Tattoo Aftercare:

            On the way home purchase a tube of vitamin A+D ointment and some unscented skin lotion. REMOVE the bandage when you get home and take a HOT shower allowing the water to hit the tattoo directly for approximately 5 minutes. When you get out gently pat dry and ALWAYS allow to completely air dry before applying the A+D ointment (trapping moisture beneath the ointment will cause bubbling). IMPORTANT- Never rub the tattoo with anything abrasive like wash clothes and towels! Always wash gently with your hands and gently pat dry. The first night it is normal for a little blood and ink to come out so you might want to wear something to bed that you don’t love to protect your sheets. After the first night limit the tattoo’s exposure to water  and try to not let the shower  water hit your tattoo directly if possible. DO NOT take baths or go swimming! When applying the A+D ointment use only a small amount, just enough to create a very thin film over the tattoo. Work it in and blot off the excess. Keep it handy though, so that you can re-apply it through-out the day as needed. NEVER re-bandage the tattoo just wear looser fitting clothing (the tattoo needs air to heal).  If your tattoo is an a place wear clothing such as bra straps, pants waist lines, or socks will come in direct contact, simply place a plastic sandwich baggie over the tattoo to protect it during the day. As often as possible dress in a way that prevents you from having to do this.  After several days your tattoo will begin to flake and peel like a really bad sunburn, it will also itch a lot. When this begins STOP using the A+D ointment and switch to the unscented skin lotion .  NEVER pick at or scratch your tattoo! Allow the flakes to fall off naturally.  As for the itch some people say that slapping the tattoo helps. The entire healing process usually takes 5-10 days.  Thank you and enjoy your new tattoo!

Piercing Aftercare:

What do I use to clean my piercing?

External Piercings:
Use a sealed and packaged sterile saline solution with no additives.  Make sure you read the label!  Contact solution for sensitive eyes that is saline based is a good example.  This can be found at any drug store or grocery store and is fairly inexpensive. You will also need some cotton balls.  NEVER use alcohol or peroxide to clean your piercing they will severely over-dry the area resulting in slower healing times and greater risk for infection.

Oral Piercings:
Use BIOTENE mouthwash which is also found in most grocery/drug stores. NO alcohol based mouthwashes such as Listerine and Scope. Also pick up some generic ibuprofen to help with swelling and pain.

How do I clean my piercing?

External Piercings:
Always make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning or touching on or close to your piercing.  Saline cleans by acting as an expectorant to draw things from the inside out to the surface; this process takes a couple minutes to work.  Make a saline compress twice daily for the next 6 weeks.  An easy method for most piercings is to simply saturate a cotton ball with the saline and hold it to the piercing allowing it to soak for approximately two minutes.  ALWAYS use disposable products such as Q-Tips or cotton balls.  Cloths or towels you have laying around the house can harbor bacteria and will increase the risk of infection for your piercing greatly.

Oral Piercings:
Keep ice on your tongue or consume cold liquids and ice cream for the first 12 hrs after piercing to reduce the amount of swelling. Use ibuprofen as directed to help control swelling and pain. Rinse your mouth with Biotene mouthwash for 30 seconds after putting anything in your mouth other than ice or water for the next 4wks.  DO NOT use mouthwash that contains alcohol, this can irritate your piercing.

Healing times:

ear lobe 6-8 wks
nostril 2-4 months  
nipple 3-6 months
ear cartilage 4 months-1 yr
lip 2-3 months
navel 4 months-1 yr
eyebrow 6-8 wks
tongue 4 wks
Hood 4-10 wks