The healing time of a tattoo varies from person to person and with tattoo size/location and can be compared to a skinned knee or minor burn.
Your tattoo will be bandaged before you leave Liberty Tattoo to keep it clean, keep the ointment on it, protect it from your clothing and the sun and to control the small amount of bleeding/oozing that usually occurs. The bleeding will stop within an hour for most people.
For the first 24-48 hrs. keep your tattoo bandaged on and off (cleaning it and changing the bandage of course). You can shower as normal right away but do not soak in a tub until it is healed. A good time to keep your new tattoo bandaged for optimal healing is while you are sleeping. If you will be at work or traveling right after getting your tattoo, plan ahead with your supplies so that you are still able to safely clean and re-bandage your tattoo.
Good old basic hygiene is best for a healthy tattoo! Gently clean with soap and water, pat dry and apply an antibiotic ointment: Vitamin A&D (for diaper rash, in the baby section at most grocery/drug stores), Neosporin (do not use if you are allergic to) or Bacitracin and then bandage. Aquaphor (by Eucerin) works well too but still use an antibiotic ointment for the first couple of days. Keep this up until your tattoo starts to peel (5-7 days) and then quit using the ointment and quit covering with a bandage. You can now switch to a light, greaseless lotion until your tattoo is no longer dry/flaky.
Your new tattoo might be a little tender, swollen and red for the first 24-48 hours (varies from person to person and with tattoo size/location). If your tattoo is on your lower leg or foot you need to elevate it several times a day to avoid serious healing problems (the larger the tattoo the more important this is). If your tattoo is in or near a part of your body that bends such as wrist, elbow, waist, knee, etc., try to keep the area flat/extended as much as possible so that air can get to your tattoo. Also, the agitation of bending, rubbing or leaning on these areas will cause poor healing and light spots. Remember, even though our procedures are sterile a tattoo results in broken skin and the world is full of bacteria just waiting to infect you. Please take your health and aftercare seriously, as well as the beauty and outcome of your tattoo. If you have a concern you can call or come by but use your common sense and seek medical attention if necessary.
In 5-7 days (varies from person to person and with tattoo size/location) your tattoo will begin to feel rough and dry and then it will peel/flake like a sunburn. It might itch but DO NOT SCRATCH OR PICK YOUR TATTOO AT ANY STAGE DURING HEALING (this will cause poor healing and light spots!). Let your tattoo peel naturally. This layer of skin will slough off in no time and you will have a beautiful, new (healed) tattoo. However, your skin will be newly exposed and delicate so continue to treat your tattoo with care. Keep it out of the sun as well as clean and moisturized. Your tattoo may go through a second, less severe, peeling (especially with red ink).
The worst thing for a tattoo is the sun! The sun or a tanning bed “will” fade your tattoo so a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 is essential if you want it to remain vibrant. Remember, the sun does not care if you are swimming, working in the yard or simply driving with your arm out the window. Your artist may have helped you decide on colors but tattoo aftercare is your sole responsibility for life. A professionally applied and properly cared for tattoo will remain vibrant and looking good for years and years.
Nearly all healing problems that occur are a direct result of not following these simple instructions (and we can tell when they are not followed). We have been in the business for over 30 years so before you take advice from your friends consult with Liberty Tattoo. Many myths and misconceptions surround tattooing so education is your best defense. Neosporin will NOT pull out the ink!