Proper care following your procedure is important and required to achieve optimum results. Keep in mind that some intensity of color will be lost, and/or the color may heal unevenly. This is normal for cosmetic tattoos. This is the reason for the touch-up appointment at 8-12 weeks. Touch-ups are required to fill in any light areas, to go a little darker if desired, and to adjust shape or color if needed. It is critical that you read and follow all instructions provided for the full healing period to ensure proper healing and color retention. Results will vary for all individuals.

Blotting your cosmetic tattoo.

We have created a wound and all wounds weep body fluids. Some will weep more and for a longer period than others. Blotting off these fluids and excess pigment is critical to a good healed result and optimum color retention. If these fluids are allowed to remain on the tattoo and accumulate, you will get heavier scabbing. Heavy scabbing can pull out the pigment which will result in light spots and unevenness of color. Please remove the plastic wrap, dampen a paper towel with water and blot your tattoo as soon as possible upon leaving the studio. Please remain topless and continue blotting every 15 minutes until the weeping has subsided.

Washing your cosmetic tattoo.

Once the weeping has stopped, you will begin washing your tattoo. You will wash 1-2 times a day, in the shower or at the sink. Only use cold/cool water and the recommended cleanser. Do not use a washcloth or any type of cleansing device. Using only your clean fingertips and a gentle cleanser, pat with a very light touch and gently cleanse. Pat, do not rub, as you wash. Make sure to rinse off all cleanser. Pat dry with a paper towel. Air dry an additional 10 minutes before applying ointment. Never put ointment on a wet or damp tattoo.

Applying ointment to your cosmetic tattoo.

Begin using the ointment following the first wash. Only use the ointment provided to you. Apply a very tiny amount of ointment to your tattoo 2-4 times a day until the flaking has stopped. Always blot the prior ointment off before applying a new layer of ointment. Dress with a nonstick gauze pad after applying ointment.

• Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the eye area.
• Do not take hot showers. Keep bathroom doors open to prevent any steam. Steam will cause the pores to open and flakes to soften, resulting in improper healing. Do not submerge your tattoo in bathwater. Do not let the shower spray hit your tattoo directly for 2 weeks. Avoid letting shampoo and/or conditioner run down your tattoo, as it can cause discoloration of the pigment.
• Do not use more than the recommended amount of ointment. Too much ointment can starve the skin of air and can result in loss of pigment. Use just enough to moisten. Only apply ointment to the tattoo. Allergic reaction to the ointment is extremely rare but possible. If you notice any bumps or rash or you think you may be having a reaction, stop using the ointment immediately.
• Absolutely no exercising until your tattoo has finished flaking. Waiting 14 full days is best. Do not do any activity that causes you to sweat or heat up and turn red. Sweat contains salt, which can infect, fade, and/or discolor your tattoo.
  Absolutely no direct UV exposure for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, wearing sunscreen is highly recommended. UV rays can fade and/or discolor your tattoo.
• During your healing process do not expose your tattoo to chemicals, hot tubs, pools, lakes, ponds, saunas, hot water, saltwater, direct shower spray, etc.
• Do not use laser light therapy on your tattoo, as this can darken, lighten, and/or distort the pigment.
• No massages for 2 weeks.

All procedures are conducted in accordance with OSHA blood-borne pathogen standards. Once you leave The Beauty Mark Permanent Makeup Studio, it is important to follow all aftercare instructions to avoid complications. Tenderness to the area is expected. This is a wound that must heal. Complications are extremely rare. However, if you observe any conditions that are not consistent with the healing process, such as any sign of infection, pus, red streaks stemming from the procedure area, or abnormal discharge or conditions, contact your physician for immediate treatment and advise Heather Wilhelm, Owner/Artist of The Beauty Mark Permanent Makeup Studio as soon as possible.

Next, read my article about Areola/Nipple Healing.