AFTERCARE | INK N GEEK

YOUR NEW TATTOO

INK N GEEK knows a tattoo is one of the most dynamic symbols of self-expression ever created and it’s essential to rely on the expert guidance of your artists for proper aftercare. If you follow the directions outlined below your new tattoo should heal quickly and properly. We also carry several aftercare products that can be suggested by our team. Our front counter staff and tattoo artists are available and always happy to assist clients with any questions that arise, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

Removal of Tattoo Wrap / Bandage:

After the completion of your tattoo, you can expect your artist to clean the tattooed area and then wrapped or patched. Our tattoo artists typically use Dri-Loc pads, Saniderm self-adherent wrap, or Saniderm tattoo bandage.

Dri-Loc Pads:
You should leave the pad on your newly tattooed skin for 1 to 2 hours. The pad will not only protect the skin but absorb any excess ink or blood. After you remove the pad it should be thrown away, and the area cleaned gently, using your clean hands, with unscented antibacterial soap and warm water then softly pat dry with a clean towel and air dry before applying your aftercare ointment as outlined in the section caring for your tattoo, located lower on this page.

Saniderm Tattoo Bandage or Wrap:
You can leave both the Saniderm wrap or bandage on your new tattoo for 8 to 24 hours. Everyone heals differently so the length of time will depend on how much fluid your tattoo leaks, which will affect the adhesive. If you notice excessive fluid under the patch, then you will need to remove.

The best way to remove the patch or wrap is in a warm shower; the warm water will loosen the adhesive, find an edge and pull in the direction of your hair growth. Then clean your new tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap and warm water.

After cleaning, you can use another patch; which you can leave on the tattoo for 3-5 days or apply a thin layer of ointment and follow the cleaning instructions outlined below.

CARING FOR YOUR NEW TATTOO

It is essential your new tattoo is kept clean, allowed to breathe, and the skin kept slightly moist during the healing process. We have outlined the general instructions on caring for your tattoo.

Wash the tattooed area, twice a day (morning and night), using an antibacterial soap with warm water; Dab or blot dry the skin gently.
With clean hands, apply a small amount, creating a thin layer, of anti-bacterial ointment 2-3 times a day for 3 to 4 weeks. Any of the following will work: Vitalitree, A&D, or Aquaphor.
Do not swim, soak in a hot tub, or take a bath for two weeks after getting your tattoo. Also, avoid tanning.
Do not scratch your tattoo; It will itch during the healing process. This process can last up to two weeks.

What to Expect After Your Tattoo

A tattoo causes trauma to your body. Depending on the placement, the size, and an individual’s hygiene, and daily activities, healing is different for everyone. Because a tattoo is an open wound they are susceptible to infections, it is best to follow the aftercare instructions listed above to lower your risk of problems during the healing process.
You should expect your new tattoo to be red, irritated, swollen, and possibly bruised. These are normal reactions to the tattoo area. Usually, you can anticipate 1 to 3 days for red or irritated skin to subside. If swelling or bruising occurs, this could last for up to a week, especially if tattooed in a sensitive area such as the feet.
Scabbing is a result of the body’s healing process. For some, your tattoo may have some scabbing. If you experience any scabbing, it is imperative that you do not pick at it. Let the scab fall off naturally. You will also want to make sure that you keep the area clean as well as moisturized, but do not over moisturize, follow the instructions listed above.
During the final stages of the healing process, typically 3 to 10 days you can expect the skin to start to flake and peel. It is imperative that you do not pick or scratch at the area, this could remove ink from the tattoo and damage it. A light slap, preferable over clothed skin, will give you relief when itching occurs.
If during the healing process you experience bubbles forming on the surface, not as common but can occur, stop applying any ointments, the moisture can get trapped and lead to possible scabbing; you want your tattoo to dry out. Make sure should wash the tattoo, pat dry it, and let it dry and peel on its own. Any scabs should fall off on their own, and if no trauma occurred such as scratching, the ink should remain.
At SD Tattoo, we stand by our work. If a touch up on your tattoo is needed, our artists will complete at no additional charge, as long as you return within the first 90 days. If you are not in the area during this time frame, please contact us to explain your circumstance, and we would be happy to extend that period.

The suggestions that follow are intended as guidelines to help you care for your new body modification ( tattoo, piercing or perminit make-up). They are based on our decades of experience as professional artist & piercers, the experience of others who are respected in the industry, and the advice of medical professionals familiar with tattoo & piercing care.

Keep in mind that everyone is unique in body and lifestyle, and many factors contribute to how a piercing heals.

INK N GEEK always offers FREE consultations at any time before, during & after the healing process, so feel free to check inat any time.

QUESTIONS? CONCERNS?

Give us a call at: (941) 243-3048 , or stop in and see us. Consultations are always free- we love to see how your body modz are doing!

Download Studio Aftercare:

Anyone can always stop in at the studio to get a copy

of our aftercare but if you can not make it to the shop you can always download INK N GEEK's PDF here!

SORRY, but at this time our INK N GEEK STUDIO does not provide genital piercings.

Genital piercings: Ampallang: 6-9 months, Apadravya: 6-9 months, Christina: 6-9 months, Clitoral Hood: 4-6 weeks, Dydoe: 6-9 months, Fourchette: 6-8 weeks, Frenum: 6-8 weeks, Guiche: 2-3 months, Inner Labia: 4-6 weeks, Prince Albert: 6-8 weeks, Princess Albertina: 4-6 weeks, Reverse PA: 6-9 months, Scrotum/Hafada: 6-8 weeks.

NEW TATTOO

CARING 4 UR TATTOO

CARING FOR YOUR NEW PIERCING

Let’s start with two very important things to remember:

DO NOT TOUCH YOUR PIERCING. The only time you will touch your piercing is when you are cleaning it, and you will first wash your hands.
DO NOT REMOVE YOUR JEWELRY. New piercings can shrink the moment jewelry is removed, making it painful or impossible to get it back in.

What is normal during the healing process:

Bleeding, bruising, and/or swelling are fairly common with a new piercing.
Some tenderness or discomfort in the area of a new piercing can be expected for several days or longer. Discoloration (redness) and itching during healing process are also fairly common.
Secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) is part of the healing process and is to be expected. It is liquid when it leaves the body but dries into “crusties.”
Piercings will go through “ups and downs” while healing. They may seem healed for a while, and then regress. The key is to continue your cleaning routine throughout initial healing time.
Piercings (including healed piercings) that are not cleaned daily may smell unpleasant. This does not necessarily indicate a problem.
Jewelry should not be expected to rotate or move freely in most piercings, even after healing. • Most piercings will shrink or close very quickly if the jewelry is removed, so if you like your piercing it is vital to LEAVE YOUR JEWELRY IN AT ALL TIMES!

STERILE WOUND-CARE SALINE DAILY AS NEEDED

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Either spray the saline directly on the piercing to liberally flush the piercing, or soak a

non-woven gauze in saline and apply that to the piercing.
You may need to use a q-tip or non-woven gauze to clean away any debris or “crusties”

that may have collected on the jewelry around the piercing.
It is not necessary to rinse this product away, however if you do rinse make sure it’s with

clean, running water.
If your jewelry is threaded (barbells, etc.) check it to make sure it’s still tight! Remember

“righty tighty, lefty loosey.”

OPTIONAL - USE A MILD SOAP AT THE END OF YOUR BATHING ROUTINE – NO MORE THAN ONCE DAILY

Your piercer may suggest a mild (non-antibacterial) liquid soap should be used at the end of your bathing routine to rinse away any skin or hair care products that could irritate your piercing. It is important to leave your jewelry in throughout your cleaning routine. Do not touch your piercing without first washing your hands; and leave your jewelry in at all times!

WHAT TO AVOID WHILE HEALING A BODY PIERCING

Avoid touching your piercing, except when you are cleaning it.
Avoid oral contact or contact with other people’s body fluids.
Avoid using any aftercare products or ointments that were not suggested by your piercer.
Avoid getting lotions and/or makeup in or around your piercing.
Avoid pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, etc. Using a waterproof, breathable bandage (such as Tegaderm) is a viable option for some piercings.

What is normal during the healing process:

Do not clean your piercing more often than is suggested, as over-cleaning can slow the healing process and cause more harm than good.
Taking a multivitamin containing zinc and vitamin C can boost your body’s healing abilities.
Keep in mind that stress, poor diet, drug abuse, or illness can cause extended healing times or other difficulties.
Make sure your bedding is clean. This is especially important if you have pets that sleep in your bed.
If you feel your piercing is infected, contact us or a physician right away! Although we are not doctors, we are happy to give suggestions based on our experience. Keep in mind that some redness, tenderness, swelling, and discharge is normal, but we advise clients to consult a health care professional for unexpected redness, tenderness, or swelling at the site, any rash, unexpected drainage from the piercing, or a fever within 24 hours of the body art procedure.

ESTIMATED INITIAL HEALING TIMES

The following is usually the minimum amount of time needed to heal before it is safe to change your jewelry. Because many factors influence how quickly a piercing will heal, some people will heal faster while others will take longer. Please be aware that these are only initial healing times. Most piercings will take years before they can be left out for any extended length of time without shrinking or closing. Multiple piercings healing simultaneously may result in longer healing times.

Ear Cartilage: 3-4 months
Industrial: 3-6 month
Earlobe (up to 12g): 6-8 weeks
Earlobe (over 12g): 2-3 months
Erl (nose bridge): 2-3 months
Eyebrow: 2-3 months
High Nostril: 4-6 months
Tongue: 4-6 weeks
Vertical Lip: 6-8 weeks

Inverse Lip: 2-3 months
Lip/Labret/Monroe: 6-8 weeks
Navel: 4-6 months
Nostril: 3-4 months
Philtrum: 6-8 weeks
Septum: 6-8 weeks
Single Point Piercing: 3-4 months
Surface Piercing (Surface Bar): 6-9 months
Surface Piercing (Tygon): 8-12 months

Nipples vary in healing time based on size and anatomical structure. Small nipples (less than 3/8” in width) can heal within 3-4 months, while larger nipples (wider than 3/8” in diameter) often take 6-9 months to heal.

PIERCING HEALING

PIERCING WOUND

PIERCING HEALING TIME

The INK N GEEK show room is full of amazing body jewelry from name brans and jeweler's such as Invictus, Body Vibes, Gorilla Glass, Metal Mofia and many others!

CUSTOM ORDERS?

YES! INK N GEEK DOES TAKE CUSTOME ORDERING FROM SELECT BRANDS + JEWLERS STOP IN OR CALL THE SHOP TODAY FOR MORE INFO!

How Can YOU SEE MORE?

JUST STOP INTO THE STUDIO AT :

6019 26th st W. Bradenton F.L. Bradenton, FL

YOU CAN ALSO CALL FOR MORE INFO : (941) 243-3048

INK N GEEK IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON LAUNCHING AN OFFICIAL ONLINE STORE!

PRODUCTS FROM ANIME, MARVEL, DCCOMICS, VIDEO GAMES AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!!

Featuring amazing graphix and Designs from a number of talented tattoo artist from around the world who are also featured guest at our events!

P.M.U AFTERCARE

There is a lot of confusion around the proper aftercare steps for PMU. Our most frequently asked questions always revolve around aftercare instructions, wet V.S. dry healing, which microblading products are best, and the day-by-day healing process itself.

We have tried just about every aftercare process and procedure that there is: wet healing, dry healing, washing, no washing, A & D ointment, Bepanthen, Vaseline and lots of brands and formulations. Some things were good and some things were not so good. If you follow the right aftercare procedure, you will ensure a speedy recovery, client comfort, and prevent complications such as infection.

Whether it’s microblading or machine, eyes, eyebrows, or lips. These tips refer to healing the skin in general so you can follow it for any type of PMU wound care. PMU creates a wound to the skin, so you need to treat it like a wound and keep it clean and prevent excessive stress to the healing area.

Wet V.S. Dry Healing

This is where things get misconstrued. Many artists tell their clients not to wash the area for the entire healing time. Client’s mistake this for a “dry healing method” in actuality, this is what the different healing

The wet healing method - applying a product to the area after washing the area.
The dry healing method - not applying any product to the area after washing the area.

But, what method actually promotes best healing?

The wet method of daily washing to reduce the buildup of bacteria and dead skin coupled with the application of an aftercare product allows the skin to heal fastest and so your beautiful artwork can show thru.

THE A - W -M PROCESS / Absorb, Wash, + Moisturize!

Absorb (Day of PMU)

After the procedure, gently blot the area with a clean tissue to absorb excess lymph fluid.
Do this every 5 minutes until the oozing has stopped.
Removing this fluid prevents hardening of the lymphatic fluids.

Wash (Days 1-7)

Wash daily to remove bacteria, build up of product and oils, and dead skin. (Don't worry, THIS DOES NOT REMOVE THE PIGMENT!)
Gently wash the area each morning and night with water and gentle soap or an unscented cleanser like Dial Soap, Cetaphil, or baby shampoo. With a very light touch, use your fingertips to gently cleanse the area.
Rub the area in a smooth motion for 10 seconds and rinse with water ensuring that all soap is rinsed away.
To dry, gently pat with a clean tissue. DO NOT use any cleansing products containing acids (glycolic, lactic, or AHA), or exfoliants.

Moisturize and hydrate (Days 1-7)

Apply a tiny, rice grain amount of Tina Davies Aftercare 3 times a day with a cotton swab and spread it across the treated area.
Be sure not to over-apply, as this will suffocate your skin and delay healing. The product should be barely noticeable on the skin.
NEVER put the product on a wet or damp tattoo.

Important Reminders

Use a fresh pillowcase while you sleep.
Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. Picking can cause scarring or loss of color.
No facials, botox, chemical treatments or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks.
Avoid hot, sweaty exercise for one week.
Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 4 weeks after the procedure. Wear a hat when outdoors.
Avoid long, hot showers for the first 10 days.
Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days.
Avoid face-down swimming, lakes, and hot tubs for the first 10 days,
Avoid topical makeup and sunscreen on the area.
DO NOT rub, pick, or scratch the treated area.

Instructions for Showering:

Limit your showers to 5 minutes so that you do not create too much steam. Keep your face/procedure area out of the water while you wash your body, then, at the end of your shower, wash your hair.
Your face should only be getting wet only at the end of the shower.
Avoid excessive rinsing and hot water on the treated area.

PMU AFTERCARE

INK N GEEK'S PMU SPECIALIST