Healthy skin is key for healing well. NO caffeine, alcohol and blood thinning medications (including ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc.) at least 24-48 hours prior to procedure. Please DO drink plenty of water to hydrate and moisturize your skin well for at least a week prior to your appointment. Remember to eat a big meal and have clean skin on the day of before starting your session. Bring water, snacks, blanket and headphones if desired! Remove any piercings in or around the area prior to your appointment. If you currently have a sinus infection or are ill in any way, please contact your practitioner and reschedule your appointment. Avoid smoking or antibiotic therapy at least 2 weeks prior to appointment. If unavoidable, please contact your practitioner for further guidance as antibiotics and smoking result in higher candida (yeast) count and infection may result.

Aftercare is a vital step in having a problem-free tattoo experience. Please follow the following aftercare instructions carefully for best results and to avoid problems such as infection.

Bandage stays on for up to 5 days. Try to protect it from peeling up on the sides as much as possible within this time period, especially within the 24 hour mark. It is normal to see buildup of lymph, blood, ink, and plasma underneath the bandage. Do NOT drain. Shower normally with warm water, not super hot. Avoid excessive workouts, hot tubs, saunas, makeup, swimming, soaking, and tanning for this time period. After the end of day 5, remove your bandage at the end of a shower. Peel gently and slowly away from yourself, similar to a command strip. Once uncovered with clean hands, gently clean your tattoo with mild warm water and an unscented, antibacterial mild soap, then gently pat to dry with a paper towel not a towel. Do not scrub, rub, wipe, or scratch the treated area. Wash your tattoo every night or every other night for 2 weeks. Following bandage removal and after each wash, use Aquaphor or soothing gel ointment (Mad Rabbit is a preferred option). Apply a layer at a minimum of 3 times a day to prevent your tattoo from drying out. If it feels dry and tight, apply the ointment. Do not put anything on your tattoo other than the soap, water, and aquaphor/soothing gel. No lotions, oils, tanners, etc at ALL. Never peel or pick any part of your tattoo. If you do, you will lose color, resulting in additional expense in re-coloring. Allergic reactions or infections are rare, but there is always a chance. If you are uncomfortable, please visit your doctor. Once healed, avoid hot steam showers as they can cause dehydrated skin and inflammation/cellular breakdown and always use a sunblock with SPF to prevent sun fading.