Tattoo Aftercare

Your tattoo is an investment. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the best possible healing and long-lasting results. Please follow the instructions below based on whether your artist applied Second Skin or a traditional bandage.

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Tattoo Aftercare with Second Skin

Second Skin is a medical-grade protective bandage designed to protect your new tattoo from bacteria, friction, and outside contaminants while allowing your skin to heal.

The First 24 Hours

* It is normal to see blood, plasma, and excess ink collect underneath the bandage. This is part of the healing process.

* Leave the bandage on unless it becomes loose, leaks excessively, or fills completely with fluid.

* Avoid excessive sweating, swimming, hot tubs, and soaking the tattoo.

Removing the Second Skin

* Remove the bandage after 3–5 days, or follow your artist’s recommendation.

* The easiest way to remove it is during a warm shower.

* Slowly stretch the adhesive away from your skin instead of pulling straight up to minimize irritation.

After Removal

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free antibacterial or mild soap.

3. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.

4. Allow the tattoo to air dry for 10–15 minutes.

5. Apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free lotion.

Moisturizing

* Apply a small amount of fragrance-free lotion 2–3 times daily.

* Your tattoo should never look greasy or overly wet.

* Too much lotion can slow healing.

During Healing

* Do not scratch, pick, or peel any flakes or scabs.

* Avoid swimming, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, and baths until fully healed (approximately 2–4 weeks).

* Avoid direct sun exposure.

* Wear loose-fitting clothing whenever possible.

* Continue moisturizing until your tattoo is fully healed.

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Tattoo Aftercare Without Second Skin

Your artist has applied a traditional bandage to protect your tattoo immediately after your appointment.

The First Few Hours

* Leave the bandage on for 2–4 hours, unless instructed otherwise by your artist.

* Wash your hands before touching your tattoo.

Proper aftercare is essential for a healthy healing process. Always wash your hands before touching your piercing, avoid unnecessary twisting or playing with the jewelry, and follow the care instructions below based on your piercing type.  

⸻  Ear Piercings  Includes: Lobes, Helix, Forward Helix, Flat, Conch, Tragus, Anti-Tragus, Daith, Rook, Industrial, Snug  Healing Time  6–12 months (lobes may heal sooner)  Aftercare  * Clean twice daily with a sterile saline solution. * Allow the piercing to air dry or pat dry with a clean paper towel. * Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing whenever possible. * Do not remove or change jewelry until fully healed. * Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs during the initial healing period.  ⸻  

Facial Piercings  Includes: Nostril, Septum, Bridge, Eyebrow, Cheek, Surface Piercings, Dermals  Healing Time  2–6 months (surface piercings and dermals may take longer)  Aftercare  * Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution. * Avoid touching the piercing except during cleaning. * Keep makeup, lotions, and skincare products away from the piercing while healing. * Protect the area from snagging on clothing, towels, or glasses. * Do not remove jewelry during the healing process.  ⸻  

Oral Piercings  Includes: Tongue, Snake Eyes, Venom, Frog Eyes, Smiley, Frowny, Lip, Labret, Monroe, Medusa, Ashley, Vertical Labret  Healing Time  6–12 weeks (varies by piercing)  Aftercare  * Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash after eating, drinking (anything besides water), smoking, or vaping. * Brush your teeth regularly and maintain excellent oral hygiene. * Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and smoking when possible during the first few weeks. * Expect mild swelling for the first few days. Cold water and ice chips may help reduce swelling. * Avoid unnecessary playing with the jewelry to prevent damage to your teeth and gums.  ⸻  

Body Piercings  Includes: Navel, Nipples, Surface Bars, Sternum, Hip, Neck, Wrist and other body piercings  Healing Time  6–12 months (some may take longer)  Aftercare  * Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution. * Wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce irritation. * Avoid pressure, friction, and unnecessary movement. * Avoid swimming and soaking until the piercing has healed. * Leave jewelry in place throughout the healing process.  ⸻  

Intimate Piercings  Includes: Prince Albert, Frenum, Hafada, Christina, VCH, HCH, Triangle, Fourchette, Labia, Princess Diana and other genital piercings  Healing Time  2–6 months (varies by piercing)  Aftercare  * Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution. * Maintain good personal hygiene. * Abstain from sexual activity for the period recommended by your piercer. Once resumed, use barrier protection until the piercing is fully healed. * Wear clean, breathable underwear and avoid tight clothing that causes friction. * Leave jewelry in place during healing.  ⸻  

General Healing Tips  * Always wash your hands before touching your piercing. * Never twist or rotate the jewelry. * Do not remove jewelry before the piercing is fully healed. * Use only sterile saline solution unless instructed otherwise by your piercer. * Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ointments, and harsh soaps. * Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support healing.  ⸻  

When to Contact Your Piercer  Some redness, tenderness, swelling, and clear or light-colored discharge are normal during healing.  Contact your piercer or seek medical attention if you experience:  * Thick yellow or green discharge * Excessive swelling that worsens over time * Severe or increasing pain * Fever or chills * Jewelry becoming embedded in the skin * Signs of an allergic reaction 

 If you have any concerns about your healing process, contact Mad Society Tattoo Company before removing your jewelry. We’re here to help ensure your piercing heals safely and successfully. 

Proper aftercare is essential for a healthy healing process. Always wash your hands before touching your piercing, avoid unnecessary twisting or playing with the jewelry, and follow the care instructions below based on your piercing type.  

⸻  Ear Piercings  Includes: Lobes, Helix, Forward Helix, Flat, Conch, Tragus, Anti-Tragus, Daith, Rook, Industrial, Snug  Healing Time  6–12 months (lobes may heal sooner)  Aftercare  * Clean twice daily with a sterile saline solution. * Allow the piercing to air dry or pat dry with a clean paper towel. * Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing whenever possible. * Do not remove or change jewelry until fully healed. * Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs during the initial healing period.  ⸻  

Facial Piercings  Includes: Nostril, Septum, Bridge, Eyebrow, Cheek, Surface Piercings, Dermals  Healing Time  2–6 months (surface piercings and dermals may take longer)  Aftercare  * Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution. * Avoid touching the piercing except during cleaning. * Keep makeup, lotions, and skincare products away from the piercing while healing. * Protect the area from snagging on clothing, towels, or glasses. * Do not remove jewelry during the healing process.  ⸻  

Oral Piercings  Includes: Tongue, Snake Eyes, Venom, Frog Eyes, Smiley, Frowny, Lip, Labret, Monroe, Medusa, Ashley, Vertical Labret  Healing Time  6–12 weeks (varies by piercing)  Aftercare  * Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash after eating, drinking (anything besides water), smoking, or vaping. * Brush your teeth regularly and maintain excellent oral hygiene. * Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and smoking when possible during the first few weeks. * Expect mild swelling for the first few days. Cold water and ice chips may help reduce swelling. * Avoid unnecessary playing with the jewelry to prevent damage to your teeth and gums.  ⸻  

Body Piercings  Includes: Navel, Nipples, Surface Bars, Sternum, Hip, Neck, Wrist and other body piercings  Healing Time  6–12 months (some may take longer)  Aftercare  * Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution. * Wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce irritation. * Avoid pressure, friction, and unnecessary movement. * Avoid swimming and soaking until the piercing has healed. * Leave jewelry in place throughout the healing process.  ⸻  

Intimate Piercings  Includes: Prince Albert, Frenum, Hafada, Christina, VCH, HCH, Triangle, Fourchette, Labia, Princess Diana and other genital piercings  Healing Time  2–6 months (varies by piercing)  Aftercare  * Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution. * Maintain good personal hygiene. * Abstain from sexual activity for the period recommended by your piercer. Once resumed, use barrier protection until the piercing is fully healed. * Wear clean, breathable underwear and avoid tight clothing that causes friction. * Leave jewelry in place during healing.  ⸻  

General Healing Tips  * Always wash your hands before touching your piercing. * Never twist or rotate the jewelry. * Do not remove jewelry before the piercing is fully healed. * Use only sterile saline solution unless instructed otherwise by your piercer. * Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ointments, and harsh soaps. * Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support healing.  ⸻  

When to Contact Your Piercer  Some redness, tenderness, swelling, and clear or light-colored discharge are normal during healing.  Contact your piercer or seek medical attention if you experience:  * Thick yellow or green discharge * Excessive swelling that worsens over time * Severe or increasing pain * Fever or chills * Jewelry becoming embedded in the skin * Signs of an allergic reaction 

 If you have any concerns about your healing process, contact Mad Society Tattoo Company before removing your jewelry. We’re here to help ensure your piercing heals safely and successfully.