Healing & Aftercare

The healing process and results will vary person to person. Following the aftercare instructions can help achieve optimal healing, but cannot guarantee results. 

DAY 1-3 The treatment areas will appear bold initially, you can expect the pigment to fade during healing. Minor swelling, redness, and tenderness may occur. During this three day phase please wash them with cool water only and pat dry with a clean paper towel.

DAY 3-5 The treatment areas may be itchy and the texture may appear thicker. Natural exfoliation may begin (UGLY phase). This is normal and will resolve on its own. DO NOT pick, peel, or scratch at the area. During this phase you can wash with a gentle facial cleanser such as Cetaphil Daily Face Wash.

DAY 5-7 As the treatment areas begin to scab and flake, color may fade up to 40%. Some uneven color is expected after scabbing. After five weeks, when the color has settled, a touch-up treatment can fine-tune any inconsistency. 

DAY 7-10 Most of the scabbing and flaking should be resolved. New skin may appear softer and lighter for a few weeks. The color will slowly reappear during 3 to 6 weeks of healing.

Aftercare

DO NOT touch the healing areas. Hands and fingers are always dirty and may contain infection causing bacteria.

• For the first three days only wash with cool water and pat dry with a clean paper towel.

• Three days after the procedure begin applying Aquaphor with a cotton swab once a day.

• It can be helpful to use a fresh pillowcase every night during the first two weeks of healing. 

• For the first two weeks do not apply make-up, tinting, or sun screen. No soap, sun, sauna, hot-tub, pools or other recreational bodies of water. Avoid contact with animals and gardening or other activities in the sun.

• Avoid long and hot showers and sleeping on your face. 

• Do not rub or traumatize the treatment areas during the healing process. This may remove pigment and/or cause infection. 

• For the first four weeks avoid facials, Botox, chemical treatments, microdermabrasion, hot and sweaty exercise, direct sun exposure or tanning.

• Do not use products that contain AHA’s such as Glycolic Acid or Lactic Acid on the treatment areas. These will fade your pigments. 

• If you experience extreme itching, swelling, blistering, or any other complications post-procedure, stop using the products and call you body art practitioner immediately as you may be allergic to the aftercare you are using.

If you have excessive redness, major swelling, red streaks going from the treatment area towards the heart, elevated temperature, or purulent drainage from the treatment area, contact your physician and body art practitioner immediately as these are all signs of infection. 

After the treatment area is fully healed (5-8 weeks) use a 30SPF or higher sun block daily to preserve the shape and color. 

Touch-Ups

• A post treatment touch up is recommended between 6-12 weeks to address any pigment rejection or color adjustments and can prolong retention.

• A semi annual or annual touch-up appointment may be recommended to keep it looking defined and fresh.

• After 18 months you may need a new treatment to achieve the initial results of the procedure.