Once your tattoo has finally been completed, it would be understandable if you’re in a hurry to rip off the bandage and show it off to your friends and family. However before you do this you should remember: That bandage is there for a reason.
Despite the fact that tattoos have changed by leaps and bounds in recent times, the bottom line is still that you’re actually hurting your skin as you implant ink within it. As such, when your tattoo is done what you’re left with is an open wound, and this needs to be taken care of in the long term and the short term.
For the present, leave the bandage on for at least 5 to 6 hours or so. During this time you might notice that it starts to ooze, and if you do, don’t worry too much. A little bit of oozing is normal, and it is part and parcel of the healing process. Having the bandage on will protect your wound from bacteria and other infections, and so you definitely don’t want to remove it.
After you do remove your bandage, the very first thing that you should do is wash off the wound and tattoo. Be careful not to scrub the area in question though, as it is still going to be pretty sore, and brushing would just serve to worsen it. Also, try to use lukewarm water as far as possible as this will have a ‘calming’ affect on your skin.
Dry off the area afterwards, being careful once again not to scrub or use any rough motions. Just dab on it lightly instead.
Having done all this, you won’t need to reapply a bandage. Just let the tattoo dry out completely, and then dab on some antibacterial cream instead.
That’s it! That’s pretty much everything you need to know about what to do immediately after your tattoo is done!
