Congratulations, your tattoo
is now complete! We've done our job, it's now time for you to do yours.
Following our suggested instructions will speed up the healing process
and will result in a crisp, clean, vibrant tattoo. Nearly all complications are due to poor aftercare.
Once your
tattoo experience at
Graceland Tattoo is
complete, the artist will dress the area before you leave the studio.
Keep in mind, the application of a tattoo is considered similar to a "minor surgery".
We recommend
you leave the dressing on for 4-24 hours, depending on the environment
you are in.
Remove
the dressing. If the dressing sticks to the skin, don't worry, wet
the area down with
COOL water.
You will notice the dressing will begin to come off. Continue to soak
the area until it falls off easily.
Wash the
site gently but thoroughly with antibacterial soap (DO
NOT SCRUB). Look for a soap that is fragrance
free and without dyes i.e.. Dial antibacterial. Rinse all the remaining
soap from your new tattoo.
Gently
pat the area dry using a paper towel, and let the air get to it for a few minutes.
Next, apply
an EXTREMELY thin coat of the suggested ointment, ie. H2Ocean Foam. You can
purchase this aftercare at our studio. Your tattoo should NEVER look gooey, wet, or slimey.
Wash and
apply aftercare 3-4 times a day for 3 days then switch to lotion.
You can also use Unscented Aloe free lotion from the start of the aftercare process. Both are ways are effective. We recommend Curel lotion.
DO NOT:
Soak in chlorine water, salt water, bath tubs or steam baths for a
minimum of 2 weeks.
DO NOT:
Pick, Rub, or Scratch the tattoo. If the site becomes itchy during
the healing process smack the tattoo gently.
DO NOT:
Expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight for a minimum of 2 weeks.
After the
scabs have naturally fallen off there will be "new skin" exposed. Continue to use lotion on the newly tattooed area.
Keep in
mind that sunlight can fade and even destroy tattoos, make sure you
put on a good sunscreen whenever you are exposed to the sun's harmful
rays. It is recommended that a sunscreen with 30-45 spf be used for the
life of the tattoo.
Your new
tattoo is your responsibility once you leave our studio. Use common
sense and if at anytime you have a question give us a call at (845)297-3001.
