Tattoo Aftercare

Tattoo Aftercare is crucial to achieving optimum final results.
Fabien and Malefic are here if you have any questions.

Malefic Tattoo Aftercare Instructions for Brillant Appearance

Caring for your new ink is a responsibility you should take seriously. You have just spent time and money to get this beautiful piece of artwork, so be sure to follow your tattoo artists advice during the first 4 weeks of the healing process.

Aftercare is much simpler these days but not listening to the recommendations for aftercare can result in issues with the tattoo's healing and potentially the finished appearance of the tattoo itself.

Aftercare - Caring For Your Tattoo

The first thing to be aware of is that tattoos create trauma to the skin. On the outside it's definitely a pretty piece of artwork but underneath your body is working to repair skin tissue and fend off potentially damaging irritatates or environmental elements.

Always be mindful of your tattoo if you'll be exposed to any type of harsh environment.

1. For tattoos that are covered with a membrane rather than an old school pads, It's recommended that you keep the bandage wrap on for 5 to 7 days. This prevents the wound being exposed to elements that could lead to irritation, excessive scabbing or infection.

2. To assist with a speedy recovery and to help your body manage the healing process better, be sure to keep hydrated, fed and rested.

3. Keep the surrounding area clean and pay attention to the tattoo itself to make sure the tattooed area isn't experiencing any of the 'what to look out for' things that your artist mentioned during the aftercare instructions conversation.

What to Expect From The Tattoo Healing Process

The First Week -

It may not look great through the protective bandage during the first week of healing. When the bandage wrap is first applied (even after the area has been cleaned and prepped for healing) there will be existing fluids, ink and blood bubbles that will be trapped between the wrap on top of the tattooed area.

Don't panic when you try to view your tattoo through the bandage and the artwork appears blurry and messy. The fluids and blood bubbles involved in the process will continue to move around under the bandaged area making the tattoo look less than impressive.

We promise that when the bandage is removed, you'll see the beauty of the artwork.

Everyone’s Skin Will React Differently and This Is Not Cause For Alarm

Bleeding

Not everyone will bleed the same. The amount of blood will be dependent on the specific body part that has been tattooed, certain medications i.e. blood thinners and the individuals natural propensity to bleeding. The bleeding should ease 6-12 hours after the tattoo area was last touched.

Scabbing and Flaking

Due to the newer membranes used today rather than the old style pads, scabbing is unlikely. However, after the removal of the membrane, flaking is likely. As the skin heals the damaged layers will shed. You must resist the urge to pick or scratch at your tattoo.

You can use an unscented, good quality lotion to relieve this issue.

After Bandage Removal

After the bandage has been carefully removed, the tattoo area should be washed with warm water, gently dried and moisturized.
Over the next few weeks you can moisturise when required. Do NOT peel or exfoliate the skin. The skin will naturally remove the damaged skin cells during healing.
Do NOT use moisturizers with added fragrances or harsh soaps that may irritate the skin.

Contact with Tattooed Area

Any contact made with the tattoo should be done so with freshly washed hands. You don't want this area (bandaged or after) to be exposed to any potential contamination. Remember this is a wound and you should treat it as such by taking every opportunity to be preemptively cautious

Water Exposure

Full immersion in water should be avoided for the first week to make sure the membrane stays on for the recommended amount of time. Showers are fine. During the first week, outside in bodies of water exposed to the elements raise the potential of contamination and should be avoided until healed.

Resist the Urge To Scratch

As with all wounds, your tattoo may itch during the healing process. It may be worse for some than others, but it will definitely be there. Do NOT scratch your tattooed area. Be careful when you're washing as well and ensure you're using the pads of your fingers to gently move the soap around and never your NAILS.

Tattoo Care Technology - Tattoo Healing Bandage Wraps

Caring for tattoos in the 1990s and before was almost as painful and inconvenient as the tattoo itself. Tattoo care at this time was significantly more challenging.

Plastic wrapped showers with one limb hanging outside the curtain trying to avoid any moisture was a common experience for everyone with a new tattoo.

As tattooing hit the mainstream technology improved and this gave us the membrane bandages everyone with ink had all been waiting for.

Membrane bandages have become an invaluable tool and have revolutionized tattoo protection. Not everyone was adept at Macgyver-ing their tattoo with kitchen saran wrap, tape and elastics.

What to Know About How Tattoo Bandage Technology WORKS

Membrane bandages like Saniderm & Second Skin are designed to assist your body with healing process by protecting it from contamination and irritants such as clothing.

The membrane creates a seal that keeps your body's cell repair properties and natural fluids enclosed and concentrated at the site to speed up healing. While the protective barrier prevents bacteria, contaminants and irritants contacting the wounded area.
Membrane bandages are medical-grade protection, which means the possibility of potentially damaging particles cannot penetrate the film.
Membrane bandages keep the tattooed area moist so your body can do the work of healing. If a wound dries prematurely it can slow down the healing process and possibly effect the final results.

Caring For Your Tattoo For the First two Months

During the first two months, it is advisable to avoid certain things that may cause the tattooed area to become sensitive and possibly effect the final look of the tattoo itself.

Heat and UV rays of any kind is the LAST thing a wound like a tattoo should be exposed to.

The SUN is tattoo kryptonite. Extreme or concentrated heat may cause damage to the tattoo. It is more sensitive than the surrounding skin for at least a couple of months so care should be taken in the sun.
Be mindful if you work in an environment with heat. Your skin will be sensitive for a time so try and avoid the tattooed area getting too close to any heat source.
Tanning or any prolonged sun exposure is definitely a no-no. UV rays are incredibly powerful and damaging to skin under normal conditions and even more so to fresh tattoos.

If you must be out in the sun, apply a mineral sunscreen that is at minimum SPF 30 to the tattooed area. This will not only be beneficial for overall healing time but it will also protect your tattoo from fading. Not following this recommendation could results in a sunburn which would ultimately effect the final result of the tattoo.

Tattoo Aftercare