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Your goal is to keep the scabs on as long as possible by keeping them clean, dry, and lightly moisturized to stay flexible.
Immediately After:
- The area will be swollen, feel a bit tender, and will be quite dark and sharply defined.
- The next day, it may appear reddish as scabs begin to form, then after that, the scabs will turn quite dark and make the tattoo appear thicker than before.
- Depending on your skin, it takes anywhere from 7-14 days for scabbing to be over.
Do these steps before bed and in the morning until scabbing is over:
- Rinse area with warm water.
- Pat dry with tissue or paper towel (do not rub).
- Apply a very thin film of ointment. If it looks greasy, blot off with a tissue.
*Avoid getting the area wet while washing your face or in the shower. If it gets wet, pat dry right away!
Day 1 (Day of procedure):
- If your swelling is extreme you can take an extra-strength Advil and an antihistamine to calm the inflammation down. You May also ice the eyes by applying it over a clean cloth. Do not apply ice directly on skin.
Day 2:
- It is normal for the eyes to be swollen the next day after the procedure. Some clients swell more than others. The swelling should start going down during this day and the eyes should be looking better by the end of the second day.
NOT ALLOWED during the scabbing phase:
- (until scabs are gone) AVOID water on the tattooed area, makeup, excessive sweating, no sauna, no pools, no sunbathing.
- Do not PEEL the scabs at all (you may cause scarring if otherwise).
- Do not apply anything besides Aquaphor ointment such as vaseline, antibiotic creams, Neosporin etc. Grapeseed oil may be used to substitute Aquaphor.
- During 4 weeks after the procedure is best to not use creams that contain acids or ingredients that will lighten or exfoliate the skin.
- The touch up is best to be done 6 weeks later and allow extra time for clients that heal longer, also give extra healing time for mature clients as well.
After Scabbing Phase:
- You may go back to your normal routine.
- Once the flakes have fallen off it means your skin has grown over and sealed in the pigment. The color will appear milky and very faded. Over the next several weeks, the pigment will slowly reappear and become more vibrant so please be patient. You may apply makeup over the area after the scabs have completely fallen off.
- The complete healing process takes about 6 weeks, at which time the true colour of the tattoo is evident. It is only after 6 weeks that a touch-up/adjustment can be done. Any earlier can damage the skin and cause scarring.
IMPORTANT: Please note that your tattoo will be lighter and not as crisp after healed.
TIP: Clean area thoroughly to avoid excess build-up of dead skin cells. This buildup will cause your pigment to appear grey and blurred (like looking at your pigment through a foggy window).
- Once the treated area is completely healed, any changes or additions that need to be made can be done with a touch-up appointment no sooner than 6 weeks later.
- The first appointment is about structure, design, and building a layer of pigment for a very natural look. One session will give you a subtler look and a good guideline for filling in with makeup if necessary.
- Your touch-up sessions are about seeing how the skin heals and retains pigment as well as making any necessary adjustments such as; shape, symmetry, density, colour, layering, or filling in gaps.
- Results will vary with each individual and are extremely dependent on the health of your skin and how you heal. Therefore, please understand that all services are paid per session and non-refundable. Like with any beauty treatments, it may take several sessions to achieve desired results.
Once Fully Healed:
- Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydrogen Peroxide, Glycolic acid, Apple cider vinegar, Vitamin E and C, and retinols that can be found in Anti-aging / skin lightening/ skin brightening/acne products must be kept away from the tattooed area as continued use could deteriorate the pigment resulting in a bleached-out color.
- Wear Sunscreen!!! Exposure to the sun over time can cause premature fading and discolouration of the pigment. You can wear large sunglasses and a hat for further protection.
- Rinse and dry the area thoroughly when in contact with chlorine or saltwater.
- If you are having laser resurfacing or laser hair removal after your tattoo has healed, please inform the laser technician. Continue at your own discretion. Laser procedures may darken, lighten, or discolour the tattooed area.
- This treatment does fade after 2-5 years depending on your skin and lifestyle. Touch-ups will be necessary for maintenance.
- If you have oily skin, an iron deficiency, or a very strong immune system, your pigment will not last as long as others.
- Oily skin will not heal as crisp as dry skin.
- If you are trying to fix a tattoo done previously by another artist, the final results may not completely hide the previous work. You may need additional appointments to have better results.
- After your first 2 “touch-up within 3 months” appointments, try to wait at least one year before coming back for a touch-up. This will be better for your skin in the long run and avoid the risk of scarring.
**Following these guidelines is extremely important for the healed results of your Cosmetic Tattoo. Please DO NOT use other products or follow other artists’ aftercare instructions. Through extensive research and tests, these instructions will give you the best results!**
Please email a selfie of your healed results to us! We love posting your pictures on our Instagram @studioartisphere!