ELLIOT MILLER TATTOO ARTIST
ELLIOT MILLER
TATTOO ARTIST
TATTOO AFTERCARE
Your tattoo is an open wound and should be treated accordingly during the healing process. Proper aftercare is essential for preventing infection, preserving detail, and ensuring your tattoo heals as cleanly as possible.
Every tattoo heals differently depending on size, placement, skin type, and lifestyle. Most tattoos will appear healed within 2–4 weeks, but complete healing beneath the surface can take several months.
Follow these guidelines carefully throughout the healing process.
1. Leave Your Bandage On
Your tattoo will be covered before you leave the studio. If you’re wearing standard wrap (saran wrap), leave it on for at least 3–4 hours unless otherwise instructed. If you’re wearing a medical adhesive bandage (such as second-skin film), follow the instructions provided by your artist. Wash your hands before removing your wrap or handling your tattoo.
2. Wash Your Tattoo
Once the bandage is removed: Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Use only clean hands. Do not use washcloths, loofahs, or anything abrasive. Rinse thoroughly to remove excess ink, blood, and plasma. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub. Wash your tattoo 2–3 times per day during the first couple of weeks. It is normal to see some excess ink wash away during the first few days.
3. Keep it Moisturized
After washing and drying the tattoo, apply a very thin layer of a fragrance-free moisturizer. The goal is to keep the skin hydrated—not saturated. Apply a small amount 2–3 times daily as needed. If the tattoo looks shiny or feels greasy, you’re using too much. Over-moisturizing can slow healing and irritate the skin. As healing progresses, the tattoo may become dry, flaky, or itchy. This is normal.
4. Do Not Pick or Scratch
Your tattoo will likely peel and form light scabs as it heals. This is completely normal. Do NOT - Pick at scabs - Harshly scratch itchy areas - Peel flaking skin Removing scabs prematurely can pull ink from the skin and affect the final appearance of the tattoo.
5. Avoid Swimming and Soaking
For at least 2–3 weeks, avoid: - Swimming pools - Hot tubs - Lakes - Rivers - Oceans - Baths Showers are fine, but avoid prolonged soaking of the tattoo.
6. Limit Sun Exposure
Fresh tattoos are extremely sensitive to sunlight. During the healing process: - Keep the tattoo out of direct sun whenever possible. - Wear loose clothing to protect the area when outdoors. Tight clothing can rub against the tattoo, cause irritation, and interfere with healing. Choose loose, breathable clothing whenever possible, especially during the first couple of weeks. Once fully healed, regular sunscreen use will help prevent fading and keep your tattoo looking its best for years to come.
7. Be Careful with Exersize
Light activity is generally fine after the first day or two. However, excessive sweating, friction, and stretching can irritate a fresh tattoo. Depending on the size and placement of your tattoo, you may need to modify workouts for the first couple of weeks. If your tattoo becomes excessively irritated during activity, give it additional time to heal.
What to Expect
During the healing process, it is normal to experience:
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Mild redness
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Tenderness
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Itching
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Peeling
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Flaking
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Light scabbing
Contact your artist or a healthcare professional if you experience:
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Excessive redness
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Increasing pain
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Significant swelling
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Thick yellow or green discharge
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Fever or other signs of infection
Healing Takes Time
A tattoo may look healed after a few weeks, but deeper layers of skin continue repairing themselves long after the surface appears normal.
Be patient, follow your aftercare instructions, and allow your tattoo the time it needs to heal properly.
The better you care for your tattoo during the healing process, the better it will look for years to come.