Aftercare

A tattoo is more than just a piece of art and a way to assert your personal style. It’s a medical procedure, because the artist uses a needle to insert the ink underneath your skin. Any time you open the skin, you leave yourself vulnerable to scarring and infections.

Caring for your tattoo can prevent these complications and ensure that it heals properly.

Healing

Amber will ensure to protect and cover your tattoo, before you leave the studio. To do this she will use an antiseptic and or blue soap and then a clear film wrap or second skin over the entire tattoo. This can help to absorb any fluid or excess ink that leaks from the tattoo.

After a few hours (No more than 24hours), you can then remove the film gently, with clean hands and fragrance free, luke warm water. Pat your skin dry with a soft cloth. Apply a small amount of your moisturiser of choice.

Amber chooses to let her tattoos heal naturally, with the help of antiseptic spray (betadine iodine) during the tattoo healing process. There are plenty of options in the form of lotions and creams out there now - and a couple to choose from at the Studio to purchase - so have a chat with Amber about what lotion or cream could aid in your healing tattoo.

Healing Process

Day one and two is the most crucial stage in the process.
Day three and four your tattoo is on the mend but still sore
Day five to seven it will start to scab
Day seven to fourteen will be the itchy phase
Day fourteen you are in the home stretch and almost healed!

You can find aftercare in the shop section

One that we can recommend is El Beila After Care - Made by our lovely Ellie Dixon in Waipukurau this blend is of essential oils and shea butter! Check them out on Instagram for more information and ingredients.

While your tattoo heals, you should: Wear sun-protective clothing whenever you go outside Call your tattoo artist (0278964645) TEXT FIRST, or call your doctor if you have any signs of infection or other problems such as; redness, itching, yellowness, or any bumps or spots.

You shouldn’t: Cover your tattoo with sunblock until it’s fully healed, scratch or pick at the tattoo. Wear tight clothing over the tattoo, Go swimming or immerse your body in water (showers are fine).

No product

Special Attention

How to identify an infected tattoo The most common symptom of a tattoo infection is a rash or red, bumpy skin around the area where you have the tattoo. In some cases, your skin may just be irritated because of the needle, especially if you have sensitive skin. If this is the case, your symptoms should fade after a few days. See your doctor if you experience one or more of the following: fever feeling waves of heat and cold abnormal shivering swelling of the tattooed area pus coming out of the tattooed area red lesions around the tattooed area areas of hard, raised tissue How to treat an infected tattoo Minor bumps and rashes can usually be managed at home with antibacterial ointment, proper cleaning, and rest. If you’re experiencing an infection, treatment depends on the cause.

Your doctor may take a sample of the tissue (biopsy) to see what bacteria or virus is causing the infection. In most cases, your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic to help stop the infection. In severe cases of infection, antibiotic treatments may last for weeks or months. In rare cases of infection, surgery can be required to repair your flesh. If your tissue has died due to the infection (necrosis), surgery may be needed to completely remove the infected tissue. Persistent, sometimes itchy, and painful bumps in your tattoo may be signs of an atypical mycobacterial infection. This requires long-term antibiotic treatment.

Long-term tattoo aftercare tips; Once your tattoo has healed, you move into maintenance mode. Remember; Keep it clean. Wash your skin daily with a gentle, unscented soap. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin moisturized. Watch what you wear. Wear SPF clothing so the sun won’t fade your tattoo. Avoid scratchy fabrics, such as wool, which can damage the ink. Thanks for reading, Amber Bastin.