Tattoo Aftercare Instructions | Mr. Tattoo | Augusta, GA
Professional Tattoo Aftercare for Proper Healing
Proper tattoo aftercare is one of the most important parts of getting a great tattoo. Following the correct healing process helps protect your investment, promotes healthy healing, and ensures your tattoo looks its best for years to come.
At Mr. Tattoo in Augusta, Georgia, we provide every client with detailed aftercare instructions designed to help tattoos heal safely and successfully. If you have questions during the healing process, contact the shop and we'll be happy to help.
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Step 1: Remove Your Bandage
Remove your bandage as instructed by your artist, typically when you get home or after approximately one hour unless otherwise directed.
Step 2: Wash Your Tattoo
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
Using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap, gently clean the tattoo using your fingertips. Remove any blood, plasma, or excess ointment from the surface of the skin.
Do not scrub the tattoo.
Step 3: Dry the Area
Rinse thoroughly and gently pat the tattoo dry using a clean paper towel. Allow the tattoo to air dry for approximately 10–15 minutes.
Step 4: Apply Aftercare Lotion
Apply a small amount of tattoo aftercare lotion and gently work it into the skin until absorbed.
Use only enough lotion to keep the tattoo lightly moisturized. Over-moisturizing can slow healing.
Step 5: Repeat Daily
Wash and moisturize your tattoo 2–3 times per day, or whenever the tattoo becomes dirty, throughout the healing process.
Step 6: Peeling and Itching
Around days 5–7, your tattoo may begin to peel, flake, or itch.
This is a normal part of healing.
Do not scratch, pick, or peel the tattoo. Continue applying moisturizer as needed to keep the skin comfortable.
What to Expect During Healing
During the healing process, it is normal to experience:
- Mild redness
- Slight swelling
- Tenderness
- Flaking or peeling
- Itching
- Light scabbing
These symptoms typically improve as healing progresses.
What to Avoid
To help your tattoo heal properly, avoid:
- Scratching or picking the tattoo
- Soaking in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or baths
- Direct sunlight
- Excessive sweating during the first few days
- Tight clothing rubbing the tattoo
- Harsh soaps or alcohol-based products
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
Most tattoos heal on the surface within 2–3 weeks, though complete healing beneath the skin may take several weeks longer.
How often should I wash my tattoo?
Wash your tattoo 2–3 times daily using lukewarm water and mild soap.
Is peeling normal?
Yes. Peeling and itching are normal parts of the tattoo healing process.
Can I swim while my tattoo is healing?
No. Avoid pools, lakes, hot tubs, and prolonged soaking until the tattoo is fully healed.
When should I contact my tattoo artist?
If you experience unusual swelling, excessive redness, signs of infection, or have questions about healing, contact Mr. Tattoo immediately.
Professional Tattooing in Augusta, GA
Mr. Tattoo proudly provides custom tattoos, black and grey tattoos, traditional tattoos, Japanese-inspired tattooing, and professional body piercing services for clients throughout Augusta, North Augusta, Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, and the surrounding CSRA.
If you have questions about tattoo aftercare or would like to schedule a consultation for your next tattoo, contact our team today.
📍 Mr. Tattoo | Augusta, Georgia
Piercing Aftercare Instructions
Professional Piercing Aftercare for Proper Healing
Proper piercing aftercare is essential for healthy healing and long-term success. Healing times vary depending on the piercing location, but following proper aftercare instructions can help reduce irritation and promote successful healing.
At Mr. Tattoo in Augusta, Georgia, we recommend following these guidelines throughout the healing process.
Piercing Aftercare Instructions
Clean Your Piercing Twice Daily
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.
Clean the piercing using a sterile saline solution or piercing aftercare product recommended by your piercer. Gently rinse away any discharge or buildup without aggressively moving the jewelry.
Leave the Jewelry in Place
Do not remove, rotate, twist, or unnecessarily handle your jewelry during the healing process. Excessive movement can irritate the piercing and prolong healing.
Keep the Area Clean
Avoid exposing your piercing to dirt, makeup, lotions, perfumes, or other products unless specifically approved by your piercer.
Avoid Trauma
Protect the piercing from unnecessary pressure, snagging, sleeping directly on the area, or rough contact during healing.
Stay Consistent
Healing requires patience. Continue cleaning your piercing as directed until fully healed, even if it begins feeling better before the healing period is complete.
Healing Times
Healing varies depending on the piercing and individual factors.
Typical healing times include:
- Earlobes: 6–8 weeks
- Cartilage Piercings: 6–12 months
- Nose Piercings: 3–6 months
- Eyebrow Piercings: 2–3 months
- Lip Piercings: 2–3 months
- Navel Piercings: 6–12 months
Individual healing experiences may vary.
What to Avoid
During the healing process, avoid:
- Touching your piercing unnecessarily
- Rotating or twisting jewelry
- Swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and rivers
- Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
- Harsh soaps and cleansers
- Changing jewelry too early
- Sleeping directly on healing piercings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is redness normal after a piercing?
Yes. Mild redness, tenderness, and swelling are normal during the initial healing period.
What should I use to clean my piercing?
Sterile saline solution is generally recommended for routine cleaning.
Can I change my jewelry early?
No. Jewelry should remain in place until the piercing is fully healed and approved by your piercer.
What if my piercing becomes irritated?
Reduce unnecessary contact, continue proper cleaning, and contact your piercer if symptoms worsen or persist.
When should I contact my piercer?
Contact us if you experience unusual swelling, severe pain, excessive discharge, embedded jewelry, or have concerns about healing.
Questions About Your Piercing?
Brian Jones has been providing professional piercing services since 2011 and is available to help answer questions regarding healing, jewelry changes, and proper aftercare.
If you have questions about your piercing or would like to schedule a piercing appointment, contact Mr. Tattoo today.
📍 Mr. Tattoo | Augusta, Georgia
Serving Augusta, North Augusta, Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, and the surrounding CSRA.
Mr. Tattoo'S piercing Aftercare Instructions
1. Leave your new jewelry in to avoid any complications during the healing process. Do not twist, touch, turn, or rotate your jewelry; this causes more damage and slows the healing. Do not touch your piercing with dirty hands, this is the number one cause of infection in new piercings.
2. 1 to 2 times a day, preferably at the end of your shower, WITH CLEAN HANDS, squeeze a dime-sized amount of non-scented, anti-microbial soup (preferably Hibiclens) into the palm of your hand and use your CLEAN fingers or a CLEAN cotton swab (Q-tip) to gently clean your jewelry and surrounding area.
3. Let the soap sit on the area for 5 to 10 seconds.
4. Rinse the entire area thoroughly, any remaining soup residue may irritate your skin and new piercing.
DO NOT
- touch dirty bedding or clothes, pet hair, or other people's bodily fluids with your new piercing
- expose your new piercing or jewelry to any bodies of water other than in your shower
- use a washcloth or loofah near your piercing(s); they may snag jewelry and cause damage
- get soap INSIDE your piercing
- use soaps containing perfumes, dyes, or Triclosan as an active ingredient; they tend to irritate healing piercings
- clean your piercing more than 1 to 2 times daily; overusing soaps can strip your skin of its natural oils which aid in healing
- get cosmetics, facial cleansers, tanning oils, lotions, hair sprays, gel, acne medications, or similar products on your piercing(s) or jewelry
- use products I have not recommended, i.e., Neosporin, Hydrogen Peroxide, Alcohol, Betadine, Bactine, Witch Hazel, salves, astringents, antibiotic ointments, etc.
- change your jewelry before your piercing(s) has healed; it is a good idea to come back in and let us change out the jewelry for the first time
WHAT TO EXPECT
- piercings may be itchy, tender, or bruised for the first few weeks
- new piercings may bleed a little for the first few days
- may be red and redness may continue on and off for the duration of he healing process
- piercing(s) may secrete a white or yellowish fluid which may 'crust' on your jewelry; DO NOT PICK AT THIS, it is normal and will stop when the piercing is healed
- piercing may swell; an ice pack wrapped in a lean paper towel and applied to the swollen area will help alleviate discomfort
- check periodically that any threaded jewelry is still tight; "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey"
- in 3 to 4 weeks, after swelling has subsided, come see Brian for a free consultation to see if your jewelry needs to be downsized or adjusted
WHEN IN DOUBT, ALWAYS FOLLOW
YOUR ATRISTS INSTRUCTIONS
IN CASE OF A PIERCING EMERGENCY
CONTACT BRIAN OR CALL THE SHOP
Mr. Tattoo'S ORAL piercing Aftercare Instructions
1. Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash (Orange Listerine) after eating, drinking, smoking, or putting anything in your mouth (aside from water).
2. Rinse 3 to 5 times a day with a warm sea-salt water solution to speed up the healing process.
3. Get a new toothbrush and brush 3 times a day during the healing time of your new piercing.
4. Avoid alcoholic beverages for the first few weeks as they will increase the swelling and may cause bleeding.
RECOMMENDED
- reduce or stop smoking
- EAT! Keep your body healthy; soft and bite-sized foods are easiest
- ice, popsicles, smoothies, and slushies help; hot, crunchy, and spicy foods do not
- come see us in 2 to 4 weeks to downsize your oral jewelry to its proper size to avoid causing dental damage
WHEN IN DOUBT, ALWAYS FOLLOW
YOUR ATRISTS INSTRUCTIONS
IN CASE OF A PIERCING EMERGENCY
CONTACT BRIAN OR CALL THE SHOP