After the artist has completed your new tattoo, the job is only half done. The next important
part, the healing, is up to you. There are as many ways to heal a tattoo as there are artists to
explain it to you. The truth of it is, everybody heals differently and you must find what works
best for you. You and you alone are responsible for the healing of your new tattoo.
We are going to discuss many factors that can affect the healing of your new tattoo. Since
all environmental circumstances are different, the challenges also are different.
Let's start at the beginning; the tattoo has just been completed. Your artist may or may not
give you some ointment to apply, or sell you a product to heal in your new tattoo. Professional
parlors will give you a care sheet with instructions for healing. You shake hands and leave the
parlor pleased with your new tattoo.
Most professional tattoo parlors will use a protective covering for the first hour or two
during the tattoos "weeping time", the time your tattoo oozes blood, ink, and other bodily fluids.
They will use anything from paper towels to saran wrap, or non-stick sterile gauze pads. It's
important not to leave these protective coverings on for more than a few hours. Do not let them
dry to your new tattoo. If this happens, soak the protective covering with warm, {not hot}, water
for five minutes or longer until the covering gently comes off. This will help prevent ink from
being pulled out of your new tattoo. Leaving the bandage on your new tattoo for prolonged
periods of time can be unhealthy for the tattoo, as it could become a bacteria trap and possible
infection could occur. Your skin will need to breathe in some fresh air to promote good healing.
Do not submerge your new tattoo in water for long periods of time.
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The only exception to this rule is if your artist covered your tattoo with saran wrap or some kind of plastic. This is extremely detrimental to a tattoo, so it should be removed immediately. You're better off not having any covering than to be suffocating your new tattoo with plastic wrap.
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This is necessary for the life of your tattoo. If swelling occurs, you can use ice packs or take some ibuprofen to ease the swelling. Avoid rubbing, scratching, or picking at any scabs that may form. The scabs are a part of the healing process, and will eventually fall off on their own, usually in a one to three weeks. Your skin may peel or scab during the healing stage, which is normal. Just allow the process to take place, and it will pass. Some color will fade during this process, but should return after the area is completely healed. After a few weeks the area should be free of scabs and peeling. You should still continue the standard cleaning and apply ointment to keep the area from drying out.
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