go through the final regenerative stages of the healing process. Please be extremely careful not to pick at the area while there is flaking. Picking during this stage will more than likely result in color loss and excess scarring in the area. Allow your body to naturally exfoliate itself. Over the next 4-6 weeks your skin will be settling and the shininess will dissipate leaving you with your final healed results!
For the first 7-10 days (or however long it takes your new tattoo to flake completely) I recommend washing the tattooed area in the morning and at night by wetting them, carefully patting lathered Dial Antibacterial Soap (the pump, not the bar), gently splashing them with warm water and then pressing dry with a clean disposable paper towel. After the area is dry you will want to apply a very thin layer of the colloidal silver gel that I have given you. Please do not use any ointments because they leave a barrier over the freshly tattooed skin and can sometimes cause the skin to “weep” which will lead to thick scabs that can pull pigment out of your skin once they come off. The gel is lightweight and water based and it will soak immediately into your skin to sooth and protect from bacteria. The amount of washing and applying ointment can vary depending on your skin type and more ointment can be applied throughout the day to soothe the area but please don’t exceed 5 applications per day. Remember – cosmetic tattoos heal the best when you allow your body to heal itself with minimal irritation.
Once your tattoo has healed for at least 6-8 weeks you will be able to have your perfecting appointment done. This is the time when any adjustments can be made. Because the process of cosmetic tattooing is different from traditional tattooing, the pigment is less stable in the skin. Having a few areas where the pigment fades more than others or even falls out is common, which is why I include the perfecting appointment! Your first procedure is almost like an experiment for me to see how well your body holds onto the pigment. I take very extensive notes on every aspect of your procedure and healing process so that when you come back for touch ups I can look at my notes on your procedure along with the before/after photos I take and can almost pinpoint what I need to do to ensure optimal healing and results for your body specifically!
IMPORTANT:
DO NOT pick at your tattoo once it begins to flake. This is crucial. It will result in pigment fallout and scarring. Allow your body to naturally exfoliate and regenerate on it’s own!
AVOID getting shampoos, cleansers, skincare or any soap on the freshly tattooed area while your skin is flaking (7-14 days) as it may negatively effect how the pigment bonds with your skin. You may shower or bathe as normal but do not allow the shower to hit the tattooed area directly because the pressure could knock pigment out and DO NOT submerge the area under water at all (i.e. bath, swimming pool, hot tub, etc.).
DO NOT apply makeup over the tattooed area until all scabbing has flaked off and your skin is closed. Cosmetics can interfere with the bonding of your pigment to your skin, discoloration, cause irritation and even infection depending on the cleanliness of your makeup or brushes.
DO NOT thread, wax, tint, bleach etc. near the tattooed area for AT LEAST 1 month after your procedure.
AVOID excessive sweating for 7 days after your procedure.
DO NOT use tanning beds or sunless tanning products at all and avoid sun exposure for at least a month after your procedure. Always be sure to apply sunscreen or wear sunscreen or wear large hats or sunglasses to protect your eyebrows from excessive fading.
ONCE HEALED:
Although I will do everything to ensure an uneventful healing process for you - it is your responsibility to follow the aftercare guidelines provided to you and follow them to the best of your ability. Once your skin has healed you must make sure to limit sun exposure - the sun (and tanning beds) will cause fading and discoloration. Once your skin has completely healed make sure to apply sunscreen to protect your new tattoos! You can purchase sunscreen sticks that are easy to toss in your bag and have readily available for touch ups during the day! Unless its eyeliner - don’t put sunscreen in your eyes! Wear large sunglasses for further protection. Face peels, laser treatments and microdermabrasion will cause the pigment to lighten quicker. If you plan on receiving any of the aforementioned treatments make sure to inform your technician.
Always feel free to contact me if you have any questions during or after the initial healing process!
THERE ARE NO IMPLIED OR WRITTEN GUARANTEES IF YOU DO NOT TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEW TATTOO. AND REMEMBER - EVERYONE HEALS DIFFERENTLY. HAVE PATIENCE AND LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.
FOR LIP BLUSHING PROCEDURES -
LIP BLUSH:
If you get cold sores, no matter how infrequently, you MUST take an anti-fungal medication for at least 5 days before and after procedure. It is very likely that without doing so, you will develop MULTIPLE cold sores after the tattoo. This is not only uncomfortable but can cause scarring, pigment fallout and disrupt the shape that we create for your lips.
I recommend gently washing the tattooed area 2-3 times a day with warm water and then patting dry with a clean disposable paper towel. I will supply you with a colloidal silver after gel and a hydrating ointment that you may apply a couple times a day to sooth and protect against bacteria. Please only use these products until all flaking is complete. Afterwards you will experience dryness for a few weeks and may use whatever moisturizing lip products you typically use.
What to expect: The first 24-48 hours you will experience swelling. The degree of swelling varies from person to person and can be significant in some cases. As the swelling goes down, they will begin to feel tight and dry. For 2-3 days, they will experience scabbing and flaking. During this time, it is crucial that you are gentle with them, keep them hydrated and avoid drinking hot liquids or eating spicy foods. Once all scabbing has flaked off the lips, like other cosmetic tattoos, will appear light and will still feel dry. It takes roughly 4 weeks for the skin to normalize, the pigment to resurface and the dryness to subside. It is typical for the tattoo to fade 20% - 60% so expect the healed result to be much lighter than they are immediately after having them done. Color can be built up through continued appointments. One perfecting appointment will be included with the initial service and all continued touch ups will be $250.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or to schedule a consultation.