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Taking proper care of your investment will help prevent infection and promote proper healing.  Continued care for your tattoo will help it stay vibrant for years to come. We offer a complete line of aftercare products at our studio, and we recommend the following technique:

ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE AND AFTER YOU CLEAN YOUR TATTOO.

DO NOT TOUCH YOUR TATTOO unless you are cleaning it. This is crucial in minimizing your risk of infection. Swelling, seeping, soreness and itching are all common in the first few days or week. Ibuprofen may help relieve discomfort.

BANDAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep your new tattoo bandaged for approximately two (2) hours. Then carefully remove and discard the bandage and wash the entire area with mild soap and cool water.

SANIDERM INSTRUCTIONS:  If your tattoo has been covered with Saniderm adhesive, this adhesive should be worn for three days. At the end of the third day, run warm water over the adhesive, and peel it off as you would a bandage.  

AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS: After removing the bandage/Saniderm and thoroughly washing the area, let the newly cleaned area air dry or PAT dry with a clean towel. This is the time to admire your new art but resist the temptation to touch your tattoo. This is still open tissue that is susceptible to infection. Gently apply a small amount antibiotic ointment or cream in a very thin layer. Re-wrap your tattoo completely with sterile bandage(s) or other sterile dressing(s) when necessary, and repeat these steps morning, midday and night for at least the first three (3) days. NEVER reuse a bandage.  After the third day, it is no longer necessary to bandage your tattoo. Around the fourth day, your tattoo will begin to peel and flake like a sunburn. DO NOT SCRATCH, PICK, OR OTHERWISE ACCELERATE THIS STEP. Once the area begins to peal, discontinue using the ointment, and start using the Cetaphil, or similar cream-based moisturizer 3-4 times daily.

DO NOT RUB, PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR FRESH TATTOO! This will ruin your new art!!

ACTIVITIES TO AVOID:

DO NOT Scratch or pick.

DO NOT use petroleum-based rubs like Vaseline or Neosporin.

DO NOT use harsh cleansers or scented lotion.

DO NOT use tanning beds or tanning sprays for 2-3 weeks. UV rays are ALWAYS bad for tattoo-aging, so to preserve it remember to always wear sunscreen, and protect your tattoos from the sun to preserve the beauty of your tattoo as the years pass.  This should continue, even after the tattoo is fully healed.

DO NOT submerge in water. Showers are great but no baths, ocean or lake water for at least the first 3 weeks.  

Swimming should be avoided for the first three weeks as well.

Avoid sunburn, salt or chlorine water, or hot tubs until your tattoo is completely healed.

If you have any questions regarding the healing process of your tattoo, please feel free to call or come by the studio at any time.

REMEMBER:  Dark Age Tattoo employees are not medical professionals. They CANNOT advise on your specific healing.  Contact your Health Care provider at the first sign of infection, allergic or adverse reaction, or if you notice any other symptoms that concern you. Please also report the occurrence of infection, allergic or adverse reaction and its diagnosis provided by healthcare practitioner to your tattoo artist and to the Texas Department of State Health Services at 1-512-834-6711.

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