CREE8IV INK

 TATTOO STUDIO

Aftercare

tattoo Aftercare

CONGRATULATIONS! You have a brand-new OPEN WOUND. It is NOT a Tattoo until it is healed.

Getting a new tattoo involves breaking the skin surface so there is always a potential risk for infection to occur afterwards.  Aftercare is not simply the ointment. It is the environment you heal your wound in, and the total care you take to heal it properly. So, it is important that you follow product instructions:

Disclaimer: We cannot pre-determine allergic reactions in every situation, so if complications arise, discontinue use.

REGULAR DRESSING:

**Aftercare begins 2 hours after the bandage is applied and doesn’t stop until the skin is back to being smooth.**

ONE: Leave the bandage on for at least 2 hours. 

Note: If you cannot wash it after 2 hours, the bandage stays on until you can, but only up to a maximum of 6 hours – The longer the bandage stays on the soggier your skin will get which is not great for tattoos.

TWO:  Wash Your Hands before you remove the bandage and then do so carefully – Some medical tapes may require a wet removal.

THREE: Gently wash your tattoo with our Revive Mild Soap* and warm water using just your hand!

Note: Do not rub as skin will become irritated but you want to make sure that all debris is removed, such as blood and dried ink.

FOUR: Pat dry with a clean towel or air dry.

Note: DO NOT reapply the bandage once you’ve washed it. 

FIVE: Once the tattoo is dry, apply a very thin layer of our Revive Tattoo Salve*.

Note: How often you re-apply the Salve depends on how often it gets rubbed off. If your tattoo looks dry, or feels tight or itchy, you need to wash your hands and re-apply. If it’s already shiny, leave it alone. The less the tattoo gets touched during the healing process, the better. Wounds need oxygen to heal, gooping the slave on will block oxygen from your wound and raise the temperature. (Bacteria loves moist, warm environments).

  • DO Shower daily and wash your tattoo before you get out with our Revive Mild Soap.*
  • DO Wear loose clothing to minimize rubbing irritation and fiber transfer. Also be mindful of the discharge and Salve while healing (may damage good clothing).
  • DO Change your bedding but be mindful of the discharge while healing (may damage good bedding).
  • DO Keep a new tattoo covered and protected if working in a dirty/dusty/oily environment but ensure it can still breathe and is not dry.
  • DON’T Remove it or peek at it, as it is intended to reduce the risk of introducing infection to the newly traumatized skin.
  • DON’T Submerse your tattoo (oceans, baths, saunas, dishwater, lakes, etc.)
  • DON’T be in direct sunlight for a long period of time or exercise the area excessively;
  • DON’T Pick, rub or scratch the itch!
  • DON’T Wear nice clothing; the discharge and salve may ruin it;
  • DON’T Wear tight or restrictive clothing on the area tattooed, this can cause irritation and fiber transfer, etc.
  • DON’T Use lotion for a healing tattoo. (You would not put lotion on a cut).
  • DON’T Dry heal your tattoo. Your tattoo is a wound and wounds need to be cleaned for optimal healing. Plus, doing this can result in thicker scabs which may also pull ink from the skin.
  • DON’T Stop Aftercare until the skin is back to being smooth!

THE HEALING PROCESS – WHAT IS TYPICAL TO EXPECT WITH YOUR NEW TATTOO:

Most tattoos will heal on the outside in approx. 2 weeks average but the under layers can take up to 6 weeks to heal. How long it actually takes will depend on YOU: your overall health condition, how well you take care of it, what it gets exposed to and the level of injury (heavy shading/color will take longer than linework or light shading). After the aggressive trauma your skin endures from the tattoo procedure, your immune system is in overdrive. Your body sees the tattoo ink as an alien body that needs to be wiped out with extreme prejudice. Your tattoo looks great today, and even better tomorrow when the redness, swelling and bleeding have stopped. After tomorrow, it will look awful while it continues through the following approximate stages:

Stage 1: Healing begins right after the tattooing is completed. The first 5 days of care are critical to your health, the integrity of the ink and the overall quality of your tattoo. Any amount of heat in the shower will sting and washing it will not be pleasant, but it must be done daily. Initial bleeding and discharge is normal and with that comes a little pain, swelling, a sunburn sensation, and other minor discomforts that get better every day. DON’T Freak Out – the tattoo can discharge up to 6 days! This is when people think that their ink is bleeding out. This is not the case. The ink that seems to be ‘bleeding’ out is actually a mixture of your body’s fluids and the residual ink that stained the outermost layers of the skin. This mixture is actually what you are trying to remove, along with any environmental contaminants, during the washing process. (Keep in mind – washing to aggressively can cause the healing process to start all over again.)

Stage 2: Your tattoo will begin to dry up. As it does this, it will get itchy. This is normal. Do not pick or scratch it! Give it a slap if you can manage – that will smarten up that haywire nerve ending. Do not let your tattoo dry out!

Stage 3: Most of the scabbing, if not all, will be gone. Eraser-like flakes are common but harmless. It may still be a little sensitive to the touch, but it should appear almost fully healed. Though it looks healed the deeper layers are still healing so continue to look after your tattoo. After the scabs are gone, your tattoo will look blurry, milky or faded. You did not lose all of your ink. Once the old dead layer of skin is gone, it will brighten back up again. After this stage, you can go back for touch-ups or additional sessions.

Infection, Reaction or Rough Heal?

Disclaimer: Please be aware that while we would like to be notified of any issues, we cannot assist with any complications and the advice in this article cannot replace that of a licensed physician and you are advised to seek medical help in the event any occur.

Regardless if it’s your first, or fifteenth, potential health risks exist with ANY tattoo. You can decrease the risk of infection by following proper care and cleaning for a new tattoo as per the Tattoo Aftercare sheet provided to you. However, if you have other diseases or health concerns, you may be at risk for complications, even if you take proper care of your new tattoo.

EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT AND EVERY TATTOO IS DIFFERENT:

Because different types of tattoo ink as well as different colors have a variety of chemical compositions, there is no way of telling whether or not you may develop some sort of reaction to any of them. Tattooing pigment into skin is an unnatural process for the human body. Everyone’s body, body chemistry and immune responses are different and can change over the course of time due to age, relative degree of health, exposure to chemicals, sun exposure, etc. so it can react to it in many different ways or none at all.

REACTION:  If you DO develop a reaction, the most common will be dermatitis. Dermatitis causes inflammation, rashes and swelling around the site. Keep in mind that many other factors may play a role in a reaction like this. Some people who have sensitive skin will simply develop irritation at the tattoo site from the trauma and injury and nothing to do with the ink. In rare cases it is possible to have a severe reaction. Another thing many people do not realize is that when there is a moderate to severe allergy to the ink, the skin will automatically reject the ink, resulting in a lack of color on the tattoo.

INFECTION =  S.H.A.R.P. (Swelling, Heat or fever, Ache or pain, Redness or streaks, Pus)

If you think that you may have an infection in or around your new tattoo, consult a doctor as soon as you are able to obtain treatment for the infection before it leads to more serious problems and complications.

ROUGH HEAL: If you pick your tattoo, bump it, scratch it, irritate it with clothing or bedding, fail to apply the ointment to create a protective barrier, or have skin issues such as psoriasis, blood circulation problems, etc., it is possible that your tattoo will heal slower than normal. Evidence of this would be thick scabbing, increased redness, and an overall irritated appearance, isolated to one area or all over. This is nothing to be concerned about unless other symptoms above present themselves and will usually resolve itself in time with proper care. Usually, as this is not an actual medical condition, Polysporin will be recommended on the rougher areas in combination with the A&D ointment for the non-affected areas.

TOUCH UPS: Because we have no control over if and how well you take care of your new tattoo, accidental or purposeful irritations, or what it is exposed to once you leave the studio, we charge a $50 fee for a 30-minute touch up session. The purpose of this is to correct color loss, or fading, not to add to your tattoo. It covers a portion of the Artist’s supply cost and time. Workmanship human errors can occur, and they will be corrected once it has healed, free of charge.

SECOND SKIN: if your artist has put second skin on, follow their directions. If the second skin has broken the seal in any spot and is leaking fluid, OR you are experiencing any reaction, it has to be removed. Do not keep on longer than 7 days. To remove, lift up 90 degrees to stretch it out then peel back. Do not remove like a bandage to avoid increased pain. Once removed, begin aftercare steps starting at #3 outlined above. 

It is up to you to take proper care of your tattoo during the crucial healing period. How your tattoo heals is up to you and will require consistent care for as long as necessary.

 *** This not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention ***

Piercing Aftercare

CONGRATULATIONS!  You’ve just received a body piercing by a trained professional who cleaned and disinfected the area pierced, used sterile instruments, jewelry and a single use needle. Aftercare begins NOW and doesn’t stop until the piercing is completely healed. Getting a piercing involves puncturing the skin surface and with that comes the risk of infection. It is important you take proper care of it.

WHAT IS NORMAL?

  • – Initially: Some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness or bruising.
  • – During: Some discoloration, itching, secretion or a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) that will form crust on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.
  • – Healed: The jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; DO NOT force it. If you fail to include cleaning your piercing as a part of your daily hygiene routine, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate.
  • – A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete. This is because piercings heal from the outside in, and although it feels healed the tissue remains fragile on the inside. BE PATIENT and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

  • – WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching on or near your piercing.
  • – SOAP no more than once or twice a day. At the end of your shower, lather up a pearl size drop of the soap to clean the jewelry and the piercing, then rinse thoroughly.
  • – DRY gently to avoid trauma and catching on your new piercing.

 RECOMMENDED AFTERCARE PRODUCTS

Never re-dip the same Q-tip!

– Bactine Antiseptic Spray (use no more than twice per day)

– Hypochlorous acid (HoCl) can be safely used on piercings due to its gentle yet effective antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent choice for preventing infection and promoting healing in fresh or irritated piercings. Here’s a basic guide on using HOCl for piercing aftercare. To Use:

    • – Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching a piercing.
    • – Use a sterile saline wipe or spray the HOCl solution directly onto the piercing site. Ensure the solution fully covers the area.
    • – Apply 2-3 times daily for fresh piercings and reduce frequency as the piercing heals.
    • – Avoid Harsh Solutions: HOCl is preferable to alcohol or peroxide, which can damage skin cells and delay healing.
    • – Do not wipe or rinse the HOCl solution off; allow it to dry naturally on the skin to maximize its effects.
    • – HOCl is non-toxic, won’t irritate healthy tissue, and is widely used for wound care and disinfecting, making it a safe, effective option for managing piercing sites.
  • – Saline solution will not harm your piercing, but it can close the open ends of the wound prematurely and cause piercing bumps. Medical grade saline solution such as wound sprays can be used as a temporary alternative. Do not mix DIY salt solution.

WHAT TO AVOID

  • – Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewelry and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing and other complications. Do not hang charms from new piercings until completely healed.
  • – Avoid the use of alcohol, hydrogen peroxide. Also avoid over cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.
  • – Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others’ bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.
  • – Avoid recreational drug use including excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
  • – Avoid submerging the piercing in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, Jacuzzis, etc.
  • – Avoid ALL beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, sprays, etc.

REMINDERS

  • – The cleaner you keep your piercing, the better/faster it will heal. Consistent daily cleaning is incredibly important!
  • – Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be removed (such as for a medical procedure). There are non-metallic jewelry alternatives available.
  • – Leave jewelry in at all times. Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewelry in—do not leave it empty. If removed, re-insertion can be difficult or impossible and require a re-piercing at full price.
  • – With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check balls for tightness. (“Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.”) Warranty for missing balls is not offered after 24 hours. It is suggested to purchase a spare ball in case of loss.
  • – Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, simply remove the jewelry (or have a professional piercer remove it) and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole closes.
  • – Maintain cleanliness of telephones, headphones, eyeglasses, helmets, hats and anything that contacts the pierced area.
  • – Use caution when styling your hair and advise your stylist of a new or healing piercing. Best to keep hair out of the way while healing.
  • – Unless there is a problem with the size, styles, or material of the initial jewelry, leave it in place for the entire healing period.
  • – Band-Aids may be used at night or during sports etc. but be careful when removing!
  • – Once the swelling has subsided, it is vital to replace the original, longer jewelry with a shorter post to avoid intra-oral damage. Consult your piercer for the downsize policy – as there is usually a minimum setup charge.

PIERCING BUMPS/KELOIDS

Unfortunately, piercing bumps are relatively common. A piercing bump is a hypertrophic scar, which has formed inside of the piercing and spilled out on the top or on the bottom of the piercing hole. They can form soon after your initial piercing or long after it’s truly healed.  Piercing bumps can be caused by allergies, genetics, poor aftercare, or just bad luck. Do not pick them! Optional treatments: Warm compresses are the most recommended treatments for piercing bumps. Piercing bumps can take up a month or more to heal. *** Unless it is infected (pus), then it is advised to see a doctor.

INFECTION

In the event an infection is suspected, jewelry should be left in place to allow for drainage of the infection. If the jewelry is removed, the surface cells can close up, which can seal the infection inside the piercing channel and result in an abscess. Do not remove jewelry unless instructed to by a medical professional.

ORAL PIERCINGS (Tongue, Lip, etc.)

Swelling will normally occur within the first 72 hours. It is important to drink lots of cold liquids and gently suck on ice to help the swelling. Use ice 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off to help keep maximum blood flow.

  • – Take an over-the-counter pain medication, if necessary, but avoid blood thinners such as Ibuprofen, Aleve, Aspirin, etc. Always follow package instructions and seek medical assistance if complications arise.
  • – Sleep with your head elevated above your heart during the first few nights.
  • – Rinse mouth for 30-60 seconds after meals, smoking/vaping and at bedtime during the entire healing period, with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
  • – Don’t share plates, cups, or eating utensils with others. Replace your toothbrush and keep it clean during the healing period. Keep dirty fingers, pencils, sunglasses etc. out of your mouth.
  • – Avoid excessive talking, playing with the jewelry and all oral sexual contact during the healing time.
  • – Check that the threaded ends of the jewelry are on securely. Tighten them each day to ensure the jewelry stays in place.
  • – Those with tongue piercings should be cautioned that playing with the jewelry excessively is frequently the cause of reported tooth and gum damage and should be avoided.

It is up to you to take proper care of your piercing during the crucial healing period. How your piercing heals is up to you and will require consistent care for as long as necessary.

 *** This not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention ***