Irish Buddha Tattoo

Remove all bandages after 2 hours and thoroughly wash your tattoo with mild soap and warm water.  Rinse then dry your tattoo with clean paper towels.  DO NOT RE-BANDAGE!

 

Keep tattoo dry and free of ointment of any kind for the first night, gently blotting away any moisture that develops with a clean paper towel.

 

For the first few nights, just before going to bed, you may find it beneficial to wrap your tattoo in plastic wrap (Saran or Glad).  This can aid in preventing excess scabbing and helps keep your tattoo free of debris as you sleep.  Make sure to wash and clean your tattoo with mild soap and warm water, and pat dry with a clean paper towel prior to covering with plastic wrap.  Do not use any ointment before wrapping.  You'll notice after your tattoo has been plastic wrapped for awhile (overnight typically), a layer of moisture and plasma can develop.  Your tattoo will appear to be "sweating".  This is what would have developed into a scab.  Let it air dry completely before applying a THIN layer of ointment.   Plastic wrapping is an optional step; if you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact us.

 

The body goes through stages of healing your tattoo, as it would any other surface wound.  Everyone heals differently and at different rates.  For instance, you may only develop a scaly, dry layer over your tattoo, or you may develop thicker scabs.  DO NOT PICK OR REMOVE SCABS!  They will fall away naturally on their own as the skin beneath them heals.

 

Lightly medicated ointments such as Neosporin, Aquaphor, or A&D ointment will aid the healing process if used correctly, however can complicate the healing process if used incorrectly.  Excessive moisture in the form of either ointment application or water may lead to slower healing and the buildup of thicker scab layers.

 

Apply a very thin layer of ointment the first day after your tattoo, continuing as needed no more than 2 - 4 times daily.  Always remove excess ointment with a clean paper towel after each application.

 

Do not expose tattoo to sunlight, tanning beds, chlorine, the ocean, or submerge in any water for the duration of the healing process.  Keep tattoo clean and away from unsanitary conditions throughout the entirety of the healing process.  Discontinue use of oinitment after all scabs are gone.  Tattoo healing can vary greatly between individuals, ranging anywhere from 7 days to 2 - 4 weeks, on average.

 

After healing is complete, and the surface is smooth, the use of water based skin lotion is recommended on a daily basis to preserve the integrity of your tattoo for years to come.  Any lotions with an SPF are ideal, especially when being outdoors.  For prolonged outdoor exposure, a high SPF sunblock is strongly recommended.  Exposure to the sun and tanning beds can be harmful to your skin as well as your tattoos.  It is best for the longevity of your tattoo to avoid direct sunlight altogether by keeping tattooed areas covered when outside for extended periods.