TATTOO & PIERCING AFTERCARE INTRUCTIONS

TATTOO AFTERCARE:

  • Remove bandage no sooner than 4 hours.
  • Wash area gently, but well, removing any blood or ointment. Use a mild soap and warm to hot water using only your fingers. Rinse well to remove all soap. BLOT DRY, DO NOT RUB. No rubbing until tattoo is completely healed.
  • Allow the tattoo to air dry for about 15 minutes, DO NOT apply another bandage
  • Begin applying a VERY THIN film of aftercare ointment or lotion as often as 3 times a day in order to keep your tattoo moist. It is very IMPORTANT that your tattoo does not appear wet and gooey from the ointment. This process will prevent a scabbing from forming.
  • Your tattoo should peel like a sunburn. If a scab should form it is very important not to pick or tamper with it. It will flake off naturally in several days.
  • ALWAYS keep your tattoo clean. DO NOT soak in a tub, jacuzzi or pool. Always blot dry until tattoo is healed.
  • Your tattoo MUST be protected from the sun while it is healing. After the tattoo is healed we recommend the use of a good sun block.
  • We recommend the use of the aftercare ointment or lotion for 3-4 days, then switch to a good quality, fragrance free, skin moisturizer for about 2 weeks until your tattoo is healed. Your tattoo will remain bright, crisp, and clear if you take care of your skin. Remember… your tattoo can only look as good as your skin…. so continue to moisturize daily.



PIERCING AFTERCARE:

Your aftercare is the most important part of your piercing. If you have questions/concerns about your piercing or its aftercare, we welcome you to contact a piercing professional at Lark Tattoo. For your convenience, we stock a full line of products for all of your aftercare needs.

  • Throughout the day, piercings should be kept clean and dry. 
  • “Regular Cleanings” of piercing should be performed TWICE a day: 1) Start by moistening the area around the piercing, using warm water, as it will soften any crusty material and allow it to be easily removed during cleaning 2) Wash the area, thoroughly, using a mild cleansing liquid and water 3) Finish by rinsing the area with water
  • If a cleaning between the “Regular Cleanings” is needed, use Sterile Saline Solution via sterile gauze or cotton swab.
  • NEVER use harsh chemical cleansers or antiseptics, such as alcohol, peroxide, Hibicleanse, Povodine-Iodine solutions, or Bactine, and refrain from using ANY type of ointment. 
  • During your healing process, the only time you should be touching your piercing is when you are cleaning it; do not play with or move your piercing/jewelry, as it can aggravate the piercing.
  • Consult your piercer for basic guidelines regarding healing time frames for your piercing, and be aware that healing time can vary from one individual to another. Although a piercing may look/feel healed it does NOT mean it is healed; your piercing can take up to 6-12 months to fully heal. Our piercer(s) are happy to examine your piercing to determine if it is fully healed. 
  • Do not remove or change jewelry until the piercing is fully healed, and it is strongly recommended to have your piercer perform your changes for you.

    Oral Piercings
  • Rinse regularly, with a quality oral antiseptic, especially after eating, drinking, and/or smoking.
  • Cleaning of the exterior of an oral piercing (lip, Monroe, Medusa, labret, etc): follow the General Aftercare Guidelines (above).

    Nose Piercings
  • Cleaning of the interior of a nose piercing: 2-3 times daily, moisten the head of a cotton swab with a Saline Solution and gently swab the interior of the nose, specifically in the area around the piercing.
  • Cleaning of the exterior of a nose piercing: follow the General Aftercare Guidelines (above).
  • Avoid using soap to clean your nose piercing; soap will dry the nasal lining, which is not ideal, and also be cautious of any makeup, powder, and/or facial moisturizes.

     Genital Piercings
  • Cleaning of genital piercings: follow the General Aftercare Guidelines (above).
  • Refrain from any oral contact, any “rough play” and/or any foreign body fluids until the piercing is fully healed.