Professional TattooAftercare Guide

Expert aftercare instructions from our professional artists. Follow these essential steps to ensure your tattoo heals perfectly and maintains its vibrant appearance for years to come.

Your Healing Journey

Initial Care

0-24 hours

First 24 hours after getting your tattoo

  • Keep the initial bandage on for 2-4 hours
  • Remove bandage gently and wash hands thoroughly
  • Gently wash tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap
  • Pat dry with clean paper towel (not cloth)
  • Apply thin layer of recommended ointment

Daily Cleaning

2-14 days

Establishing your daily care routine

  • Wash tattoo 2-3 times daily with unscented soap
  • Use lukewarm water only
  • Gently pat dry with clean paper towel
  • Apply thin layer of unscented lotion
  • Avoid soaking or submerging tattoo

Healing Phase

3-30 days

Maintaining proper moisture and protection

  • Continue gentle washing routine
  • Apply unscented lotion 2-3 times daily
  • Avoid picking or scratching
  • Protect from direct sunlight
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing

Fully Healed

30+ days

Your tattoo is now completely healed

  • Resume normal skincare routine
  • Use sunscreen to protect colors
  • Moisturize regularly for best appearance
  • Schedule touch-up if needed
  • Enjoy your beautiful new tattoo!
Critical Information

Important Warnings & What to Avoid

Recognizing warning signs and avoiding these activities is crucial for proper healing and preventing complications with your new tattoo.

When to Seek Help Immediately

Signs of Infection

These symptoms require immediate medical attention and could indicate a serious infection.

Watch for these signs:
  • Red streaking extending from the tattoo
  • Excessive swelling that worsens after 48 hours
  • Pus discharge with foul odor
  • Fever or chills
  • Intense, increasing pain after the first few days
  • Hot skin around the tattoo area
What to do:
Seek medical care immediately. Visit your doctor or urgent care clinic.

Allergic Reaction Warning

Severe allergic reactions to tattoo ink, though rare, can be life-threatening.

Watch for these signs:
  • Widespread rash beyond the tattoo area
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Severe swelling of face, lips, or tongue
  • Rapid heartbeat or dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
What to do:
Call 911 or go to emergency room immediately

Excessive Bleeding

While some bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours, excessive bleeding needs attention.

Watch for these signs:
  • Bleeding that soaks through bandages repeatedly
  • Bleeding that continues heavily after 24 hours
  • Blood pooling around the tattoo
  • Bleeding that restarts suddenly after stopping
What to do:
Apply pressure and seek medical attention if bleeding persists after 30 minutes

Emergency Response Protocols

🚨
Medical Emergency
Call 911 or Emergency Room
Severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding, signs of serious infection
🏥
Medical Concerns
Doctor or Urgent Care
Possible infection, unusual swelling, concerning symptoms, healing complications
💬
Tattoo Questions
Contact Shop
Aftercare questions, normal healing concerns, product recommendations, touch-up scheduling
Important: Koi Dragon Tattoo provides tattoo expertise only. For all medical concerns, please consult appropriate healthcare professionals.

What NOT to Do During Healing

Picking or Scratching

Why avoid: Can cause scarring, infection, and color loss

Throughout entire healing process
Swimming or Soaking

Why avoid: Bacteria in water can cause serious infections

First 2-3 weeks
Direct Sun Exposure

Why avoid: UV rays can fade colors and damage healing skin

First 2-3 weeks, then always use SPF 30+
Tight Clothing

Why avoid: Can irritate healing skin and cause fabric to stick

First 1-2 weeks
Excessive Alcohol

Why avoid: Thins blood and can interfere with healing

First week, then moderate consumption
Heavy Exercise

Why avoid: Excessive sweating can introduce bacteria

First 1-2 weeks

Questions About Your Tattoo?

Our experienced artists are happy to answer questions about the tattoo healing process, aftercare products, touch-ups, or general concerns about how your tattoo is looking.

Contact Our Artists
📞 (801) 590-9444
📧 koidragontattoos@gmail.com
Mon-Sat: 10AM-8PM | Sun: 12PM-6PM
Please Note: We provide tattoo expertise and aftercare guidance only. For any medical concerns or symptoms, please consult with healthcare professionals.

💡 Prevention is Key

Most tattoo complications can be prevented by following proper aftercare instructions, maintaining good hygiene, and avoiding the prohibited activities listed above. When in doubt, it’s always better to be cautious and contact your artist for guidance.

Remember these key points:
  • Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, seek help
  • Take photos to document any concerning changes
  • Keep our contact information easily accessible
  • Don’t rely on internet forums for medical advice
  • Follow ALL aftercare instructions, even if they seem excessive
Murray, Utah Healthcare Resources: For urgent medical concerns, Intermountain Medical Center and Riverton Hospital are nearby facilities. For non-emergency medical questions, consult with your primary care physician or visit an urgent care clinic in the Salt Lake City area.

Have Tattoo Questions?

Our experienced artists are happy to answer questions about your tattoo’s healing process, aftercare products, or schedule touch-ups. We’re here to help with all your tattoo-specific needs.

For medical concerns, please consult healthcare professionals.